Exploring Portugal: Cliffs, Courts & Custard Tarts

Written By Amy Brown

Part 1: Courts & Coastlines: Portugal's Pickleball Surprise

We kicked off our summer adventure in Portugal, but the trip actually started with an unexpected bonus: a 22-hour layover in Barcelona. With barely enough time to breathe, we made a beeline for the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s famously unfinished masterpiece. Crowds, scaffolding, and all—it was still 100% worth it.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Off the Court: Porto & Lisbon Highlights

From Barcelona, we flew into Porto, a city I’ve dreamed of visiting for over a decade just to see the Livraria Lello, the world-famous bookstore that may have inspired parts of Harry Potter. We missed our original tour time (classic us), but ended up getting a private one instead. Their “Hidden Gems” tour turned out to be more about literary treasures than sparkly stones, but as book nerds, we were into it. When I mentioned to our amazing guide, Clarisse, that I was doing an Alice in Wonderland theme for my birthday this year, she led me straight to one of their most special items: a first edition copy of Alice in Wonderland. And yes—I got to hold it! Total goosebumps moment.

We also did the essentials: sipping Port wine, eating our weight in pastel de nata, and wandering Porto’s beautiful, tile-covered streets. It was short and sweet, but everything I hoped it would be.

Next stop: Lisbon—just for a night, to pick up Damon’s parents, who were joining us for my aunt’s wedding. Fun side note: even though it was my aunt getting married, Damon’s parents were invited because they hit it off with my family at our wedding three years ago. Worlds colliding—in the best way.

On the Court: Porches & Pickleball

Then it was on to Porches, in the Algarve, where the wedding would take place. Before the big day, we all did a family cave tour by boat, weaving through dramatic rock formations and hidden beaches. Highly recommend.

Bengali Caves, Portugal

The wedding was held at Vila Vita Parc, a five-star cliffside resort that honestly blew us away. Gorgeous landscaping, ocean views, and—surprise!—two brand new indoor pickleball courts. Naturally, we rallied with my cousin (whom we taught to play years ago). The courts were beautiful, but a little cramped on the sidelines—not ideal for full-out competitive play. Still, it was surreal to be playing pickleball in Portugal the morning of a family wedding.

After pickleball, we grabbed racquets and played a little tennis on a nearby clay court—which made us both laugh because tennis courts feel HUGE now after spending so much time on a pickleball court.

Now, would we host a retreat here? The setting is a dream, no question. Just covering lodging would be pricey, but we’re down if you are!

Family Moments & Final Impressions

The wedding itself was absolutely magical—set against the ocean with so many familiar faces in such an unfamiliar place. There was something really special about seeing both sides of our family laughing together halfway across the world.

The next day, we packed up and headed to Faro to catch our flight to France.

Portugal had officially set the bar high.

Other Pickleball Spots in Barcelona & Portugal (We Didn’t Make It to—But You Can!)

During our research, we came across a few more pickleball clubs in Barcelona & Portugal that we didn’t get a chance to visit ourselves. If you happen to check any of these out, let us know—we’d love to hear what you think!

Sometimes the best finds come from fellow travelers—so if you explore any hidden gems, share the love!

Next up: France—with castles, croissants, and painted pickleball lines.

Amy Brown
Next

What We Look for in a Pickleball Resort (and How We Play on the Road)