Baroque facade of Brejoeira Palace near Moncao. One of the best palaces in Portugal

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 →

Detail of tomb of Inês wearing crown, Alcobaça. Photo © Carolyn Miller

The heartbreaking tale of Pedro and Inês, Portugal’s famously ill-fated lovers inspired me to visit Alcobaça, a pretty town in the Silver Coast of Central Portugal. The theme of love is a strong part of Alcobaça’s identity and you’ll see it reflected throughout the town, which is also known forRead More →

Green Porto road sign over highway.

When planning a trip to Portugal, many people look at Lisbon and see that the second largest city, Porto, doesn’t seem very far away. In fact, the distance from Lisbon to Porto is 197 miles by car, 170 if you fly, although that’s not the best way to travel fromRead More →

Village and Beach Buarcos Figueira da Foz.

The attractions of this seaside Silver Coast town have been enticing Portuguese and other holidaymakers for many years. If you’re wanting to take some time to explore the many things to do here and are looking for the best Figueira da Foz hotel to lay your head, then check outRead More →

River at Moinhos do Maneio, Penamacor, Portugal

Exploring Portugal off the beaten path will lead you to many pleasant surprises, such as traditional villages, stunning landscapes and fascintating history. It doesn’t take much to leave the tourist trail behind and for this article, I’d like to tell you about some places in the east of the countryRead More →

Best places to stay near Obidos, Portugal

If spending time in a quaint medieval town in Central Portugal appeals to you, it’s worth considering staying in or around Óbidos for a night or two. There’s an intriguing range of hotels in Obidos ranging from unusual to sublime. I’ll elaborate on the best Óbidos accommodations within this articleRead More →

Coimbra and Mondego River from Santa Clara bridge

Whether you spend one night in this charming riverside city or several, my insider tips should help you decide where to stay in Coimbra. I’ve selected my favourite hotels in Coimbra and apartments that I consider to be stylish, well-located and good value in three distinctly different parts of theRead More →

Couple sharing romantic sunset dinner on the beach. Romantic getaways in Portugal

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 →