Portugal is more famous for sunshine than for snow, which is why yesterday’s walk in the Serra da Estrela mountains was such a novelty. I’d arranged to join a group of people on a hike around Lagoa Comprida which is at an altitude of 1580 metres. The weather forecast promised a clearRead More →
Last January, I published a rather ambitious list of places in Portugal that I wanted to visit in 2014. Looking back at the list a year later, did I make it to all of them? Almost! Plus a few extra trips that weren’t even on the list. I’m busy working out myRead More →
A day trip to Azeitão, a pretty village just south of Lisbon, proved to be a feast for the eyes as well as my stomach. Among the things to see and do in Azeitão are many of my favourite aspects of Portugal plus some unexpected treats. Not only did I get to tasteRead More →
Getting to the tiny Serra Amarela mountain village of Ermida is an adventure in itself. A single track road twists steeply up the mountainside, affording occasional gut-lurching glimpses of a rocky river bed in the canyon below. I decided to play it safe and pull over into a lay-by to admireRead More →
I was concerned that the village of Monsaraz might be overly touristy, perhaps even a little tacky. I needn’t have worried. From the moment Mike and I walked through the ancient archway into the walled medieval village, we were smitten. What’s not to love about cobbled streets and smartly whitewashed stoneRead More →
My guest traveller this week is Natalie Bheeni. She and her family managed to pack in an impressive number and range of sights during their 10-day road trip to Portugal. I don’t think I could manage to fit so much into a single trip but this is proof that it canRead More →
If you visit Ponte de Lima, you’re bound to see at least one of the stone sculptures made by the Sequeiros brothers. I’ve admired their work and photographed it on previous trips but this time, I had the opportunity to visit their workshop and showroom in Calheiros. The grassy verge in frontRead More →
Senhora do Salto means Lady of the Leap, an intriguing name for a picturesque gorge and natural park in northern Portugal. There is, of course, a story behind it. Legend of the Lady of the leap According to the legend, a knight on horseback was being chased by the devil in the formRead More →
It’s been a while since I interviewed anyone about their experience of travelling in Portugal but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Carolyn’s detailed descriptions, observations and helpful insights. Note: This interview is part of a series that I conducted with other people who had recently travelled to Portugal, back in 2012-2014) Hi Carolyn,Read More →
