The southern side of the Douro Valley gets far less attention than the north, which makes it perfect for an off-the-beaten-track walking holiday. I had the privilege of experiencing this 1-week, self-guided hiking vacation in the Douro wine region while working on the written descriptions and route instructions that theRead More →
As we all know choosing the best place to stay can make or break a vacation. No one wants cramped, dingy lodgings in a dodgy part of the city. While I enjoy staying in hotels, sometimes we need that extra space, privacy or maybe the use of a well equippedRead More →
There are some wonderful 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 where to stay, I’ve selected 10 of the best boutique accommodations in Porto city centre. Whether you’re lookingRead More →
I’ve visited the Douro Valley countless times and every time I go, I learn, see and experience something new. On this occasion, instead of the small groupDouro Valley tours I’d previously tried, I decided to go for the private wine tour experience to see how it differs from small groupRead More →
Much of the Douro Valley’s tourism is currently centred between Lamego and Pinhão but the wine-producing activity extends way beyond the Douro River, to the town of São João da Pesqueira and beyond. The small town in the hills to the south of the river, after which this Douro sub-districtRead More →
This small city in northern Portugal is famous for the legend that lies behind the painted souvenir rooster of Barcelos. Judging by the number of giant cockerels dotted around the historical centre, this is still its main claim to fame but there are more things to do in Barcelos thanRead More →
I’m always looking for an excuse to visit Guimarães. This ancient northern city is known as the cradle or birthplace of Portugal so its wealth of cultural heritage is hardly surprising, nor is its UNESCO World Heritage classification. There are plenty of things to do in Guimaraes and it’s road andRead More →
Viana do Castelo has definitely grown on me over the years and is one of the most interesting and attractive coastal cities in northern Portugal. With a fascinating history that dates back to pre-Roman times, remarkable costumes, unique jewellery and a restored hospital ship, not to mention the beaches, views,Read More →
The pretty town of Caminha is still an under-the-radar destination in the far north of Portugal. You’ll find plenty of things to do in and around Caminha, which makes it a perfect base for enjoying beaches, rivers, mountains, forests, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and fabulous food. Although tourism existsRead More →