Episode 79 – Portugal Travel Tips for first time visitors with Julie Dawn Fox
In episode 79 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy is joined by Portugal aficionado and writer Julie Dawn Fox of JulieDawnFox.com, who shares her deep local knowledge and practical tips for first-time visitors to Portugal.
Together, they go beyond the country’s most iconic highlights including Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve to explore regional variety, hidden gems, transport advice, and unique experiences that can make any trip truly memorable.
Drawing from her years of living in central Portugal and helping travellers discover its lesser-known corners, Julie demystifies the country’s geography and cultural diversity.
The conversation covers choosing the best time to visit, creating flexible itineraries, navigating trains and car hire, and understanding dining and cultural etiquette.
With guidance on everything from sampling local cheeses and sweets to avoiding common planning pitfalls, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiring stories to help you plan your own Portuguese adventure.
Plan your perfect Portugal adventure with confidence – Download Julie’s Portugal Trip Planning Toolkit.
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Episode 79 – What you’ll learn in this episode
- 📍 How to approach Portugal’s regions beyond the usual cities and plan a trip that matches your interests.
- 📅 Strategies for building a realistic itinerary and not overpacking your schedule (with ideas for 7–10 day trips).
- 🚄 Tips on using trains, buses, and car rentals, and what to know about public transport limitations.
- 🛏️ Ways to economise on accommodation, from hotels to apartments, plus the benefits of local markets and self-catering.
- 🥢 Must-try foods and drinks, think pastéis de nata, runny cheeses, bacalhau, Portuguese wine, and more, plus dining etiquette basics.
- 😲 The importance of flexibility, the value of off-season travel, and the joy of unexpected discoveries in Portugal’s smaller towns and villages.
Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned
🌍 Places
- Lisbon – Portugal’s vibrant capital with historic neighbourhoods and iconic trams
- Porto – Riverside city famous for port wine cellars and the Douro River
- The Algarve – Golden beaches plus quieter inland and east/west coast areas
- Douro Valley – Terraced vineyards and river scenery
- Minho (Northwest) – Green landscapes, traditions, and Camino de Santiago stops
- Peneda-Gerês National Park – Villages and natural beauty in Portugal’s only national park
- Central Portugal – Coimbra, schist villages, Dao and Bairrada wine regions
- Sintra – Palaces and gardens, with quieter options beyond Pena Palace
- Caldas da Rainha – Ceramics, markets, and relaxed atmosphere
- Óbidos – Photogenic medieval walled town
- Alcobaça – UNESCO Cistercian monastery
- Alentejo – Rolling plains, cork forests, Évora’s Roman and prehistoric heritage
- Rota Vicentina – Coastal hiking trail along the Alentejo and Algarve
- Madeira & Azores – Volcanic islands with dramatic scenery and outdoor activities
- Guimarães & Braga – Historic cities near Porto
- Peniche – Rugged beaches and rock formations
- Vila Nova de Gaia – Across from Porto, home to port wine lodges
🍴 Foods
- Pastel de Nata – Classic custard tart
- Serra da Estrela & Queijo de Azeitão – Buttery sheep’s milk cheeses
- Naco na Pedra – Steak cooked on a hot stone
- Polvo à Lagareiro – Roasted octopus with potatoes and olive oil
- Bacalhau – Salted cod in many variations
- Ginjinha – Cherry liqueur, sometimes in chocolate cups
- Licor Beirão – Herbal liqueur from central Portugal
- Portuguese Wines – Douro, Alentejo, Dao, Bairrada, Moscatel
- Menu do Dia – Good-value set lunch menus
💡 Concepts
- Copertos (Covers) – Bread, olives, or appetisers may incur a charge
- Senhas (Tickets) – Numbered slips for queues in shops and cafés
Links
Follow Julie
- Website – JulieDawnFox.com
- Instagram – @juliedawnfox
Podcasts
- Episode 42– Discover Italy: Essential tips for first-time visitors
- Episode 45 – Germany Travel Guide: Expert Tips for first-time visitors
- Episode 57 – 15 Essential Europe Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Articles
Guest Bio – Julie Dawn Fox
Julie Dawn Fox is a seasoned travel expert and founder of Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal, a travel blog and consultancy that empowers independent travellers to plan unforgettable trips to Portugal.
Through her award-winning blog, Julie shares insider information about Portugal’s culture, history, hiking, and culinary experiences, helping mature, culturally-curious travellers discover off-the-beaten-path destinations and authentic experiences as well as iconic landmarks and vibrant cities.
With a passion for the outdoors, small towns and sustainable travel, Julie’s practical and approachable style enables DIY travellers to enjoy enriching, authentic journeys across Portugal, with a perfect balance of flexibility and expert guidance.
With over 17 years’ experience of living and travelling in Portugal, she offers itinerary design and travel consultancy services, practical travel guides, DIY itineraries and self-guided walking tours. Julie also collaborates with a network of trusted local partners to provide tours and travel services tailored to her clients’ needs.
