Driving to the picturesque village of Piodão is a scenic adventure full of hairpin bends and narrow roads that snake through the mountains. On clear days, the views are spectacular. The terraced fields and stone walls of low-lying arable land contrast with the barren heights of the Serra do Açor. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a picture postcard cluster of tightly packedRead More →
By Mike Homer If you spend even a short time in Portugal you can’t help but notice painted tiles (azulejos) adorning the walls of palaces, churches and houses the length and breadth of the country. Originally from Persia, tiles arrived on the Iberian peninsula in the 13th century, becoming definitivelyRead More →
By Mike Homer I always feel that one of the best ways to get a feel for a city is to find a walking tour that covers the “must see” highlights, led by an enthusiastic local with plenty of insider knowledge. That’s exactly what I got on this 3-hour smallRead More →
To make sure you don’t miss any of the sights, sounds and opportunities on offer when visiting Portugal, it’s a good idea to have reliable and easy access to the internet. This will also enable you to use apps like WhatsApp for free phone calls and Google Maps for navigation,Read 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 →
Where’s the best place to stay in Lisbon if you’re visiting for the first time? The central neighbourhoods of 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 andRead More →
I met with the representatives of the EU’s forthcoming travel authorisation schemes at a travel blogging conference earlier this year; they are keen to spread the word and ensure that travellers don’t get caught unawares. There are two rules that will be coming into force over the next 6-8 monthsRead More →
I’m always looking for an excuse to visit Guimarães. This ancient northern city is known as the cradle or birthplace of Portugal so its wealth of cultural heritage is hardly surprising, nor is its UNESCO World Heritage classification. There are plenty of things to do in Guimaraes and it’s road andRead More →
Evora is one of those small, attractive Portuguese cities that really deserves spending quality time in. While you can visit its highlights on a day trip if time is short, consider adding at least a couple of nights to your itinerary. To make that easier to do, this article isRead More →
