Jardim das Barrocas, Barcelos Portugal

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 →

Guimarães castle. One of the main things to see and do in Guimarães

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 →

View of Viana do Castelo and River Lima from Santa Luzia

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 →

Outdoor cafés and 16th century fountain. Things to do in Caminha Portugal

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 →

View of the Douro Valley on a hike from Ervedosa do Douro

I get lots of enquiries from people who are interested in hiking in the Douro Valley. After all, it’s a stunning part of Portugal with its ever-changing mosaic of terraced vineyards, olive groves and small villages. When the weather is not at its extremes, exploring this region on foot canRead More →

Patanisca de bacalhau, bolinho de bacalhau, broa cornbread

“I’m not really a fan of Francesinha,” I said. Cue horrified faces from the people that had just begun raving about their new Porto food tour.  After admonishing me to never utter those words in Porto, where the Francesinha is revered, they explained that ‘theirs’ is no ordinary meat andRead More →