Porto and Dom Luís I bridge

I often get asked about things to do in Porto, especially its ‘must sees’. In my experience, this intriguing city has such a lot to offer that it’s hard to narrow down the selection. It’s a city whose architecture spans millennia with traces of Roman dwellings, plenty of medieval housesRead More →

Santa Barbara Gardens at night, Braga, Portugal

There are so many things to see and do in Braga and the surrounding area that it’s well worth staying overnight. Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Braga, from superb hotels to comfortable guesthouses. Not forgetting spacious apartments for when you want a little moreRead More →

Porto city at sunrise. Lots of historical buildings and holiday apartments for rent

As we all know choosing the right place to stay can make or break a vacation. No one wants cramped, dingy lodgings in a dodgy part of the city. I’ve written this insider guide to the best apartments in Porto for short stays so that you can feel confident aboutRead More →

Old buildings in Ribeira district of Porto on the bank of Douro river, Portugal

Looking for a lovely place to stay in Porto? I’ve got you covered. There are several wonderfully stylish guesthouses and boutique hotels in Porto that will make your experience of the city even more memorable and unique. To make it easier for you to choose, I’ve selected 12 of theRead More →

View along railings in square, Guimarães, Portugal

Spending a night or two in the ancient northern city of Guimarães, which is known as Portugal’s birthplace, will really give you a sense of the proud history of this country. To help you do that, take a look at my suggestions for lovely places to stay, from the bestRead More →

Landscape around Pinhão, Douro Valley Portugal

Are you having trouble deciding whether or where to stay in the Douro Valley? If so, this insider guide will help you with your choice. The breathtakingly beautiful Douro wine region has become one of Portugal’s “must see” destinations. While it’s possible to get a quick glimpse of the Douro’sRead More →

Deciding where to stay in Porto is much easier with a little insight into its layout. It’s always been a favourite city of mine and one that I return to again and again, even after 16+ years of living in Portugal! During that time, I’ve stayed in several different neighbourhoodsRead More →

Afife beach. Unspoilt Atlantic coastline, northern Portugal

My experience of a multi-day walking route along the varied and unspoilt Atlantic coastline of northern Portugal’s Costa Verde (Green Coast) was unforgettable in so many ways, especially as the pace allows time and energy to appreciate the scenery, towns and villages along the route. If you dream of spendingRead More →

Tile painting workshop in Porto with brushes and pots of paint on table

By Mike Homer If you spend even a short time in Portugal you can’t help but notice painted tiles (azulejos) adorning the walls of palaces, churches and houses the length and breadth of the country. Originally from Persia, tiles arrived on the Iberian peninsula in the 13th century, becoming definitivelyRead More →