Elvas is one of Portugal’s most underrated historic towns. Close to the Spanish border in eastern Alentejo, this UNESCO World Heritage city is best known for its vast star-shaped fortifications, military history and impressive aqueduct. But what surprised me most when I revisited Elvas recently was how enjoyable it isRead More →
Évora is one of the best places to stay in Portugal if you want a base with history, atmosphere and enough to do without needing a packed itinerary. This UNESCO-listed Alentejo city is compact enough to explore on foot but interesting enough to deserve more than a rushed day trip.Read More →
There’s more to Évora than the chilling Chapel of Bones.Read More →
I first wondered whether the hilltop village of Monsaraz might feel too touristy, perhaps a little contrived. From the moment Mike and I walked through the ancient archway into the walled medieval citadel, that thought vanished. Monsaraz is one of those special places where the narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed housesRead 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 →
Narrowing down the selection of idyllic locations for romantic getaways in Portugal has been a tough job. There’s just so much choice! To keep it simple, I’ve highlighted places for every region in Portugal where you and your sweetheart can feel the love and not just on Valentine’s Day. Table ofRead More →
Every two years, the white-walled Alentejan town of Redondo becomes awash with colour and creativity during the Ruas Floridas (Flowered Streets) festival. Don’t be fooled by the name; there much more to this event than paper flowers. The forty-three participating streets are filled with themed displays ranging from football toRead More →
One of Mértola’s merits is its location. Ensconced within the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, the alluring medieval village is also a convenient base for nature lovers wanting to go on walks or adventures in the countryside (see my hotel picks at the end of the article). The historical centre of Mértola village is builtRead More →
The very first time I first visited Marvão, in the Alentejo region of Portugal, I was on foot and weary after a couple of botched attempts to follow a walking trail uphill to the village. After eventually finding the correct cobbled path through the cork oaks, I emerged in aRead More →
