Portugal has its famous areas, the areas people go for their holiday. Hong Kong passport holders can conveniently visit Portugal visa-free, but Albufeira isn’t for the fainthearted (unless you want the nightlife), and Lisbon can be overwhelmingly crowded in the summer. Sometimes, you need to get away from it all, and Portugal can definitely help you do that. These four luxury escapes can give you the holiday of your dreams.
Why Portugal is a Great Spot to Travel in Europe
Portugal is well-known for its rich culture, impressive landscapes, and excellent value. Compared to other European destinations, you can enjoy an affordable travel experience without sacrificing quality.
For instance, you’ll find that dining out, accommodations, and leisure activities in Lisbon are much more affordable than those in Hong Kong. For example, staying in Lisbon is generally 15–30% cheaper than in Hong Kong for similar 3-star accommodations, with plenty of option around HK$800 per night.
While there is currently no direct flight between Hong Kong and any Portuguese city, there are many flight options with layovers in cities such as Paris or Dubai.Â
Whether you’re after a city exploration with history and attractions or a more relaxed retreat by the Mediterranean Sea, Portugal remains a top choice, striking a fantastic balance of cost and comfort.
Comporta: A Tranquil Luxury Escape
Known as the ‘Hamptons of Portugal,’ Comporta lives up to its name with serene beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
Just 1 hour from Lisbon Airport, Comporta is where Lisbon locals escape to get away from the bustling tourist spots. With rice fields ready for Instagram, long beautiful beaches with tranquillity, and magnificent house rental options that’ll leave you looking for how much one is to buy.Â
Stay just outside the main village for quiet mornings, and enjoy strolling by stilted fisherman’s huts on your way to Praia da Comporta. For a place to dine, Dona Bia and Mesa Comporta serve some of the freshest and most flavourful food in the area.
The vibe here is slow and easy. Days are spent exploring the beach or browsing the quaint village boutiques, while evenings are perfect for a glass of vinho verde as you watch the sun set over the rice paddies.
Piódão: A Fairy Tale Village
If fairy tales had postal codes, Piódão would have one. Nestled in the Serra do Açor mountains, this remote schist village has unbelievable views that make you forget about the world.
A mere 2.5-hour drive from Porto Airport, the luxury of Piódão isn’t about infinity pools; it’s about tranquillity and views that are hard to match. The stone houses are stacked up the hillside, with blue-painted doors that stand out against the natural earth tones of the mountains.Â
Spend your days walking the old paths between Piódão and nearby villages like Foz d’Égua and Chãs de Égua, where small family-run shops sell local honey and cheese. This is a place where you can slow down and completely disconnect from the noise of everyday life.
Figueira: A Coastal Gem
Figueira is a coastal gem that somehow stays under the radar. With a charming town and a secluded beach, it feels like you’ve found a private oasis.
The main attraction here is Praia da Figueira, a sheltered bay only accessible after a short walk through a stunning pine forest. There are no roads or big parking lots; just sand, sea, and plenty of space to unwind.
Dining at Restaurante O Pescador is a must. Their cataplana de marisco (seafood stew) is fragrant, rich, and served in generous portions that dare you to finish!
Located only a 1.5-hour drive from Porto Airport, Figueira’s appeal is in the balance: enough life to keep you entertained, enough quiet to feel like you’ve found somewhere special.
Alto Douro: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
The Alto Douro wine region is unlike any other, and it is only 75 minutes from Porto Airport. With its rolling vineyards running down to the Douro River, the UNESCO World Heritage Site glows in the late afternoon light. As Portugal’s oldest wine region, the port is world-class, but the still wines are just as good. Quinta do Vallado is a standout, with history dating back to 1716 and wines worth taking home.
Spend your days cruising along the river, enjoying long lunches at terraces overlooking the vineyards, and driving through the winding mountain roads. It’s the perfect place to experience the beauty of Portugal’s winemaking culture.
Permanent Residency in Portugal: The Golden Visa
For those who fall in love with Portugal during their travels, the country also offers pathways to make it a long-term home through its residency programs.
In 2025, Portugal’s Residence Permit for Investment Portal (Portal ARI), commonly known as the Golden Visa program, remains a highly attractive option for acquiring permanent residency in Europe. Although the government has proposed raising taxes on foreign property buyers and removing real estate as an eligible investment option, the Golden Visa continues to offer opportunities through investments in other asset classes, such as funds.
One of the key benefits of the program is that it allows dependent family members to join the applicant for family reunification without a waiting period. Attractive investment options starting from €250,000 (HK$2,500,000) include donations, capital transfers, and job creation. Golden Visa holders enjoy free movement within the Schengen Area and can apply for permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years. The program also has a low physical presence requirement of just 14 days every two years, appealing to those seeking a second residence.
Image credits: visit Portugal
