The wide waters of the Tagus River are an integral part of Lisbon’s identity and history. As well as reflecting the kind of light that inspires poetry, the river brings the city boats of all sizes carrying fish, workers, tourists and shipping containers from distant shores. Intrepid navigators once setRead More →
For years I had it in my head that Setúbal was a dreary industrial city of little interest. Happily, I was wrong. At less than 40 minutes drive or a 55-minute train ride from Lisbon to Setubal, it’s an easy day trip but one I’d never bothered taking. I was,Read More →
Picture a collection of whitewashed cottages perched on a cliff overlooking a sandy beach and rocky coastline and you’ve got the village of Azenhas do Mar. In fact, you may already have seen images of this charming village within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park – it’s very photogenic. Mike and I wentRead More →
You really don’t have to go far from Lisbon to find stunning landscapes and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Simply take a day trip south across the River Tagus to the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park and you’ll find white sand and turquoise waters backed by greenery and limestoneRead More →
I’ve been busy working on my plans for Portugal travel in 2018 and already have a long list of places to visit. If previous years are anything to go by, I probably won’t make it to all the destinations on my wish list this year but this post may inspireRead More →
It’s only when I stop and take a little while to look back on 2017 that I realise how many places in Portugal I visited last year. Some had been on my wish list for a very long time and others were return visits to familiar yet beloved destinations forRead More →
Lisbon, the World’s Leading City Break Destination in 2017, is in an extremely fortunate position. Not only is it a fascinating riverside city, it’s also within spitting distance of stunningly beautiful beaches, natural parks, medieval castle towns, distinct wine regions and historical sights. Make time in your Portugal itinerary forRead More →
Medieval hermits and Franciscan monks certainly picked some attractive spots to settle in Portugal. Clinging to the slopes and carved out of the Arrábida mountains just south of Lisbon, Convento da Arrábida gazes out across green hills, turquoise waters and strips and swirls of white sandy beaches. As Mike andRead More →
The pretty coastal resort town of Cascais is one of the easiest day trips from Lisbon and worth the 40-minute train ride from Cais do Sodré station. Once you step off the train, you’re pretty much in the centre of Cascais old town, filled with patterned pavements, boutiques, cafés andRead More →