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  3. A little history, a lot of surf / beach

Having a local travel agent is the best!
Portugal | Jul 16 - Jul 23, 2025

Paula
Paula K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Tiago set up a great trip that catered to exactly what my family was looking for. The best part was having a local agent while we were on the trip. He checked on us regularly and provided invaluable local beach expertise and and last minute dinner reservations. We were so thrilled to avoid the crazy crowded beaches and head to what felt like locals only spots. His support definitely enhanced our trip. We had a wonderful time!

Hotel Reviews
Surfers Lodge Peniche
Peniche

Charming local hotel, great amenities for the size, good food, nice staff. Would recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Small, every room had a nice unique feel
Location
Easy access to beaches in Peniche via car, bike, or walking
Staff
Staff was super attentive during all of our meals and made great recommendations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Only downside was having to walk through dining room anytime we walked in the hotel. Would have been nice to have a side door to the stairs or elevator. The bathroom in the suite was very small, it felt like the bathroom on a cruise cabin.
São Lourenço do Barrocal
Reguengos de Monsaraz

Gorgeous property lovingly and stylishly restored. It's been in the same family for over 200 years and pride of ownership shows. Understatedly elegant, farm-to-table meals, top notch service.

Authenticity & Character
So much character and patina everywhere and the food is outstanding and fresh. If it's not grown on site, it is all local.
Location
Magical countryside location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No detail was left unattended, meticulously restored property that caters to choosiest travelers
The Lumiares
Lisboa

Great location in old town

Authenticity & Character
Modern decor with Portuguese influence in pillows and wall decor. Set in an charming old palace but restored to feel modern. Rooftop dining has excellent views.
Location
Central location in old town - driving to the property can be a challenge but reasonably priced parking available.
Staff
Helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ancora Park
Lagos

Clean and generic. Caters to big tour groups so the breakfast in the dining room is loud and a bit of a zoo. Breakfast buffet is varied, but drinks all come out of automatic dispenser, including coffee. Only place we visited in Portugal that didn't serve fresh orange juice .

Authenticity & Character
No character whatsoever, you can place this hotel anywhere it's just white with a few blue pillows.
Location
Not really walking distance to the beach. Closest beach is a long uphill walk back and it's a small and crowded beach. 20+ mins walk to Lagos town.
Staff
Nice staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, spacious rooms
Local specialist: Tiago Filipe
Tiago
Tiago Filipe
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 26, 2025

Hi Paula,

Thank you for your words!

I'm really happy that you enjoyed your trip! I'm only sorry that we didn't get to meet in person as you seem to be a very happy and active family and I could see that we share many common interests. When we started organizing your trip I had planned for us to meet in Ericeira or Peniche to catch some waves, but it was just impossible for personal and professional reasons...

Anyway, happy that you enjoyed my country!

Muchas gracias!!! ;)

Tiago

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