Mafra Palace or Palácio Nacional de Mafra is certainly something to behold. Visitors to Portugal flock to Sintra to enjoy the delights of Pena Palace but they probably don’t realise that a mere 28 kilometres north of Lisbon there’s a far less touristy option. Mafra National Palace is home to oneRead More →
There are loads of things to see and do in Setúbal and the surrounding area, so much so it’s worthwhile staying a few nights to make the most of the opportunity. Setúbal is also a great base to explore Arrabida Natural Park; the Setúbal wine region, famous for moscatel wineRead 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 for accommodation if you want to be based in the heart of the city and within walking distance ofRead More →
Many visitors arriving in Portugal’s capital city find the urge to travel from Lisbon to Lagos in the Algarve. Whether you’re planning to visit the incredible Benagil caves, relax on some of the best beaches in Portugal, or discover some of the other many things to do in Lagos, theseRead 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 →
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 →
You can see quite a lot of the country without a car on this 2-week Portugal itinerary. The focus for this Portugal trip is on the areas around and in between Lisbon and Porto and there’s plenty of variety including some off the beaten track highlights as well as theRead More →
When thinking about things to do in Ericeira, a small coastal town just 35km northwest of Lisbon, what immediately comes to mind are surfing and beaches. However, although Ericeira has the distinction of being Europe’s first world surfing reserve and surfers travel from far and wide to enjoy the wavesRead More →
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 →