Deciding where to stay in Porto is much easier with a little insight into its layout. The city is compact but wonderfully varied; one moment you’re wandering medieval lanes, the next you’re browsing indie shops or heading off on a romantic riverside walk. During my 18+ years of living inRead More →

Bandstand and monastery, Sitio, Nazaré. Best time to visit Portugal

If you’re wondering when to visit Portugal, the short answer is: it depends on what you want from your trip. Portugal has mild winters, hot summers and plenty of sunshine, but conditions vary a lot between the north, centre and Algarve. This guide takes you through the best months forRead More →

Inside Lisbon's Christmas tree. Image by Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

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. Note: As information becomes availableRead More →

View of Pinhao Beach in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal with blue sea

If you’re already dreaming about a Portugal trip in 2026, now’s the time to start thinking about when to book. While 2026 might sound far off, the best rooms, small-group tours, and boutique stays can fill up a year or more in advance, especially in Portugal’s most popular regions. TravelRead More →

People looking out to sea, Sagres, Portugal

Are you wondering whether there are enough things to do in Sagres to justify a day trip or considering using it as a base when you’re in the Algarve? Read on to find out what’s in store so that you can decide if it’s the right place for you toRead More →

View from castle walls, one of the things to see and do in Loulé, Algarve, Portugal. Photography by Julie Dawn Fox

Thanks to its inland location, Loulé has remained unscathed from the blight of holiday resorts that mar some of the coastal areas in the Algarve. What you’ll find here is a quiet, attractive town with a strong local community and plenty of culture and creativity. Here are some of the things to doRead More →

Man on a rock gazing at mountains on a Portugal hiking trail in Peneda-Gerês National Park

Portugal has many spectacular hiking trails to offer, with a range of difficulty levels and a huge variety in landscapes. I’ve had the pleasure of walking in every region of mainland Portugal as well as many of the islands of Madeira and the Azores. Here are some of my favouriteRead More →

Monte cable car. Things to do in Funchal, Madeira Portugal

You’ll find there are plenty of things to do in Funchal, Madeira Island’s capital city. Some of the city’s most worthwhile attractions are way above sea level and best reached by cable car but the journey is part of the fun. Thankfully, old town Funchal is relatively flat and easyRead More →

Jardim das Barrocas, Barcelos Portugal

This small city in northern Portugal is famous for the legend that lies behind the painted souvenir rooster of Barcelos. Judging by the number of giant cockerels dotted around the historical centre, this is still its main claim to fame but there are more things to do in Barcelos thanRead More →