By Ann Abel

For five years now, I’ve regularly been singing the praises of the Portuguese capital. But it also turns out that you can go about an hour from Lisbon, or less, in almost any direction, and come across something completely different and completely wonderful. Here are seven places to end a tour of Portugal—or to make into a trip all their own.

Go Small

Villa Epicurea

This nature retreat in the Arrábida mountains was inspired by Epicurus’s garden philosophy—a private and pleasurable space that’s apart from the city. Pleasure is a priority, but it’s generally of the healthful sort. The food—a daily made-to-order breakfast and three-course dinners on request—is organic, from local farmers, vegetarian and delicious. The sea views from the three suites in the main house and the two standalone eco-villas are healing in their own right … continue reading

Ann Abel is a travel writer and editor and was a senior editor at ForbesLife. She writes for Forbes, Departures, Conde Nast Traveller, Robb Report, Afar, National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Brides, Modern Bride, Well + Good NYC, and other print and online publications.”In the name of lifestyle journalism, ” she says, ” I’ve gotten a tattoo in Bora Bora, been bitten by a massage therapist, and flown small aircraft above three continents.” She lives in Lisbon.