Portugal and Spain 2025

When the opportunity to spend more time in Europe comes up, the answer is always yes. (Jet lag? Future Ange’s problem.) After the usual overnight flight from Canada, we landed in Lisbon mid morning - an hour ahead of schedule but still somehow three hours from freedom. Between the bus to the terminal (nearly every flight deplanes to a bus there), immigration, baggage claim (our luggage got through long before we did), and a long Uber wait, it was a bit of a slog. We checked into the Lumen Hotel and our room was ready early - hooray! It was spacious, comfy, and had everything we needed. Since sleeping on planes is still a skill neither of us possess, we jumped right into a tuk tuk tour with Johnny from Eco Wheels. Pro tip: if you’re exhausted, let someone else do the navigating. Lisbon’s hills are not for the faint of heart (locals joke that it’s a built-in gym membership), so zipping up to the miradouros (viewpoints) in a tuk tuk was a great call. Ours didn’t have any weird fringe, disco lights, or backward seats. We did the 2 hour ultimate tour and we saw plenty - highly recommend. After our tour, dinner was a quick ramen stop and then it was straight to bed.

Day 2 - After a full night’s sleep, we kicked off the trip properly with a food tour with Devour. There were about a dozen of us, and our guide, Alicia, was an absolute gem - one of those people who remembers everyone’s name and somehow makes you feel like you’re all old friends. We started at Confeitaria Nacional, which has been running since the 1800s, serving pastries to Lisboetas long before brunch was a thing. Then came Solar da Madalena for bifanas, Portugal’s take on a pork sandwich. At Manteigaria Silva, there was local cheeses and cured meats, followed by a stop for ginja, a sweet cherry liqueur served in a shot glass. Lunch was a spread of local dishes at a traditional restaurant (one of those “don’t ask, just eat” situations), and we wrapped up with custard tarts at Manteigaria. The tour was excellent - but fair warning to my vegan friends, Portugal is many wonderful things, but its traditional dishes are not vegan friendly.

We refueled with more caffeine, then joined a custard tart baking class at Casa dos Ovos Moles. There were six of us, and it turns out making pastéis de nata from scratch is a workout - rolling, folding, baking - the locals would just buy them! After two hours, they were ready to eat (again, not a vegan friendly activity - though there are shops selling vegan versions of these tarts in Lisbon).

With the golden hour light pouring over Lisbon, we visited the Museu Arqueológico do Carmo, a hauntingly beautiful open-air ruin of a church destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. It was left partially unrepaired as a reminder of the tragedy, and honestly, it might be one of the most moving places in the city. Dinner back at the hotel was, unfortunately, memorable for all the wrong reasons (would not recommend - so gross), so we called it an early night.

Day 3 - Because I love hotels, we switched to Pestana Rua Augusta. I love trying out different properties and Greg is patient enough to come along for the ride. After dropping our bags, we set out to explore LX Factory, a former industrial complex turned hipster paradise filled with art, cafés, and concept shops. Lisbon has a knack for turning old spaces into cool ones - it’s like urban recycling with better lighting.

After our LX Factory visit, we walked over to Belém, home to the famous tower and monastery. The tower is wearing its least photogenic outfit - full scaffolding - but the area is still worth wandering. We skipped the long line for the “original” custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém and just enjoyed the atmosphere.

When the rain got serious again, we retreated to Time Out Market for lunch, which is equal parts delicious and chaos. It’s basically the food court of your dreams, if your dreams also include fighting hundreds of strangers for a table. But I did find the best veggie burger I’ve ever had, so all was mostly forgiven. By the time we walked back, our room was ready, and then we spent the evening wandering the streets, finding craft beer, watching the sunset, and trying not to trip on the cobblestones.

Day 4 - Time to venture beyond the city! We got scooped up bright and early by Donnie from Around Lisbon for their Golden Plains tour to the Alentejo region - a day of ancient stones, rolling plains, and a surprising amount of cork. First stop: the Cromeleque dos Almendres, a ring of Neolithic stones that’s older than Stonehenge but gets only a fraction of the attention (and zero bus tours in matching t-shirts). It’s believed to have been used for rituals or astronomy. Nearby, we stopped at a dolmen in a cow pasture, which really adds a rural twist to the whole “prehistoric mystery” vibe.

Somewhere along the drive, we learned that Portugal produces more than half of the world’s cork - around 18 billion wine stoppers every year. Each cork tree can only be harvested once every nine years (after the first 25 years), and they even number the trunks to track the schedule. It’s oddly satisfying to see sustainability in action, centuries before it was trendy.

Our next stop was Évora, a UNESCO-listed gem of a town of medieval walls, whitewashed buildings, and sunny plazas. Greg and I bypassed aimless sightseeing in favour of craft beer and snacks at Magnífica Brewing, because priorities. Our last stop was a visit to the Chapel of Bones inside the Church of St. Francis - the one literally lined with thousands of human skulls and bones. It’s said the monks built it in the 16th century to remind people of life’s transience. I can confirm: message received. Creepy? Yes. Unforgettable? Also yes.

We wrapped up the day back in Lisbon with dinner at Restaurante da Sé, and by that point, both our step counters and our brains were ready for a reset.

Day 5 - Our last full day in Portugal, and we saved one of the best for last - a small-group tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais with Lisbon Riders. Our guide Catarina was fantastic - cheerful, knowledgeable, and just the right amount of sassy. We started in Sintra’s Old Town, a pastel dream of narrow lanes, fairy-tale architecture, and more pastry shops than seems reasonable for a town that size. We got there early, before the crowds poured in, and tried a few of Sintra’s local specialties: travesseiros (flaky almond-filled pillows of joy) and their take on cheesecake, which is somehow both lighter and richer than any North American version.

Next, we drove out to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Standing at the “edge of the world” probably should feel more dramatic, but we live on the other side of that ocean. It was beautiful once the fog lifted though. Back in the 14th century, people genuinely believed this was where the Earth ended. It’s a good reminder that exploration has always been a little bit about taking risks (and wearing layers).

From there, we continued to Cascais, a charming coastal town that once hosted European royals for their beach vacations. It’s easy to see why - pastel houses, palm trees, and sea views for days. We had lunch at House of Wonders, which lived up to its name with colourful veggy dishes and a patio that felt like a secret garden. And then came the grand finale: Pena Palace. I’ve had a photo of this whimsical, rainbow-coloured castle saved for years, and seeing it in person was amazing - at least from the outside. Inside? Let’s just say my enthusiasm for velvet curtains and portraits of strangers only goes so far. The tilework though? Stunning. The crowds? Aggressive. The one-way path through the palace meant a lot of polite shuffling and muttered “sorrys” in multiple languages. Still totally worth it and I’d happily go back to explore Sintra. There’s just something about that misty, fairytale vibe that sticks with you.

Day 6 - And just like that, it was time to say goodbye to Portugal - for now. My day started far too early, leaving the hotel before 5 a.m. to catch my flight to Seville. Lisbon airport is easier departing from than arriving to and the flight itself was quick - about 45 minutes. Once I landed, I had my luggage and was at the hotel within an hour. I checked into Hotel Adriano, a little boutique spot right in the heart of Seville. It’s got that “old building with character” vibe - which is travel code for charming but slightly dated. The staff were lovely, the room was spotless, and honestly, the location couldn’t be beat.

Bek flew in from Madrid to meet me, so while I waited, I did what any self-respecting traveler does - grabbed a snack, found a coffee, and sat in the sun pretending to be a local. When she arrived, we spent the afternoon tapas-hopping and wandering the winding streets until we ended up at Setas de Sevilla, the giant wooden structure that looks a bit like mushrooms meet modern art. We practically had the whole place to ourselves.

A few more tasty beverages, some supper, and that was the day - a soft landing into Seville life. The kind of day that reminds you travel doesn’t always need a checklist. Sometimes it’s enough to just wander, eat, and watch the world go by.

Day 7 - The day started with a surprise bit of local culture, and by that, I mean we accidentally got stuck in the middle of a religious procession while crossing a bridge on our way to Triana Market. It was fascinating to watch, full of incense, music, and solemn faces, but after a while, I was definitely ready to be free of it and find some food. Once we finally made it to Triana Market, it was worth every detour. The market still caters mostly to locals, so it’s full of genuine energy - stall owners chatting with regulars, fresh produce stacked high, and the smell of coffee and grilled seafood drifting through the air. We sampled a few tasty bites and just soaked it all in. I love that Seville welcomes tourists, but hasn't let them take over their city.

From there, we wandered over to Plaza de España, one of Seville’s most spectacular sights. Even with the water drained from the canals, it’s jaw-dropping - all ornate tilework, sweeping curves and grand architecture. I could have sat there for hours just taking it all in. The adjacent park looked lovely too, I’d go back just to explore that area more.

Naturally, there were tapas involved at some point - because when in Spain, there always are. Then, to cap off the night, we went to La Madriguera de Mai, a small, intimate spot where locals gather for live Spanish music and flamenco. No flashing cameras, no tour groups, no English translations - just raw, passionate performances that hit you right in the chest. It was absolutely fabulous and one of those experiences that reminds you why you travel in the first place.

Day 8 - After breakfast, we set off to explore more of the city’s mix of history, heat, and hidden corners. First stop: the Real Alcázar of Seville. It’s a royal palace still used by Spain’s royal family, originally built by Moorish Muslim kings, and every single tile and archway looks like it belongs in a storybook. The gardens go on forever - peacocks strutting, fountains trickling, orange trees everywhere. You could spend hours getting lost in there and not even be mad about it.

Next up, the Archivo General de Indias, where Spain keeps centuries of documents from its age of exploration, including letters from Columbus and maps that redrew the world. It’s not flashy, but it’s fascinating if you like history (and air conditioning). From there, we wandered through the narrow streets again, stopping for tapas at Alvaro Peregil (thanks for the recommendation Dave) and a much-needed drink break. The day ended with a downpour - one of those dramatic, all-or-nothing storms that clears the streets in seconds. We had some supper and watched it happen. Later, when the skies cleared, we walked through the city at night. Everything was glistening, lit up, and peaceful. Seville has that kind of magic - even soaked shoes can’t ruin it.

Day 8 - Early morning departure from Seville to Madrid on Iryo. Comfortable, quiet, fast, and with free Wi-Fi that actually works. We arrived at Atocha Station, grabbed a taxi to Chamartín to meet the rest of the group, and the real purpose of this trip began - the ACTA International Destination Conference in León. Coffee first, of course, then some chatting before boarding another train north. When we arrived in León, a bus whisked us off to our hotels. I stayed at the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro, a former monastery that manages to balance history and comfort beautifully. The room was simple but lovely, and it felt a bit like sleeping inside a museum. After a quick shower and reset, we had a short walking tour of León, followed by a tapas and cocktails reception at the Barceló León Conde Luna - a warm welcome to what would be an incredible week.

Day 9 - The conference kicked off properly with a morning of welcomes and sessions. Hearing the passion from our Spanish hosts - and even the mayor of León - made it clear how much pride they take in their region. After the sessions, we had tapas at the Parador San Marcos and a tour of the property. Paradors are historic buildings - monasteries, palaces, even castles - that have been transformed into luxury hotels. They’re the perfect mix of history and hospitality. We had a little free time afterward, and then a cheese tasting with Praizal and a group dinner at my hotel.

Day 10 - Another morning of fantastic speakers, then a trade show that was a definite highlight. We got to meet with local suppliers - tour operators, hoteliers, wineries, and artisans - the kind of connections that make my job so rewarding. Tapas lunch, of course, followed by free time for exploring. Bek and I stumbled upon Roma Café and, to my sheer delight, found vegan apple pie. Later, we toured León Cathedral (the stained glass is amazing) and San Isidoro museum - both stunning in their own ways. The evening wrapped up with a gala dinner complete with regional flags, bagpipes, and even medieval costumes.

Day 11 - We hit the road to Astorga, where we toured the cathedral and the Palacio Episcopal - a whimsical Gaudí design that looks like something from a fantasy novel. The town is famous for chocolate and sweets, so naturally, we found some of those too. Then it was on to the very charming Castrillo de los Polvazares for lunch at Cuca la Vaina. Cobbled streets, red stone houses - a photographer's dream. Back in León, we had free time again - Bek and I wandered into a military exposition (not exactly my jam, but the old photography was fascinating), then met up with new friends from the group. A pizza crawl followed (because a tapas break was needed), assisted by broken Spanish, translation apps, and a lot of laughter.

Day 12 - Our last full day started with a visit to the Casa Botines Gaudí Museum. The architecture is impressive, though I’ll admit I lose interest once the exhibits turn to furniture. From there, we went to Valdevimbre for a wine tasting at Vile la Finca and lunch inside a wine cave (Cueva Miñambres) which was every bit as cool as it sounds. That evening, our final reception took us back to Casa Botines, where they lit the building red and projected the ACTA logo on it - a perfect finale. Quick stop for eats on the way back (tapas receptions not ideal for vegans, especially ones that hate olives), and that wrapped up the ACTA Conference 2025.

Day 13 - Breakfast at the hotel and then we took the train back to Madrid (I love the train in Europe - it's so much more comfortable than planes). Bek and I stayed at the Barceló Imagine near Chamartín Station - a bright, music-themed hotel that was a total vibe. The decor was fun, the room was perfect, and it felt good to just relax. We took an Uber to Plaza Mayor to explore, but after the peaceful charm of León, the crowds in Madrid felt overwhelming. So, we did the sensible thing - went back to the hotel and enjoyed a quiet drink at the bar instead. Day 14 - Time to head home. Madrid Airport is surprisingly lovely - plenty of comfy seats, good coffee, and a shockingly great vegan sandwich. Check-in and security were smooth and the flights were uneventful. I watched movies, stayed caffeinated, and finally made it home just after midnight.

Spain and Portugal never disappoint. The food, the people, the energy - I’m always happy to return. And getting to reconnect with so many amazing travel industry friends along the way? The perfect bonus. Ange out. Tours I recommend from my trip (with a full disclosure that I make a full dollars if you book these through my portal): Old Lisbon: Private Guided Tours by Electric Quad & Tuk Tuk with Eco Wheels Tours Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8 Person Small Group Tour from Lisbon with Lisbon Riders From Lisbon to Alentejo: Evora and Megaliths Full-Day Group Tour with Around Lisbon Ultimate Lisbon Food & History Tour of Baixa & Chiado (I don't have a portal where you can book yourself, but I'm happy to book it for you)