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 →

View of cityscape of Viseu, Portugal

Why should you visit Viseu in central Portugal? Well, perhaps because it’s such a lovely place that it’s repeatedly been voted ‘Best city in Portugal to live in’. I won’t be moving up there any time soon but I am pleased to have got to know it a little better.Read More →

Cobbled lanes, Jardim do Mar. What to do in Madeira island

If you’re wondering what to do in Madeira, this travel guide will help you discover the sights beyond its capital city, Funchal. The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it mostly green and beautiful with an abundance of flowers, which is just one of the things I love about it. ItsRead More →

Curral das Freiras nestled in mountains. One of 3 easy walks in Madeira, Portugal

With its dramatic volcanic mountains and craters, Madeira island really is a paradise for walkers. You won’t catch me scaling the peaks of Pico do Areiro or Pico Ruivo any time soon but I have now done five fairly easy walks in Madeira. (Originally, this article contained just 3 walks but I’ve updatedRead More →

Trapped, Museu do Oriente, Lisbon

Like most cities, Lisbon is steeped in history and even has an interactive museum dedicated to its story. While the Lisbon Story Centre certainly helps you understand the background to the enticing blend of old and new that shapes Portugal’s capital, it’s not one of the best Lisbon museums. There are many others thatRead More →