Our Favorite Regions
We hope you make our wedding but also would highly recommend planning your time come and explore before or after our wedding. Portugal is our favorite country in the world and you'll soon understand why! This country is small but full of culture and good food! All towns are easily accessible by car. Cities streets are narrow and most pavement is cobblestone so bring sneakers, be prepared to walk and when driving, be ready for fast highway speeds and narrow small town alleys. Here we will share some useful tips and guidance for your visit to Portugal!
Alentejo
Welcome to our backyard! Alentejo is Portugal’s most authentic and unhurried region — a peaceful countryside of rolling vineyards, olive groves, and ancient cork oak forests. Known for its slow pace, bold wines, and deeply rooted Portuguese traditions, it’s where we chose to celebrate our wedding, and we think you’ll quickly understand why.
Eat: Alentejo cuisine is hearty and deeply comforting. Don’t miss porco preto (Iberian black pork — not the kind we get in Texas!), migas, and locally produced cheeses paired with a bold Alentejo red wine.
Stay: We recommend staying close to the magic — here are our favorite properties in and around the Alentejo region:
Herdade do Grous — a stunning working wine estate just 3 miles from our venue, with beautiful rooms and incredible sunsets
L’AND Vineyards — a sleek, design-forward wine hotel near Évora with panoramic vineyard views and a Michelin-starred restaurant
Holiday Inn Beja — a comfortable and convenient option, just 6 miles from our venue, ideal for families or larger groups
Convento do Espinheiro — a breathtaking 15th-century convent turned luxury hotel on the outskirts of Évora
São Lourenço do Barrocal — an extraordinary agro-tourism estate in Monsaraz, set among ancient olive trees and vineyards overlooking the Alqueva reservoir
Lisbon
Portugal’s vibrant capital blends historic charm with modern energy — colorful hillside neighborhoods, vintage trams, river views, culture, shopping, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect place to start or extend your trip.
Eat: Begin every morning with a pastel de nata — and the best in the world are at Pastéis de Belém. For fresh seafood, Cervejaria Ramiro is legendary. And for something casual and unforgettable, find Bifanas do Alfonso for their ridiculously addicting saucy warm pork sandwiches. Don’t miss bacalhau (salt cod) either — a true Portuguese staple.
Stay: Bairro Alto Hotel — intimate, stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the city with rooftop views
The Ivens Hotel (Marriott Bonvoy) — elegant and central, great location for exploring on foot
Memmo Alfama — charming boutique hotel tucked into the historic Alfama district with stunning river views
Hotel Avenida Palace — grand 19th-century hotel steps from Rossio square, classic Lisbon glamour
Torel Avantgarde — romantic hilltop hotel with jaw-dropping city views and lush gardens
The Lumiares — beautiful apartment-style suites in Bairro Alto, perfect for families or longer stays
Beaches Nearby (day trips or overnight):
Cascais — charming coastal town 40 minutes from Lisbon, great beaches, restaurants, and a lovely promenade. Stay at Farol Hotel or Bairro Art Hotel
Comporta — the chicest beach destination in Portugal, about 1.5 hours south. Bohemian, unspoiled, and absolutely beautiful. Stay at Sublime Comporta or Vermelho Comporta
Arrábida — stunning natural park with crystal clear turquoise water, about 45 minutes south — looks more like the Mediterranean than the Atlantic
Algarve
Portugal's southern coast is one of Europe's most breathtaking destinations - known for its golden cliffs, turquoise water, and laid-back coastal charm. If you plan to drive south after the wedding, it's only about 1 hour 20 minutes from our venue and absolutely worth the detour. Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, and your appetite!
Eat: Don't miss cataplana seafood stew, grilled fish, octopus salad (Joanna's personal favorite), and percebes. For sunset drinks, head to a "chiringuito" at Praia da Rocha in Lagos. For the freshest seafood, try
"O'Marisqueira Beach Bar" or "Bar do Peixe"
Stay: We recommend Pine Cliffs Resort (Marriott Bonvoy), Conrad Algarve (Hilton) or an airbnb for larger groups. Best areas to base yourself: Lagos, Carvoeiro or Tavira.
Porto & Douro Valley
Porto is one of Europe’s most soulful cities — a UNESCO World Heritage riverside town famous for its azulejo tile facades, port wine caves, and incredible food scene. Pair it with a day trip into the Douro Valley for sweeping vineyard views and wine tastings along the river.
Eat: Try francesinha (Porto’s iconic hearty sandwich), bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, and pastel de nata fresh from a local bakery. For wine, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and tour the famous port wine cellars — Graham’s and Taylor’s are favorites.
Stay: We recommend the Yeatman (a stunning wine hotel overlooking the city), Torel Avantgarde, or a charming Airbnb in the Ribeira district. Porto is about 2.5 hours north of our venue — perfect for a pre or post-wedding extension!
Tips for Travel
Getting to Portugal is easier than most think and we promise every mile is worth it! Here's everything you need to know to get there smoothly.
Getting to Portugal
Fly into Lisbon (LIS)
We recommend arriving at least one day before June 24th so you're rested and ready to celebrate. Lisbon is six (6) hours ahead of US Central Standard Time.
Getting to the Venue
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova is located in Albernoa, in the heart of the Alentejo region - approximately 2 hours south of Lisbon.
Rental Car (recommended)
The best option for flexibility. Request a vehicle with GPS and make sure to add "Via Verde" for toll roads - it will save you a lot of hassle on the highways.
Private Transfer
Prefer to sit back and relax? Book a private transfer through Viator.com or ziptransfers.com directly to the venue.
Airports & Passports
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. We recommend arriving at least one day before the first event to allow time to settle in and recover from the journey. Plan ahead for customs - major international airports in Portugal can have long lines. US passport holders will go through the general queue, while travelers with EU passports typically move through much faster. If you are traveling with children, look for the designated family lanes, which are significantly shorter.
We also highly recommend registering for TSA Pre Check and Global Entry at least 3-4 months prior to travel. Both programs will make your international travel experience much smoother - from departure to arrival!
What To Pack
POWER ADAPTORS
Portugal uses Type F plugs with 220V. US travelers will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for older devices.
WEATHER &
SUN PROTECTION
June in Portugal means long sunny days, warm temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s°F, and virtually no rain. The Portuguese sun is no joke though — UV levels in June are extremely high, even when there’s a breeze. Pack SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a light layer for cooler evenings. Stay hydrated — the Alentejo heat can sneak up on you!
Pro tip: Download a UV Index app to check daily levels. Most June days in Portugal reach a 9–10 (Very High) by midmorning.
CASH & CARDS
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Portugal, but we recommend carrying some euros for smaller towns, local markets, and tipping.
Pro tip: Avoid exchanging currency at the airport — rates are terrible! Instead, use your debit card at a local ATM upon arrival for the best exchange rate. If you plan to exchange cash before leaving the US, check with your bank in advance.
Also worth noting: let your bank and credit card companies know you’re traveling internationally before your trip to avoid any cards being frozen!
CLOTHES & SHOES
Light, breathable fabrics — linen and cotton are your best friends. Pack a light layer for cooler evenings and dressy attire for the wedding events.
Shoes: Pack comfortable shoes for cobblestones and block heels, espadrilles, or wedges for the celebrations. Portugal's charming streets are beautiful but unforgiving — plan your footwear accordingly.
DOCUMENTS
Passport, travel insurance info, and a screenshot of the venue address saved offline — cell service can be spotty on rural roads.
TAX-FREE SHOPPING
as non-EU visitors, Americans are eligible for a VAT refund of around 23% on purchases made in Portugal! When shopping, ask retailers for a tax-free form, spend a minimum of €50–€61 per store to qualify, and before you leave, stop by the Global Blue kiosk at the airport with your passport and receipts to claim your refund. Free money — don’t leave it behind!
Pro tip: Download the Global Blue or Planet Tax Free app before your trip to track your refunds and find participating stores near you!