Porto has enough to keep you busy for several days, but it’s also one of the easiest cities in Portugal to use as a base. Within an hour or two you can be tasting wine in the Douro Valley, wandering medieval streets in Guimarães, swimming at Atlantic beaches or hikingRead More →
Private tours to the Douro Valley understandably cost more than small group tours, so they’re not the right choice for everyone. Having explored the Douro Valley independently, on small group tours and on a private tour, I’d say the extra cost is justified if you value flexibility, exclusive winery visitsRead More →
If you only have one day to explore the Douro Valley, you’ve essentially got three choices: join a small group tour, book a private tour or organise the day yourself. I’ve explored the Douro Valley all three ways over several visits and each has its advantages. The journey from Porto takesRead More →
Benagil Cave is one of the Algarve’s most famous natural attractions, but visiting it has become more regulated in recent years due to safety concerns and overcrowding. You can no longer swim into the cave or explore it independently by paddleboard or kayak. Most visitors now experience Benagil Cave onRead More →
Coimbra is often overshadowed by Lisbon and Porto, but it remains one of Portugal’s most rewarding cities to explore. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage university, centuries of fascinating history and a lively student culture, Coimbra combines grand monuments with riverside parks, traditional fado and a distinctly local atmosphere. AsRead More →
Albufeira is one of the Algarve’s busiest holiday destinations and it’s not everyone’s idea of Portugal. Parts of it can feel heavily geared towards tourism, especially in peak summer. That said, there are good reasons why so many people stay here. Albufeira has excellent beaches, plenty of accommodation and easyRead More →
Setúbal is often overlooked by visitors rushing between Lisbon and the Algarve, which is a shame because it has a lot more going for it than most people realise. Just 55 minutes from Lisbon by train, Setúbal combines excellent seafood, colourful street art, a lively market, dolphin watching in theRead More →
A lot of people arrive in Porto thinking they’ll see everything in a day or two, then realise how many worthwhile places and experiences there are once they start exploring. Last update: May 2026 There are the obvious highlights like the Ribeira, São Bento station and the port wine lodgesRead More →
Lamego is one of the most interesting towns in Portugal’s Douro Valley, known for its monumental baroque staircase, historic centre, sparkling wine and cultural attractions. I often recommend it to people who want a break from vineyard visits and river cruises without losing the character and atmosphere of the Douro.Read More →
