Portugal in Style: A Short Escape to the Edge of Europe
From tiled streets to towering cliffs, Portugal offers a rich blend of elegance, history, and soul. On our recent trip, we split our stay between the regal Lapa Palace, tucked into Lisbon’s embassy district, and the boutique-chic Ivens Hotel in the heart of Chiado—each offering a distinct experience of Portuguese luxury.
We dined well, from the literary charm of the private Grémio Literário Club, with its serene terrace above the Tagus, to the opulent Palácio Chiado, where every meal feels like a banquet in a palace. We stopped for croquete de frango at A Brasileira, a classic café with ties to Portuguese poets, and savored a memorable dinner at Rocco, where the food was bold and beautifully plated. Of course, we made the pilgrimage to Belém for the original Pastel de Nata—still warm, still perfect.
Our wanderings took us beyond Lisbon to the magical town of Sintra, the sunny shores of Cascais, and the storybook village of Óbidos. But nothing topped the view from Cabo da Roca—the westernmost point of mainland Europe—where cliffs plunge into the Atlantic and the wind makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world.
Portugal was equal parts refinement and rugged beauty—a place where every moment invites you to slow down, look around, and fall in love.