Whistler village is a tourist destination in its own right, more cosmopolitan than quaint. A mix of locals, tourists, and expats frequent Whistler. Families experience snow for the first time, party animals enjoy the night scene, and wine connoisseurs revel in high end dining. In short, there’s something for everyone.
Our carefully curated travel guide has been loving put together after several seasons skiing in Whistler, along with frequent trips to this all-season getaway just 1.5 hours from Vancouver. Enjoy our favourite places to eat vegetarian and vegan, stay and play!
Skiing in Whistler is awesome. With over 200 runs and 8,171 acres of terrain you will not get bored. As both a beginner and intermediate skier we fully enjoyed the slopes, views and variety of runs. The gondola ride up is meditative; trees capped in thick layers of icing sugar snow give way to rocky outcrops and abstract white slopes. Skiing down feels both exhilarating and relaxing, gently gliding or taking more challenging runs, swooping between trees or weaving across wide open terrain.
The Umbrella Bar is my favourite place for a drink with a view in Whistler. It’s a great place to be after a day of skiing, but don’t feel you can’t participate if hitting the slopes was not for you. Located halfway up Whistler Blackcomb Mountain next to the Roundhouse Lodge you can take the Whistler Village Gondola up (which is a must do anyways for the views), and perch yourself on the edge of world, 6000 feet up.
Ever since I first read about the concept of a Vodka Ice Bar in a travel magazine it’s been something I wanted to do, so I was so excited the first time we got to do this! The Vodka Ice Bar is situated in Bearfoot Bistro restaurant, but you can book vodka experiences separately (although the restaurant is really good as well). First of all you are given a big fluffy parka complete with hood to keep you comfortable in the subzero ice room. The room is kept at -32 degrees which takes out any bite from the vodka. You get to choose four different vodkas to sample and the whole experience is very cool! You can also arrange to sabre champagnes in the wine cellar if that’s more to your liking.
I can’t believe it took us so long to go to the Scandinave Spa. We came with friends and had such a great time but it would be just as enjoyable as a solo experience. This tranquil setting is made up of hot and cold pools, icy waterfalls, hot saunas, and several relaxation rooms with hammocks, lounge chairs and amazing views. It was so relaxing sitting in a cozy robe, watching the tops of the evergreen trees sway after soaking in the hot pools. A few things to note – It can get quite busy here, but if you have extended health benefits you can make a reservation with an RMT masseuse and skip the wait. Otherwise plan for it to take a little time to get in to the pools only. The spa is restricted to no talking, no phone, and 19+ yrs, which only adds to the peaceful vibe.
Lost Lake is gorgeous in both the Summer and Winter. In the summer the docks are filled with people sunbathing and swimming. In the winter it’s perfect for a brisk walk and chance to get in tune with nature. Ask your hotel if there is a shuttle service and you might be able to get a ride.
The Peak to Peak Gondola stretches 3.03 km, spanning from Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain. When it was first built the gondola held the record for the longest continuous lift, now it remains the highest at 436 meters above the ground. If you’re patient, wait for the glass bottomed gondola for even better views of the valley below…way down below.
What would a travel food blog be without a few recommendations for dining?
Choose a hotel in Whistler’s Upper Village or in the main Village, both close to gondolas and a 10 min walk apart. Otherwise find an airbnb or rental for a cozier experience.
From downtown Vancouver it’s a very scenic 1.5-2hr drive along the Sea to Sky highway. Stop along the way at Porteau Cove, Shannon Falls, The Chief, or Alice Lake to enjoy the mountain scenery.
In the summer arrive in style and take the floatplane from downtown Vancouver harbour, landing in Green Lake, just 3 km north of Whistler.
Whistler draws many visitors year round as a world-class ski resort, with a variety of all-season attractions. Whether you are coming to ski, mountain bike, pamper yourself, or dine at gourmet restaurants, Whistler offers fantastic memory making experiences. Welcome to our corner of winter paradise.
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If you could send just one postcard home showing off your travels to Canada, Lake Louise might be the winner. It is no wonder the place is packed in the summer. Even with all the hype, as you step in front of the majestic mountains and crystal lake, it feels worth the wait.
“This is why people want to visit Canada!” I thought to myself, taking one photo after another and drinking in the scenery, giddy with excitement. In moving back to Canada we’ve been lucky to visit Banff and Lake Louise in the winter and spring. In our opinion the question is not should you visit the Canadian Rockies, but when?
This vegetarian travel guide for Banff and Lake Louise outlines our favourite places to eat, stay, shop and explore. Scroll down for all the details and we hope this can be a great resource for you as you plan your travels.
The history of Banff unfolded around us, stories slipping out about the Swiss mountaineering guides brought here by the Canadian Pacific Railway to help tourists find their way through the mountains. The first wooden skis then came from Europe encouraging local young daredevils to replicate their own. The Canadian Pacific Railway had a vision to create a tourism destination with a series of luxurious hotels across Western Canada, and when the Winter Carnival was created it sealed Banff’s popularity.
Off we went to check out Lake Louise, driving along the highway, stopping every so often to wade through deep snow and take photos of bubbling rivers in the winter sun. Eyes peeled for moose, we never saw one but rumour has it the best place to look is the ice fields where the moose can’t resist licking salt from the roads.
Lake Louise was a winter wonderland. At first I was surprised not to see the famous blue waters, the lake was frozen over a thick sheet as far as the eye could see. However the winter charms won us over, the jolly horses jingling with their sleds behind them, the swish of the skates on the ice, and miles of tracks over the lake to the valley on the other side. Our visit happened to be during the Ice Magic Festival, and in front of the Fairmont hotel glistening ice statues slowly transformed under the sun’s rays.
When we had the chance to visit the Rockies for a second time, we knew we wanted to come back in the spring and see the lake in its full emerald glory. Both times were marvellous – hard to choose a favourite!
BANFF
Everyone’s a similar age group and you meet a lot of international travellers and interesting people.
LAKE LOUISE
Who should visit Banff and Lake Louise? You should start planning your trip if you like gorgeous mountains, pristine nature, outdoor adventures, rich history and want to see one of Canada’s most beautiful national parks.
Some of our best memories include the views from the ski slopes, exploring Banff village, dining at Nourish, walking snowy trails under thick trees with snow falling on our face, and learning about the rail history that first opened this region up to the world.
Let us know if you’re planning a trip or you’ve had a chance to visit, we’d love to hear from you. Our new favourite motto at Sails and Spices after visiting Banff and Lake Louise is ‘Ski your Blues and Eat your Greens’!
The iconic champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot, Tattinger, and Pommery, are situated in the town of Reims. Ruinart is the oldest of the champagne houses, established in 1729, and is known for its blanc de blanc, a pure blend of Chardonnay grapes.
We decided to catch the train in the morning and visit two champagne houses. The trip was easy, we settled into our pre-assigned seats and soon were swaying along the tracks as the train sped through golden fields and open skies.
Once we pulled up to the train station I had read how important it was to quickly get in line at the taxi line up just outside the train station doors. It was true. There was a long line up already when we arrived.
Surrounded by tall stone walls, we pulled into the driveway of Maison Ruinart and were greeted by a friendly guard. All guests booked on a tour have their name on the list, no walk-ins allowed! Luckily, due to our advanced planning, we were invited to enter the gates and join a few fellow couples in the salon, elegantly decorated with renaissance paintings and some comfortable plush sofas.
Our chic french guide greeted us and started our visit by speaking about the history of Ruinart, pointing out the portraits of the founders. It was after Louis XV issued a decree allowing champagne to be distributed by bottles, and not just barrels, that Ruinart’s champagne gained popularity as business gifts to the cloth buyers, distributed through Dom Ruinart’s brother’s network as a cloth merchant.
Our first stop was a room filled with art – a modern tablescape with melting chandeliers by Dutch artist Maarten Baas; one of France’s earliest advertising posters with a woman provocatively showing off her shoulder by Czech illustrator Alphons Mucha; a replica of Louis XV’s commissioned “Le Déjeuner d’Huîtres” oil painting depicting an oyster feast in full swing with many of Ruinart’s recognizable round shaped champagne bottles.
This painting happens to be the first known piece of art to showcase champagne – can you look carefully and figure how they knew it was champagne featured at the party?
Finally someone in our group noticed the cork flying over the table, a telltale sign of the bubbles pressurized into the wine.
Throughout the entire tour our guide’s descriptions were interesting, engaging and thought provoking… she really knew her craft!
At this stage our guide offered the group a warm blanket as the cellars – les crayères – would be quite cold once we dropped 38 feet below ground, to an even temperature of 11-degrees Celsius. It was this attention to detail that really elevated the experience and made us feel taken care of and appreciative of the luxury in this world prestigious champagne house.
Down the steps we went into the cool dark tunnels, lit with a warm glow along the stairwell. Once we reached the lower level we could see through a window into the production facility as they corked each bottle.
Champagne has a two part fermentation process. Once the first fermentation is complete the neck of the bottle is frozen to create an ice plug, trapping the collected lees sediment. The plug is popped out before quickly re-corking the bottle for a second ferment to create those beautiful fine bubbles.
We were led through the dark halls of the cellars where rows and rows of champagne bottles were gently resting. A quiet setting with dim lighting is just what the champagne needs to mature into its wonderful flavor. As we walked deeper into the caves the bottles of champagne grew larger, and the rows grew deeper, grouped by various cuvée.
In one of the main cathedral-like chambers, the champagne bottles rest at an angle in large wooden trestles shapes like an M, where they are rotated or ‘remuaged’ a quarter turn, 2-3 times a day, to help the lees particles slowly make their way into the neck of the bottle. Madame Veuve Clicquot is credited with inventing the riddling rack. Premium cuvée continue to be rotated by hand.
The history of the cellars is fascinating. Originally old chalk quarries, the walls and large dome shaped rooms are all chiseled by hand. During World War I the main Ruinart house was tragically destroyed and so the offices were moved into the cellars, creating an underground bomb shelter where work could continue.
France’s champagne houses have a history of strong women entrepreneurs. In 1919 André Ruinart passed away leaving his widow Charlotte to run the estate. This is a similar tale to that of Madam Veuve Clicquot who had a huge influence on establishing and innovation in the champagne industry (and some say was rumored to have murdered her husband!). There must have been huge competition and drama between the champagne houses, this setting would make an exciting novel I’d like to read.
Finally we emerged into the sunlight and walked back across the grounds taking in the vast and elegant building and its perfectly manicured landscape. We re-gathered in the salon to savor some of the delicate champagne that had been resting in the caves just days prior..
Our host presented us with a choice of blanc de blanc or rosé, with two cuvées to sample. As we sipped, she joined us and described the flavor profiles, taking us through what to look for on the pallet and the subtle differences.
The blanc de blanc is Ruinart’s signature champagne, made entirely from Chardonnay grapes. It glows with a pale golden yellow color and very fine bubbles. The rosé, created since the 18th century, blends Chardonay with the addition of Pinot Noir.
This was a lovely way to experience the champagnes and we discussed as a group what we thought of each one, which we preferred, and where everyones’ travels had taken them. Finally our tour was complete and we couldn’t resist stopping into the store to bring a few bottles home with us, creating a very special memory of our visit to the one and only champagne region.
Before I arranged this trip I had no idea the champagne region was so close to Paris. It turned out to be a very easy day trip from Paris. We were back in time for dinner and were thrilled to have experienced the Champagne region of France. What an experience!
If you love wine, we would highly recommend a visit to the Champagne region, just outside of Paris.
]]>When we received the invitation to visit Scotland for a dear friend’s wedding, we couldn’t resist the adventure. We were eager to explore stone castles and cobblestone streets and photograph scenic landscapes. The idea of little local pubs filled with fine scotches and live bands playing in front of the wood fire sounded like a perfect getaway.
Pretty soon we had plans to start in Edinburgh and drive through the countryside to Isle of Skye, where we stayed on a local sheep croft. To conclude the trip we reunited with our friends for a traditional Scottish wedding complete with kilts and Cèilidh dancing, close to St. Andrews – home of the original golf course.
Our Scotland travel guide is a collection of our best research, personal experiences, and referrals for places to see, stay and eat (vegetarian!) covering Edinburgh to Isle of Skye.
Scotland’s incredible countryside had us pulling over every 5 minutes wanting to take another photograph. Visiting in October gave us gorgeous tones of gold and orange and we even spotted a beautiful buck with large antlers walking peacefully by the marsh. To our delight we also counted many hairy cows who were happy to pose for photographs.
Stirling is nice for quick stop after an hour of driving on the way to Glen Coe from Edinburgh. Small shops and cafes offer an opportunity to refill before the second leg of the journey. Stirling’s attractions include monuments, castles, as well as the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge. If it’s not too early for a tipple of whisky, stop in at the Deanston Distillery.
Callendar is another quaint town that makes a pleasant stop along the drive with a few gift shops and nearby hiking trails.
We chose Glen Coe as our place to spend the night on the way to Isle of Skye. Although it is possible to drive straight from Edinburgh to Isle Of Skye, it’s usually a nicer journey when you can go slow.
Stay:
Heather Lea Bed and Breakfast
RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges
Eat:
The Boots Bar, The Clachaig Inn
Glen Coe is a tiny little town nestled in the valley of several big mountains. By far our highlight was the vegetarian friendly pub, The Boots Bar, that our B&B recommended to us.
The Boots Bar appeared in our headlights after driving a few minutes down a dark and windy road. We dashed in from the wet and cold and were welcomed with a hot roaring fire, live music, and friendly locals hanging out with their dogs while enjoying dinner and playing pool. The menu include 4-5 veggie options, as well as local beer, fruit wines and ciders. Clachaig Inn also offers special whisky Master Classes if you decide to stay longer.
Eilean Donan Castle makes a pretty stop that’s easy to get to along the drive to Isle of Skye. The Castle is surrounded by a beautiful lake and mountains, and the scene changes depending on the tides and the clouds.
And after you make the windy drive past a million beautiful sights, bridges, lakes and waterfalls, you finally get to Isle of Skye, where everything has a little bit of that special glow. VIEW THE CITY GUIDE
What are your plans for visiting Scotland? If we were to change anything we probably would have spent more time in Isle of Skye since there is so much to explore and it takes a while to get there. Let us know your experiences!
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A picturesque city with plenty of history, Edinburgh makes a great jumping off point to start your trip to Scotland. While in the capital, visit the castles and monuments, explore the Royal Mile in Old Town, and make New Town your destination for shopping and cocktails.
Visit:
Vegetarian Eats & Drinks:
Stay:
The Glass House
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
The Glass house is a beautiful boutique hotel built up from an old church, with an outdoor rooftop garden and exclusive whisky tasting experiences. The Sheraton Grand Hotel has nice castle view rooms, and the One Spa is incredible, offering eight stages of hot saunas, rain showers, and indoor and outdoor pools. With this blissful treatment you’ll be fully relaxed and ready for your holiday!
We were in Edinburgh in the fall and there were lots of pubs and shops to hideaway during the chilly weather and soak in the local atmosphere. Take the time to explore, wander around, and on a clear day take advantage of the views from some of the many lookout points.
]]>This exciting two week itinerary in Portugal will have you relaxing on magnificent beaches, sightseeing medieval cities, exploring quaint towns, and reveling in old world wines paired to plant-based cuisine. Hire a car for the gorgeous coastal roads and start the adventure through one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
Your Portugal getaway awaits,
Boa viagem!
A charming and lively beach town on the Algarve Coast, Lagos is popular with students and tourists drawn to the dramatic coastal caves and secluded beaches. The perfect place to start the trip and rest on the beach to get into vacation mode.
Stay: Pick an AirBnB rental in the center of the old town.
Read Your Complete Vegetarian Guide to Lagos
Get out on foot with your camera and explore this lovely city of neighborhoods, bringing together a collection of wine and tapas bars tucked among historic buildings on old cobbled streets.
Stay: Fontecruz Lisboa, Autograph Collection
Read Your Complete Guide to Lisbon City
Just a quick 20 minute tram ride from Lisbon, Belem is a charming seaside destination with stunning architecture and delicious local pastries that the crowds come flocking for. Cafes selling various Pasteis de Belem can be found all over Portugal but the original flakey custard pastries hail from a small cafe in Belem, where the recipe has been kept top secret since 1837!
Day Trip: Ride Tram 15 to Belem and delight in the original Pasteis de Belem.
Read Your Complete Guide to Belem
A short day trip from Lisbon, this fairy tale land feels miles away. A crumbling stone Moorish Castle counterbalances the over-the-top and whimsical Pena Palace set atop the hills within a vast 200 hectare forest.
Day Trip: Visit the beautiful Pena Palace
Read Your Complete Guide to Pena Palace in Sintra
Porto’s magnetism pulls at you with its old world charm. Gorgeous architecture transforms simple bookstores, cafes, churches and train stations into marvels just waiting to be discovered. In Nova de Gaia, large wooden barrels of Port wine float down the river on old Rabelo boats. They arrive from the nearby Douro Valley to be cellared for years (if not decades) before being enjoyed in one of Porto’s many wine lodges.
Stay in Style: InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
Read Your Complete Guide to Porto City
The entire route is approximately 12-14 hours of drive time from Lagos to Porto. It’s worth it to take the scenic route up the west coast from Lisbon. Stop along the way at the dramatic Arrifana beach, in Aljezur to explore a tenth century castle, see the expansive curved beach in Odeceixe, and visit the brightly painted town of Porto Covo.
Based from Lisbon you can visit Belem, Sintra, the Boca do Inferno in Cascais, and even Comporta as great day trips. Obidos is charming stopover on the way to the Douro Valley and Porto, where the dramatic scenery really shines… just when it seemed the trip couldn’t get any better!
Portugal is a remarkable european destination, benefiting from warm and friendly locals truly happy to share their charming towns with culture-seeking travelers.
Let us know in the comments if you are researching a trip to Portugal, we would love to hear about your plans!
If you’ve already checked it off your travel wish list, what part of Portugal did you enjoy most?
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A quick search for Vancouver sight-seeing, day trips, or Vancouver suspension bridges inevitably yields Capilano Suspension Bridge as one of the city’s must-see. It’s certainly impressive, but our vote for the best suspension bridge in Metro Vancouver is in Lynn Canyon, easily accessible by transit or car in the District of North Vancouver. Since there is no entry fee to Lynn Canyon Park, save yourself the whopping $42.95 (2017) charge to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and get high above the tree tops with your need-to-know guide to the Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge.
Overview
Lynn Canyon Park, home of the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, first opened in 1912 and boasts over 600 acres of forest trails, swimming holes, and gorgeous natural landscape waiting to be explored. With a forest of west coast evergreen trees averaging 80-100 years old a mere 25 minutes from the city, a day trip to Lynn Canyon Park is city escapism at its finest.
Numerous trails connect the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge with 30 Foot Pool, Twin Falls Bridge, and the Ecology Centre. See them all within an hour’s walk. For those looking to head out a little further afield, the 48km Baden Powell Trail flanks the east side of the park and provides a challenging yet simple to navigate out-and-back hike of any duration you choose.
Getting There
15km by road from downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is accessible by car via the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge to Vancouver’s North Shore. There is free parking on site, though on busy days you may need to park outside the main park’s entrance and walk in.
For those without a vehicle, catch the SeaBus across beautiful Vancouver Harbour to Lonsdale Quay, and hop on the #229 or #228 bus to Lynn Valley Centre – a 15 minute walk from the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance. If you would rather save your steps, the #227 bus will connect you from Lynn Valley Centre to the Lynn Canyon Park’s main entrance so your walking shoes are ready to go inside the park.
Hours
The park is open summers from 7:00am to 9:00pm PST, spring and autumn from 7:00am to 7:00pm PST, and in the winter from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
As with any forested outdoor activity, be sure to keep your visit well within dawn-to-dusk hours.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
The park’s main attraction, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, remains a locals’ true hidden gem. It’s narrow, springs a little with each step, and gives breathtaking views of the waterfalls and forests below. You will be 50m (164ft), or about 16 stories, above the raging river so take your camera and get ready to capture some incredible shots!
If the suspension bridge is your only priority in Lynn Canyon Park, it is easily accessible off the paved parking area for those visitors who are less mobile.
What to Bring
The trails at Lynn Canyon Park are a combination of wood plank boardwalk and dirt trail. Wear your day hikers as Vancouver is notoriously rain-city, so the trails may be wet. We believe there are no bad days, only bad gear, so with a decent rain coat and shoes you’ll be set no matter what the day’s weather brings.
There are numerous swimming holes in Lynn Canyon, though we’re talking mountain-top runoff and very fresh water… so it tends to be chilly! Even so, on a summer’s day a crystal-clear fresh water swim just can’t be beat so pack a towel, picnic, drinking water and snacks and you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a full day in west coast paradise.
Any of the accessible swimming locations are a minimum 15-20 minute walk from the carpark / suspension bridge. Mind the signs pointing out the swimming locations and do not jump a fence. It’s incredibly steep in some locations with unforeseen drop offs. Stay safe, and enjoy the park!
Learn
The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre offers young visitors of any age the opportunity to learn about the variety of plants and animals they may see in the park. There are numerous galleries to explore and with only a $2 suggested donation for entry, is easy on the pocket book.
Après
No doubt you’ll be ready for a bite after your visit to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, so we’ve compiled a few of our favourite North Shore vegan and vegetarian friendly hotspots for a great post-hike meal on your way back to the city.
Did we miss your go-to veggie friendly restaurant? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Baden Powell Trail Marker
We hope you enjoy your day at the beautiful Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge as much as we do! It’s a locals’ hidden gem, and unlike the Capilano Suspension Bridge, visiting is completely free. So grab your shoes and camera and head out for a gorgeous west coast adventure just half an hour from the city lights. Bon voyage!
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If you have a little extra time, be sure to drive along country roads through the small villages along the way, stopping and visit the crafts and farmer’s markets. There are gems just waiting to be discovered that can change your perspective of a destination and how you see the world.
Chichen Itza is an expansive collection of Mayan ruins in the Yucatán, Mexico, dating back to 600 A.D. We spent the day exploring this ancient Mayan society. We could spend hours just walking around the base of the impressive the step pyramid, El Castillo, and appreciating the detailed stone carvings at the Great temple of Warriors. With this much history, having a guide or guidebook can really help you understand the symbolism and significance behind the architecture.
Visiting Chichen Itza is an easy day trip from Cancun and the surrounding areas, but to help make the most of your visit we’ve outlined our top tips to know before you go.
After a day of walking in the hot sun, stop for a refreshing swim at one of the nearby cenotes on the way back to your hotel. Two recommendations are Cenote Il Kil or Cenote Samula, and both are on the google map below.
Explore more of Mexico’s great culture! Catch a sunrise at the incredible sea-side ruins of Tulum, explore local Mexican cuisine at the Ritz-Carlton Culinary Center, or reminisce on a trip for your taste buds with one of our favorite Mexican recipes:
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Lagos Portugal is a European traveler’s ultimate beach paradise. When I first arrived into Lagos as a backpacker in my early twenties I was taken aback by its beauty. Set against a dramatic backstop of sandstone cliffs, mystical grottos, white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this laid-back fishing town is the perfect place to relax outside of the typical European hustle and bustle. When I returned nearly ten years later, I could confidently conclude that Lagos is a true gem.
While Lagos has long been both a backpacker’s beach-party stop and a favourite family-friendly hidden gem for sun seeking UK holiday makers, it remains a relative European beach side secret for those in the know. Though most who happen upon the gorgeous Portuguese Algarve focus their time in either Faro or Albufeira, you will be well rewarded to head a little further west to enjoy the stunning beaches, friendly locals, and reasonable prices offered in sunny Lagos.
The cobbled and walled city centre is car-free and rife with small shops and cafes. With not a single chain restaurant in the pedestrian town centre, Lagos treats you to the locals’ hospitality all the way. Town squares with late night summer dances, sunny sangria patios, and phenomenal beaches are all yours to explore. Here is your vegetarian guide to Lagos…
Easily accessed by either a rental car or charter coach from Lisbon or Faro, our favourite way to arrive in Lagos is by train from Lisbon, via Tunes. The 4.5 hr trip winds through the lush Portuguese hillsides along routes inaccessible by road.
Walk the cobbled streets of Lagos at dusk and you may start to question if you’ll ever find something to eat besides Peri Peri chicken or fish of the day. Yes, you may need to expand your horizons past ‘traditional’ Portuguese food to find something vegan or vegetarian in this town, but there are still plenty of delicious places to eat, drink, and soak up the magic of Lagos. Here are some of our favorite vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurants, bars, and cafes in town.
Don’t forget to check out the map at the end of the post to help plan your trip and find out what’s located near your hotel.
This is the reason you came to Lagos! These beaches are some of the most stunning in the world. Start near town at Praia dos Estudantes, and from there walk along the cliffs hitting one beach after another and taking in the beautiful views. The natural beauty of the Algarve Coast is one of a kind.
One of the best ways to see the Algarve Coast is by boat. You could rent a ski boat, go kayaking, or even take sailing lessons for the day. Here are our top picks for boat activities in Lagos.
Click on the arrow on the top left corner to hide/unhide the list of locations on the map.
We hope you get a chance to visit this gem on the coast of Portugal for a truly relaxing holiday!
If you are planning a trip around Portugal, check out the rest of Sails & Spices Portugal City Guides:
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In this travel guide we share all our favorite sights in the city to help plan your perfect weekend away. Check out the interactive map at the end of this post with all our recommendations!
There is so much to see and do in Porto. As a suggested itinerary, start by sightseeing the many landmarks in the city. In the afternoon, enjoy the views and walk over the Dom Luis I Bridge to Gaia. The gondolas, Teleferico de Gaia, are definitely worth the ride down, even if you are a little scared of heights.
On this side of the river you can arrange tours to visit the cellars, or Port Lodges, where Port is aged. In our opinion, the best way to enjoy the evening is with some glasses of Port wine and cheese pairings along the waterfront. Muito Romantico!
Church of Santo Ildefonso | One of the most beautiful blue-tiled churches in Porto.
Lello Bookstore | Rumored to be a source of inspiration for Harry Potter, this bookstore is so famous you’ll need a ticket to get in.
Sao Bento Railway Station | This train station is worth a visit just to see the stories and history depicted on all the hand painted tiles.
Liberdade Square | Porto’s central square surrounded by beautiful buildings and close to many other sights in the city.
Capela de Santa Catarina | Another beautiful church featuring stunning tile work.
Torre dos Clérigos | Climb the steps for an unmatched 360 degree view of Porto from inside the tower.
Ribeira District | A riverside neighborhood across from Gaia with cobbled streets and colorful houses.
The Porto Cathedral | Fantastic views of the city from the cathedral walls.
Once the Port wine is harvested and bottled in the Douro Valley, it’s brought to Porto to be aged in the cellars. Traditionally, the Port wine barrels were carried down the Douro River in Rabelo boats.
The Port Lodges are located in Vila Novo de Gaia. There are many to choose from, some offer a great cellar tour, while others feature the best riverfront patio for Port wine tasting and watching the world go by.
Since we were there to celebrate my birthday, we decided to sit on the sunny patio and order the 30 year old reserve Port and a cheese plate to share. Porto is a great place to visit for any special occasion!
Porto is one of Portugal’s most popular cities and it’s easy to see why. During our visit the city’s charm won us over and left us wanting more time to enjoy this beautiful place. We will be back! Is Porto on your wish list of cities to visit?
We highly recommend visiting the Douro Valley from Porto, it makes a great day trip or you can even go for a few nights. In this post A Wine Lover’s Dream in the Douro Valley we share tips & photos of one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world!
If you are planning a trip around Portugal, check out the rest of Sails & Spices Portugal City Guides:
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