A visit to 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. Because there are so many things to see and do here, it’s well worth spending a day or two to soak inRead More →
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 →
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 →
I love the fact that my work includes developing walking holidays with a Portuguese tour operator. I get to go on amazing hikes in the Portuguese countryside and write the descriptions and route instructions for their clients. And blog about the experience! One of their latest self-guided hiking tours coversRead More →
One highly underrated hiking destination in Europe is Portugal’s only National Park, Peneda-Gerês. Boasting minimal crowds plus secret lagoons and waterfalls to discover, this is one experience that you don’t want to miss out on. In Peneda-Gerês you can experience seemingly untouched nature as well as a healthy dose ofRead More →
The breathtakingly beautiful Douro wine region has become one of Portugal’s must see destinations. Commonly referred to as the Douro Valley, the UNESCO World Heritage landscape actually extends way beyond the Douro River and is dotted with towns, villages and wine estates. When deciding whether or where to stay inRead More →
Deciding where to stay in Porto is easier with a little insight into the city. The best and most central neighbourhoods for important sights, restaurants and atmosphere are Ribeira, São Bento and Aliados, Batalha and Belas Artes, Clérigos and Cedofeita. Luckily, Porto’s historical centre is compact enough to facilitate walkingRead More →
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 →