Infinity pool, Loriga river beach, Serra da Estrela

Loriga river beach claimed a place on my wish list when it was voted as one of the finalists in the beaches edition of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. Once you’ve seen photos of the turquoise rock pool nestled in the mountains, you’ll understand the appeal and may even wish to find somewhereRead More →

3-Island lake, Quinta da Aveleda, Penafiel

If you’re in the mood for enchanting gardens filled with flowers and follies followed by wine and cheese tasting, read on. You’ll find all these treats at Quinta da Aveleda in northern Portugal. The Guedes family have been producing wine on this estate since 1870 but the main building datesRead More →

Columns and capitals, Santa Maria de Pombeiro Monastery

Over the last few years, I’ve developed a fascination with stone sculptures. Fortunately, for me, there are plenty to be found in Portugal. It’s only recently, however, that I’ve realised that much of the craftsmanship I admire belongs to Romanesque architecture. This distinctive style and structure became popular in the churchesRead More →

Serpins

The sleepy little village of Serpins in central Portugal may have seen better days but there are still a few treats both in and around it. As well as having its own river beach, there’s a beautiful gorge a little further upstream below a charming hilltop viewpoint. Its unusual curved railwayRead More →

Freshly baked pasteis de Tentúgal

Portugal is famous for its pastries, especially the pastel de nata custard tart. But each region has its own special recipes and cakes to discover. In a small village near Coimbra in central Portugal, I learned how the recipe for pastel de Tentúgal, that originated in the local convent, isRead More →