Wine estates, vineyards and river cruises are only part of the Douro Valley story. If you want to delve deeper into the local culture, traditions and history, you might want to consider adding a traditional village or two to your itinerary. Note: You’ll need a car to get to mostRead More →
A doll hospital may not be top of your list of things to see and do in Lisbon but if you have 30 minutes to spare, this unique place is worth visiting. Some tour groups pause outside the door but you really need to go in to appreciate how special the Hospital deRead More →
Like most visitors, the the first time I went to Valença do Minho I made a beeline for the fortress. It is, after all, where you’ll find the best views and architecture. Plus a whole load of gaudy towels and linens on the main shopping street! Valença do Minho, beyond the shops UnlessRead More →
Windmills line the hilltops in certain parts of Portugal, especially the Montejunto mountains near Lisbon. Sadly, most have been abandoned and are gradually decaying. Some, however, have been painstakingly restored and not only produce flour using traditional methods, they also host bread workshops and even wine tasting sessions. Moinho deRead More →
The small town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta sits just before the River Douro leaves the confines of the International Douro Natural park to begin its journey through the demarcated Alto Douro wine region. If you’re in the area, here’s what to expect from a visit to the townRead More →
The Portuguese countryside is speckled with historical villages but Monsanto holds the title of “Most Portuguese Village in Portugal”. Although I’m sure the people of Monsanto in Central Portugal are proud of this accolade, I don’t really understand why their village won it. Far from being quintessentially Portuguese, it’s oneRead More →
Having sampled some of the walking trails along the Alentejo coast, I’m now completely hooked on the area. The craggy landscape is relatively untouched, punctuated here and there by beautiful beaches and small towns, such as Vila Nova de Milfontes, Porto Covo and Odeceixe. Although I didn’t have time toRead More →
Most Douro river cruises concentrate on the stretch between Porto and Régua, Pinhão, or Barca d’Alva. Although the contours and lines of the Douro wine region, I wanted to see the natural park’s rugged, rocky landscape on an International Douro river cruise. With Las Arribas del Duero of Spain on one side andRead More →
The Serra d’Arga in northern Portugal gets few visitors, least of all foreign ones. Which is a shame, because these mountains are really rather beautiful and easy to get to if you’re staying in the western Minho area. Venture into them and you’ll find traditional villages, rural agricultural practices, wild horses andRead More →
