Cobbled lanes, Jardim do Mar. What to do in Madeira island

If you’re wondering what to do in Madeira, this travel guide will help you discover the sights beyond its capital city, Funchal. The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it mostly green and beautiful with an abundance of flowers, which is just one of the things I love about it. ItsRead More →

Curral das Freiras nestled in mountains. One of 3 easy walks in Madeira, Portugal

With its dramatic volcanic mountains and craters, Madeira island really is a paradise for walkers. You won’t catch me scaling the peaks of Pico do Areiro or Pico Ruivo any time soon but I have now done five fairly easy walks in Madeira. (Originally, this article contained just 3 walks but I’ve updatedRead More →

Trapped, Museu do Oriente, Lisbon

Like most cities, Lisbon is steeped in history and even has an interactive museum dedicated to its story. While the Lisbon Story Centre certainly helps you understand the background to the enticing blend of old and new that shapes Portugal’s capital, it’s not one of the best Lisbon museums. There are many others thatRead More →

Porto and Dom Luís I bridge

I often get asked about things to do in Porto, especially its ‘must sees’. In my experience, this intriguing city has such a lot to offer that it’s hard to narrow down the selection. It’s a city whose architecture spans millennia with traces of Roman dwellings, plenty of medieval housesRead More →

The Portas da Cidade and the clock tower of Sao Sabastian church through the arch, Azores Portugal

Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel Island, is the capital of the Azores archipelago of Portugal and, as such, has some super places to stay. Based on my experiences of staying in this pretty city, here is my selection of Ponta Delgada hotels and other accommodation, including apartments. I’ve handpicked aRead More →

Looking along bridge, tourists walk along bridge in Tavira, Portugal

Tavira, a small town in the eastern Algarve, straddles the Gilão River and is the perfect place in which to take your time and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a great place to stay in the Algarve if you want to be away from the built-up tourist hotspots,Read More →

Santa Barbara Gardens at night, Braga, Portugal

There are so many things to see and do in Braga and the surrounding area that it’s well worth staying overnight. Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Braga, from superb hotels to comfortable guesthouses. Not forgetting spacious apartments for when you want a little moreRead More →

Best places to stay near Obidos, Portugal

If spending time in a quaint medieval town in Central Portugal appeals to you, it’s worth considering staying in or around Óbidos for a night or two. I love spending the night here as the cobbled streets take on a different air once the day trippers have left. It becomesRead More →