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Portgual: Three Wow-Inducing Long Weekends

Here are three ideas for a memorable weekend away in Portugal that'll rival Europe's more hyped hotspots...

Withincreasingly cheap flights, underrated food, beautiful cities, pulsating nightlife and outstanding value-for-money, Portugal delivers diverse options for a memorable weekend away. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s probably on offer, so we’re championing threeoptions for a short holiday to rival Europe’s more hyped hotspots.

Theup-and-coming weekend… Porto

Whygo?

Theweekend break crowd are on their way, so get in while you can and experience the world class food, fun nightlife and dramatic riverside location Porto has to offer. This high-spirited and forward-looking city has all you need for a short break, and its exuberantatmosphere and plentiful attractions are beginning to give Lisbon a run for its money.

Whereto stay?

The best rooms in the city are undoubtedly at 'The Yeatman',a wine hotel which exudes luxury. Attention has been paid to every detail, from the suites which have each been individually styled by a Portuguese vineyard, to the carafe-shaped pool.

'TheYeatman' alsohas the best views in the city, thanks to its hillside location in Vila Nova de Gaia overlooking Porto from the opposite side of the river.

If you can’t afford to blow the budget with a stay at 'The Yeatman', the hotel bar is open to anyone who wants to experience those breath-taking panoramic views.

[Rich Bearpark]

What to eat?

IfMan V. Sandwich is your thing, pitch yourself against Porto’s speciality; the Francesinha. Think bread layered with pork, smoked sausage, bacon, beefsteak and topped with a fried egg and cheese. If you’re looking for something more refined, stay put in 'The Yeatman’s' Gastronomic restaurant which was has been awarded two Michelin stars. The Crab Bisque cocktail and dessert plates (yes, that’s plural) in particular blew our culinary minds.

Whatto drink?

Port!You can’t escape it in Portugal, especially in Porto which gave the drink its name. Visit 'Taylor’s' portlodge which is anything but a musty wine cellar and boasts a state of the art visitor centre and tour. There’s a good value tasting session at the end, and you can even have a selfie with a humongous barrel of the sweet nectar.

[Rich Bearpark]

Don’t miss

Callingall indie music lovers! The famous Primavera Sound festival has a Porto outpost in June with acts like Bon Iver, Aphex Twin and Metronomy.

Therelaxing weekend… Douro Valley

Whygo?

Withstunning views and vineyard tours to rival the likes of France and Italy, the Douro Valley is the hidden gem in northern Portugal’s crown. By day you can explore the vast hillside wine estates on foot, or the river Douro itself by boat or kayak. By night it’sall about soaking up the atmosphere with a glass of port as the sun sets over the valley.

Whereto stay?

'The VintageHouse ''Hotel 'in' 'the pretty and historic town of Pinhão is our pick for old fashioned charm and elegance, but with a relaxed feel. It’s also the perfect location for exploring the neighbouring vineyards and drop-dead-gorgeous scenery. If the view from your room isn’t enough, head down to the picture-perfect pool and take in the beauty of the river from there.

[Rich Bearpark]

Whatto eat?

Anything that goes with port! Understandably the focus of the Douro Valley is more on drinking than eating, but you can find quality food in the elegant restaurant of the VintageHouse Hotel.

Whatto drink?

PORT, PORT AND MORE PORT. If you don’t love it before you arrive, you definitely will by the time you leave. Your first port of call (see what we did there) should be Croft’s flagship vineyard estate, Quinta da Roêda. Their recently renovated visitor centre offers an authentic vineyard experience, including tasting experiences and even the unique opportunity to ‘tread the grapes’ during harvest time.

Don’t miss

Takethe by train from Porto to Pinhão to make the most of the Douro valley’s truly unforgettable scenery.

[Rich Bearpark]

Theclassic weekend… Lisbon

Why go?

Ithas been on the city-break radar for a while, and with good reason. Lisbon is a place where tradition meets cool. As you traverse the picturesque cobbled alleyways it’s a joy to stumble upon homely wine bars and trendy restaurants alike. Instagram-friendlyyellow trams, picture-perfect views and nearby beaches compliment the relaxed vibe, but when the sun goes down you’ll find vibrant nightlife in abundance.

Where to stay?

Nowhereembodies the spirit of modern Lisbon better than the 'Pestana CR7', created in partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and newly opened in 2016. This super stylish and high-tech lifestyle hotel is situated right in the heart of the Down Town, staggering distance from the bars and restaurants of the Bairro Alto. It boasts some nicetouches for the modern traveller including welcome smoothies and 48’’ TV’s with an Apple TV in every room. And some are even equipped with a PS4!

[Rich Bearpark]

Whatto eat?

Lisbonreally is a mecca for foodies, and people travel far and wide to find the best Pasteis de nata – that’s a custard tart to you and me. It’s worth setting your sights on Pasteis de Belem, which is slightly out of town but the queues down the road confirm thatthese are the real deal. You also can’t go to Lisbon without experiencing the Time Out Market. In 2014 a historic market hall was transformed into probably the most exciting and forward-thinking food market in Europe housing 23 restaurants, 10 food stallsand 8 bars.

Whatto drink?

TheBarrio Alto is the beating heart of the city and definitely the place to head to experience Lisbon after dark. Before that, start your night with a cocktail at the CR7 Corner Bar. Our favourite was the appropriately football themed ‘Mexico Vs Scotland’.

Don’tmiss

The steep inclines of Lisbon’s cobbled streets make it the ideal place for an adrenaline-fuelled Segway tour' (check outwww.lisbonbysegway.com').

'MTV Travelled With... The Yeatman, Vintage House Hostel and Pestana CR7.'

'By Rich Bearpark'

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