Glorious greenery, Fajã dos Cubres, São Jorge, Azores

The Portuguese islands of the Azores, set in the mid-Atlantic, are characterised by dramatic landscapes, lake-filled calderas, fishing villages and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas. And tea and pineapple plantations. There are also some fabulous places to stay in the archipelago, from the best Azores hotels to guesthouses, mostly with staggeringRead More →

Olhao city scape with dome of church

I always enjoy visiting Olhão in the Algarve but I was a little nervous about taking a visiting friend there in April to show her its understated charms. Would she find it too low key or shabby? Not at all! In fact, she loved its laid back authenticity, as didRead More →

View from lookout Vista do Rei into the volcano caldera Sete Cidades (Sao Miguel, Azores Islands)

If you’re looking for a great hotel in São Miguel, Azores, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether it’s the celebrity treatment you’re looking for or the chance to spend some time relaxing in the middle of lush greenery, this amazing island is guaranteed to give you a vacation you’ll neverRead 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. Here is my selection of Ponta Delgada hotels and other accommodation, including apartments, that will help make your stay in this part of Portugal special. ForRead More →

Boats in harbour at Alvor town, Algarve

Considering that it’s a small fishing village in the Algarve, you may not expect there to be many things to do in Alvor. You’d be wrong! Especially if you enjoy walking and being in nature. With the exception of a cluster of high rise apartment blocks near Praia da Torralta,Read More →

Colourful ceramics for sale in Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

If you are a non-EU resident planning a trip to Portugal, you might not realise that you are eligible for tax-free shopping. Even if shopping is not really your “thing”, you may want to purchase some Portuguese wines, produce, jewellery, clothing or crafts to take home so why not saveRead More →

Caldas de Monchique, Algarve surrounded by trees.

If you’re looking for an inland town to visit in the Algarve, you’ll find several things to do in Monchique that more than justify the journey into the hills. Monchique is a gorgeous little town in the Serra de Monchique mountain range and is surrounded by forested slopes. Although itRead More →