There are several cute towns and villages in Central Portugal that have become known for something very specific, like their medieval style streets, an important monument or an old castle. Caldas da Rainha, however, has flourished mostly because of its history as a spa town and its hyperrealistic ceramics, whetherRead More →
Belém is a fascinating part of Lisbon, although it was originally way outside the city and important for its strategic position near the mouth of the River Tagus. With its illustrious naval history, medieval monuments and recent crop of cool museums, there are plenty of things to do in Belém.Read More →
The breathtakingly beautiful Douro wine region has become one of Portugal’s must see destinations. Commonly referred to as the Douro Valley, the UNESCO World Heritage landscape actually extends way beyond the Douro River and is dotted with towns, villages and wine estates. When deciding whether or where to stay inRead 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 if you want to be based in the heart of the city and within walking distance of major sights,Read More →
There are countless fairs and festivals in Portugal, celebrating everything from obscure beans to Roman heritage. Finding out about them can sometimes be a challenge so my guide to some of the best Portugal festivals is designed to give you a starting point. Note that smaller festival dates, and especiallyRead More →
Plenty of people only think of sunny Portugal as a summer destination but that’s a mistake. To be honest, summer is my least favourite time of year for Portugal travel as it’s too hot and crowded for my liking. Despite the cooler temperatures and increased likelihood of rain, I thinkRead More →
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. Click one of these linksRead More →
Portugal is proud of its unique crafts, food and drink so you’ll find plenty of options when you’re looking for gifts from Portugal. You don’t have to look hard to find souvenirs of Portugal that please all tastes and personalities, from your coworker to your mother-in-law there’s no excuse forRead More →
If, like me, enjoying a nice glass of wine is among your favourite hobbies, chances are you’ve held a bottle stopper made from Portuguese cork. Even if you prefer a fancy French champagne, the stopper is probably made of, you guessed it, cork from Portugal. Stroll down the high streetRead More →
