Epic Hot List: Portugal’s must-visit destinations & experiences in 2025

Embracing the road less travelled has always been part of our DNA at Epic, and year-on-year we find ourselves leaning further into the unknown in search of real connections, slower living and new experiences. 

A recent study by the United States Tour Operators Association revealed Portugal as the second most popular destination for American travellers in 2025. But we’ve noticed the biggest mistake travellers to Portugal make is thinking the southern European country is just Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. 

As you’d expect, the bucket-list sights will be swamped, but the magic that makes Portugal so memorable is those off-the-beaten path adventures that go a little deeper. So in 2025 we’re inviting our clients to embrace doing less to experience more, and being open minded to really discover Portugal’s rich culture, traditions, and gastronomy.

Here’s our pick of the hottest Portuguese destinations, unique experiences, and the best ways to travel through Portugal in 2025.  

Want help planning a trip (or a move) to Portugal in 2025? Reach out to us info@epic.travel

Serra da Estrela, summertime hiking paradise 

Picture this: crystal-clear glacial lakes perfect for a refreshing dip, winding hiking trails through wildflower-strewn valleys, and sleepy stone villages frozen in time. Continental Portugal’s highest mountain, Serra da Estrela, is popular with locals as a family-friendly winter ski destination – but summer is when the mountain really shines. 

The 1,993-metre-high (6,540-ft) range is covered in fantastic hiking trails – ideal for balancing out the famous local cheese, a huge wheel of gooey sheep’s queijo. You slice the top off and dip into it with a spoon. In the summer, you might even see shepherds who still practice the age-old art of transhumance in the mountains with their flocks.

The cheese? Legendary. The scenery? Straight out of a dream. Plus, if you’re after something unique, we’ve crafted a Jewish heritage tour exploring the stories of Portugal’s secret Jewish communities – hidden in plain sight for centuries. These legends date back to the Portuguese Inquisition and reveal tales of resilience.

Tavira, the Algarve town with charm

Far from the high-rise resorts and tourist crowds, this Algarve gem sits on the quieter eastern end of Portugal’s southern coast like a love letter to Portugal’s past. Tavira has sun-dappled plazas, a Roman bridge stretching over the Gilão River, and whitewashed houses with azulejo-clad façades. Think the romance of a tiny European city, but a stone’s throw from gorgeous sandy beaches. 

Tavira is a place to slow down and simply be, but if you need things to do there’s no shortage. Explore the old Moorish quarter, climb up to the ruins of the medieval castle for panoramic views, or take a boat to the pristine sandy beaches of Ilha de Tavira. Cap off all that beauty with a fresh seafood cataplana, crisp white wines, and endless blue skies.

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Cook with locals in Lisbon and Douro Valley

When it comes to exploring the most famous destinations, we look for ways to go a little deeper – and connect you with the locals. In Lisbon, Portugal’s colourful capital, we connect with a Portuguese chef who has the most incredible home in the heart of the city for a market cooking class. Together, guests set off to a Portuguese market to source the catch of the day and local produce, before returning to the kitchen in this exquisite central art-filled apartment.

Or in the Douro Valley, zip around in a vintage car before stopping at the most traditional bakery in the north of Portugal. Portuguese sweets are more than pastel de nata, and here a talented baker will teach you to make Crista de Galo, a local pastry from a centuries-old recipe.

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Pico Island, volcano climbing in the Azores

Standing at the highest point in Portugal, with nothing but open sky and endless ocean around you, a quiet sense of awe will sink in. Every step, every ache, every deep breath was worth it for this moment. As the first golden rays break over the horizon, you might realise that it’s not about reaching the top, but about how conquering challenges can change you.

For an adventure that leaves you breathless (in every sense), we’re looking at Pico Island in 2025. This wild, rugged, Azorean gem is home to Portugal’s highest peak. The climb up volcanic Mount Pico (2,351m / 7713 ft) takes you through black lava rock fields and surreal cloud layers. You’ll sleep on the mountain before making the final ascent for sunrise. 

“My son and I just returned from a 14-day trip to the Azores, facilitated by Epic. Hands down, it was the greatest trip of our lives. We wanted to see as many islands as possible and to have as many adventures as possible, and our goal was met and then some. Alyssa planned a perfect itinerary, and Carlotta made sure that all details went smoothly during the trip.” – Dylan Junabe 

Alentejo, a place to savour

The Alentejo region is Portugal at its most soulful – a vast, golden landscape stretching from the wild Atlantic Coast to the rolling cork forests and olive groves of the interior. Along the coast, quiet beaches and rugged cliffs are wonderfully unpolished. While, inland find whitewashed villages where life moves to the rhythm of long lunches with local wine, and things can get lost in translation. Ideal as it means you’re truly off the beaten track.

The Alentejo’s magic doesn’t end with sunset. The vast region has little light pollution making it one of Europe’s best places for stargazing. In the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, the Milky Way spills across the sky, and on a clear night, you’ll see more stars than you ever thought possible.

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Slow boat on the Douro River to a farm-to-table lunch

The Douro Valley is a spectacular landscape with terraced vineyards cascading down steep slopes, and sleepy stone villages dotting the riverside. So what better way to experience it than with a slow boat ride up the Douro River? Starting in Porto, board a private boat for a gentle ride upstream. Part way through, your captain will pull up to a small, family-run quinta, hidden among the vines, for lunch. 

The owners will greet you like an old friend, welcoming you to their estate for a farm-to-table feast of local flavours. Think simple, honest food, made with love and shared at a table overlooking the valley. Afterwards, simply step back on board and continue your journey upstream.

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“Our group of four only had four days to experience the Douro wine region and Porto – and boy did we pack a huge amount in with the brilliantly planned and pitch-perfect itinerary from Rachel and the team at Epic. Diana was always available for on-the-spot queries and came into her own when I left my jacket at Ventozelo. The most action-packed, high-quality short break I’ve ever done.” – Mark Hull

Let Epic craft and curate your dream Portugal itinerary in 2025. Our on-the-ground team can make your next adventure your best yet. Reach out to us info@epic.travel

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