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Portugal food and wine

Q: When to go in Portugal?

The climate in Portugal is temperate and very comfortable. So there's no ideal time of year for a trip to Portugal : temperatures are favourable all year round. All the same, it's more pleasant to travel there in Spring or Autumn. In truth, winter can be cold inland, and summer is very hot almost everywhere. To make the most of this temperate country, then, we advise you travel in mid-season. The Algarve region, the furthest South in the country, can definitely be visited all year round. It offers splendid beaches, and temperatures never fall below 10 degrees!

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What to do in Portugal?

In south-west Europe, nestling between Spain and the Atlantic is one of the least well known destinations on the continent: Portugal. Land of history, with a rich, superbly well-preserved heritage that is nevertheless resolutely modern, the things you can do in this little country (a sixth the size of France) will astonish you, as well as how welcoming its inhabitants are, its food and its traditions . There are lots of ways to explore Portugal! From Lisbon to Porto via the Algarve coast, everything encourages you to relax, and enjoy. From the big towns to the small, remote villages, local dances and dishes that are known the world over, you will be constantly surprised and astonished by the way the Portuguese manage to conserve their customs while making them a natural part of a modern way of life. Add to that its natural beauty and countryside like nowhere else and you have a wonderful cocktail that is bound to please. Travel freely around the country during car tour of Portugal. It's a particularly good place for it !
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When to go in Portugal?

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Start planning your Portugal food tour

A food tour of Portugal could take in the south, with its fantastic seafood and beaches, the capital and its sweet custard tarts, or the Portuguese wine producing regions. This country’s diverse cuisine and landscapes make for a fantastic food tour, with something to cater to anyone’s taste buds.

What makes Portugal a great destination for foodies?

Aside from all the delicious cuisine, one of the best things about a Portugal for a food tour is that this country is relatively small. It's easy to experience the Portugal’s varied food scene in just two weeks. Start in the south, with the famous Algarve beaches, sardines, and seafood. Then head north through the rural heartlands, known for soups and stews. Lisbon is famous for salt cod dishes, while further north is the Douro valley, with the best vineyards in Portugal. Or perhaps explore Porto, which lends its name to the fortified Port wine.

The best gastronomy tours in Portugal

If you prefer to really get to grips with one region's food and wine in Portugal, then spend time in just one area to explore it thoroughly. Choose which of Portugal's areas interests you most, then start planning your foodie adventure.

Portugal's freshest seafood on the Algarve

This southern region is where you can feast on the tastiest, freshest seafood in Portugal. One of the Algarve’s specialities is sardines, served simply grilled with a squeeze of lemon. A slightly more filling dish is cataplana, a stew made with fresh fish, spicy chorizo sausage, and vegetables.

Salt cod and custard tarts in the capital

Lisbon's best known dish is served all over the city. Salt cod is flaked, mixed with creamy scrambled eggs, and served with crispy fried potatoes. The perfect sweet treat to finish is Portuguese pasteis de nata, a gloriously flaky custard tart.

Hearty farm-style cooking in the Alentejo

The rural Alentejo region is all about agriculture, rolling hills, and olive groves. The food is hearty and simple, with lots of stews, soups and casseroles. Each village has its own slightly different way of doing things, so make it a road trip and stop in at multiple restaurants and farms.

Fine wines from the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley in the north of Portugal is the main wine growing area, with many famed vineyards. Enjoy a tour of a vineyard followed by a tasting, plus a chance to buy a few bottles to take home.

Feast on local produce in Braganca

Braganca is often said to be the medieval jewel in Portugal's crown, and traditional local dishes using veal, goat, and beans will transport you back to a time when food was simple, earthy, and packed with flavor.

Tips for planning a food tour in Portugal

Spring or fall are the best times to visit Portugal, with pleasant weather away from the heat of the summer months. Visit around harvest time for the opportunity to sample new vintage wines or feast on an array of fresh produce.