Spring Fling In Portugal: A Journey Through Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais And The Algarve
How Points, planning and a little adventure made Portugal accessible and unforgettable.
In April 2025, we managed to secure a coveted five-night stay at Vilamoura, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in the Algarve — no small feat given its popularity. With that as our anchor, I built our spring European getaway around it.
Using airline points, our journey began in Lisbon. I booked five nights at Palacio do Governador, a Hilton Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) collaboration. Thanks to the Hilton Honors program, we enjoyed four paid nights with the fifth night free. This hotel, located in the historic Belem district, turned out to be one of the most extraordinary places we've ever stayed. While I’ll save a full review for another time, I must say the service was impeccable. The breakfast — both made-to-order and buffet — exceeded my expectations as a cook and food critic.
With the help of the hotel staff, we navigated Lisbon’s blend of old and new neighborhoods, dined at fantastic restaurants, explored historic landmarks, rode hop-on-hop-off buses and ended our evenings with pastries and cherry wine, compliments of the hotel.
Discovering Lisbon And Its Charming Neighborhoods
Lisbon is divided into five traditional neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Staying in Belem gave us easy access to Jeronimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both rich in history and symbolic of Portugal’s Age of Exploration. We also indulged in the original Pastéis de Belém, a pastry that originated in this area.
We explored Alfama, a fishing district nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and São De Jorge Castle, via the hop-on-hop-off bus. Portugal’s love for sardines and potatoes was evident in our affordable lunch at a street café. Alfama is also the birthplace of Fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music. We were lucky to hear it performed live by local musicians — songs of the sea, fate and melancholy that have evolved into distinct musical traditions over time.
Taking Day Trips To Cascais And Sintra
No trip to Lisbon is complete without visiting Cascais and Sintra, both just 30–40 minutes away by car, bus or Lyft. Cascais, once a humble fishing village, became a retreat for royalty and a haven during wartime. Its peaceful charm still resonates today.
Our bus tour took us to Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), a dramatic coastal site where waves crash against the cliffs. From there, we headed to Sintra, a town known for its fairytale-like villas, castles and gardens. We toured the National Palace of Pena and the Moorish Castle via a tuk tuk, a fast-paced, covered cart with a local guide. There was so much to see that we returned for a second day, and we were glad we did. The Moorish Castle, in particular, deserves time and energy. The views are breathtaking but be aware that the climb is not for the faint of heart.
Our Stay At Vilamoura, A Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Next, we traveled south to the Algarve via a three-hour train ride. The scenic countryside was a highlight, but the train itself was basic and not particularly clean — something to keep in mind if comfort is a priority.
Vilamoura, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club was beautiful. The resort provided easy access to beaches, eateries, excursions and shopping. Unfortunately, rain limited our beach time but we easily pivoted to indoor adventures: a tour and tasting at a local vineyard and a visit to a cork farm. Portugal is the world’s leading cork producer, and learning about its sustainable future was fascinating.
We also played several rounds of golf, albeit in intermittent downpours. Despite the weather, the courses were enjoyable. I recommend using the resort as both a relaxing base and a launchpad for exploring the Algarve’s hidden gems.
Final Thoughts On Our Memorable Trip To Portugal
Portugal offers a rich tapestry of experiences — from history and music to food and nature. As I write this, I’m flooded with memories that will stay with us forever.
One final note: Portugal is a relatively poor country and service workers earn very little. Travelers benefit from lower costs but it’s important to tip generously and respectfully. As a gesture of gratitude, I gifted the Lisbon hotel staff a two-night stay I booked in the Algarve but chose not to use. Their hospitality made our trip unforgettable.
Read “Your Guide To Traveling On A Budget — And How Hilton Grand Vacations Can Help Save Money” for more ways to save when planning a your next getaway.
Key Takeaways
- Hilton’s Loyalty Program Helps Secure Coveted Stays: Leveraging Hilton’s loyalty programs and collaborating hotels, such as Palácio do Governador in Lisbon’s historic Belem district, allow flexible and rewarding travel.
- Lisbon Provides Immersive Experiences: Lisbon’s neighborhoods offer distinct history and culture. Staying in Belem provides access to iconic sites like Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, while exploring Alfama provides an introduction to local music traditions such as Fado.
- Explore Unforgettable Day Trips To Cascais And Sintra: Vilamoura, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club provide easy access to nearby towns beyond Lisbon. Cascais has an impressive royal heritage and tranquil coastline, while Sintra dazzles with its fairytale villas, palaces and breathtaking vistas
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the must-see attractions near Hilton Grand Vacations Club Algarve in Vilamoura?
A. Popular nearby destinations include beautiful Algarve beaches, local vineyards for tasting tours, sustainable cork farm visits and some of Portugal’s premier golf courses.
Q. Is it easy to take day trips to Cascais and Sintra from Lisbon?
A. Both Cascais and Sintra are 30–40 minutes from Lisbon by car, bus or rideshare. Highlights include Boca do Inferno in Cascais, the fairytale-like Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle in Sintra.
Q. What culinary experiences can travelers explore in Lisbon’s Belem and Alfama districts?
A. Don’t miss the original Pastéis de Belém in the Belem district. In Alfama, enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine like sardines and potatoes at local cafés.
Q. Why is tipping important in Portugal?
A. Tipping in Portugal is not obligatory but greatly appreciated, especially since service workers often earn modest wages.
