If you’re going to be spending Christmas in Portugal, or New Year, and don’t know what to expect, this post is for you. Find out how and where to celebrate, how the Portuguese do things and what events are going on during the festive season, updated for 2022. Portuguese familyRead More →
Where’s the best place to stay in Lisbon if you’re visiting for the first time? Chiado, Baixa, Principe Real, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade, and possibly Alfama, are the best areas for accommodation if you want to be based in the heart of the city and within walking distance ofRead More →
What makes Portugal such a great place for a vacation? Why visit Portugal when the rest of Europe has so much to offer? Is it the beautiful beaches or historic monuments? Or maybe it’s because of its friendly locals who welcome tourists from around the globe. Whatever the attraction is,Read More →
As well as walking both main routes of the Portuguese Camino north of Porto, including the Variante Espiritual, I’m happy to say that I’ve now walked to the “End of the World” on the Camino de Finisterre and Muxía, which starts in Santiago de Compostela. I’m becoming a bit ofRead More →
Many visitors arriving in Portugal’s capital city find the urge to travel from Lisbon to Lagos in the Algarve. Whether you’re planning to visit the incredible Benagil caves, relax on some of the best beaches in Portugal, or discover some of the other many things to do in Lagos, theseRead More →
Some of the best examples of Portuguese architecture can be found in its stunning palaces. They are known for their grandeur and beauty, with several having been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Many of the palaces in Portugal are influenced by a range of styles; an eclectic mixture from Neo-ManuelineRead More →
Having followed the Camino Português to Santiago de Compostela on the main route from Porto, I remained curious about the Camino Espiritual, which leaves the main trail just after Pontevedra and rejoins it in Pontecessures near Padrón. Now that I’ve done the Variante Espiritual, as it’s also known, or SalnésRead More →
The heartbreaking tale of Pedro and Inês, Portugal’s famously ill-fated lovers inspired me to visit Alcobaça, a pretty town in the Silver Coast of Central Portugal. The theme of love is a strong part of Alcobaça’s identity and you’ll see it reflected throughout the town, which is also known forRead More →
The enchanting UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Sintra is an understandably popular destination. Although it’s less than an hour from Lisbon, it’s a world apart. We’re talking forested hills filled with fanciful palaces, romantic gardens, centuries-old castles and convents, all contained within a natural park fringed by beautiful beaches. InRead More →