You might have heard of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator who proved once and for all that the Earth is round. In Portugal, he’s known by his real name, Fernão Magalhães, and although no one can say with absolute certainty, it’s likely that he’s from the quaint town of Ponte da Barca.Read More →
João Alvares Fagundes should probably be a Portuguese national hero. The Lima Valley Giant from Viana do Castelo played a significant role in securing the enduring popularity of bacalhau (cod fish) in Portugal. At the beginning of the 16th century, during the Age of Discoveries, he wound up in the CanadianRead More →
The view from a glass-fronted riverside café one afternoon in Arcos de Valdevez was enough to convince me that this northern Portuguese village warranted further exploration. That’s partly why I accepted an invitation to follow the Lima Valley Giants Route. Being keen to learn more about the history, countryside and culture of this partRead More →
Portugal’s Lima valley is so beautiful you hardly need an excuse to visit. The verdant landscape, abundant history and architecture, not to mention the local vinho verde (young wine) are reasons enough for spending as much time as possible in this part of northern Portugal. The main aim of my most recent trip, however,Read More →
Not a lot of tourists make it to Bragança. Which is a pity as this medieval city, tucked away in the north east of Portugal, possesses some unique treasures and is easier to get to than you might think. Having ventured up north to see the costumed capers of the Caretos of Podence, MikeRead More →
How do you revitalise a sleepy historical village that’s off the beaten track? Paulo and Carmen Romão from Casas do Côro have made a huge difference to Marialva by buying up several traditional granite cottages and renovating them to form a luxury rural retreat. They haven’t taken over the entireRead More →
Jangling cowbells give her a little warning but not enough time for the pretty young girl to escape the mischievous embrace of one of the masked Caretos de Podence. With one colourful woolly arm around her shoulders, he bats her hair with the tip of his long hood and bumps his bell-cladRead More →
If you spend your days on an exposed mountainside watching over your flock in all weathers, you need something warm and waterproof to wear. Portuguese shepherds traditionally braved the elements in cloaks or coats made from burel, a tightly woven wool fabric that kept them dry and relatively cosy. MadeRead More →
After reading about Sortelha’s “great charms” in a guide book, I was keen to see if it would live up to the hype. It does. So much, in fact, that of the Historical Villages of Portugal I’ve visited so far, Sortelha and Monsanto are my favourites. I’ve already told you what’sRead More →
