Aug 20, 2026
Chasing the Sun South
Three months, mostly Portugal, built around one embarrassingly simple idea: go where it's warm, and keep going as it gets colder. Here's the whole plan.
On the road · Oct 19, 2026 – Jan 15, 2027
Portugal Winter 2026 / 27
Three months following the warm coast south — a week of ADE in Amsterdam, a month living in Lisbon, a detour to Marrakesh for the film festival, December in the Algarve, and New Year's fireworks over Madeira.
- Right now
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Next up
- Lisbon, PortugalOct 26, 2026
- Stops
- 7
The route
Oct 19 – Oct 26, 2026Here nowAmsterdam, Netherlands
NetherlandsThe week is built around ADE — the Amsterdam Dance Event, Oct 21–25 — the biggest electronic music festival on earth, with 300+ venues turning the whole city into one dance floor. Days for the canals and the old city, nights for the music.
Oct 26 – Nov 20, 2026Lisbon, Portugal
PortugalThe city month, timed for the mildest, most golden early weeks. Basing in Santos on the riverside — trams up the hills, tiled façades, the light coming off the Tagus, and a serious late-night scene when the mood strikes.
Nov 20 – Nov 30, 2026Marrakesh, Morocco
MoroccoDown for the Marrakesh International Film Festival — free public screenings out in the great square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, the whole city lifted a notch. Souks, riads, mint tea, and the Atlas mountains on the horizon.
Nov 30 – Dec 5, 2026Setúbal, Portugal
PortugalReal, working-town Portugal just south of Lisbon, where the Arrábida hills tumble into clear turquoise coves. Some of the best seafood in the country, and dolphins in the estuary.
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Dec 5 – Dec 29, 2026Lagos, Algarve
PortugalThe December home base — the warmest, sunniest corner of the mainland, gold sandstone cliffs and hidden coves, deliberately saved for the coldest, wettest stretch of winter. Side-trips out to Tavira and Sagres when the mood hits.
Dec 29, 2026 – Jan 12, 2027Funchal, Madeira
PortugalFlying out before New Year's, then settling in for two weeks. Subtropical and evergreen — one of the warmest, sunniest spots in all of Europe in December — and a record-breaking fireworks show over the bay to ring in the year. Levada walks, sea cliffs, and Madeira wine.
Jan 12 – Jan 15, 2027Lisbon, Portugal
PortugalA few last days back in the city to wrap up — a final round of the places that made the first month.