Travel advisor Laura Ruiz-Wyseman’s off-season trip to Portugal!

April 2, 2025 | Written by Laura Ruiz-Wyseman

I visited Portugal mid-January with my family. Portugal in January offered the perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes—without the crowds.

We began in Lisbon, diving into its rich history through walking tours, indulging in an incredible food tour. Even with the rain, the city’s shopping options kept us entertained. In Belém, we ate pastel de nata and admired the iconic Tower of Belém. We headed to Sintra, where the magical Quinta da Regaleira was very impressive and wonderful to see without lineups. The very windy and dramatic cliffs in Cabo da Roca, along with a wonderful seafood lunch in Cascais were a must on this day.

On our way to Evora we stopped at Tomar, a charming town where we climbed up to the Convent of Christ a beautiful Templar Castle/Chapel. We made our way to Evora, where we spent three nights exploring the Roman Temple of Diana, the eerie Chapel of Bones, getting treatments at a lovely spa and driving around the peaceful Alentejo countryside, enjoying markets, castles, local wines, and hearty cuisine.

Our journey ended in the Algarve, where stunning cliffs, hidden sea caves, and picturesque coastal towns like Lagos and Sagres provided a breathtaking finale. The region’s incredible seafood was the perfect way to end our trip.

Portugal in the off-season (even with the rain) was a great trip!

Thinking of booking the perfect family getaway to Portugal?