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 →
There are several cute towns and villages in Central Portugal that have become known for something very specific, like their medieval style streets, an important monument or an old castle. Caldas da Rainha, however, has flourished mostly because of its history as a spa town and its hyperrealistic ceramics, whetherRead More →
Since hiking both of the two main Portuguese Camino de Santiago pilgrim routes between Porto and Santiago de Compostela, I have advised hundreds of people on their Camino itineraries. This article, as well as the other Camino related guides I’ve written have helped thousands of hikers to plan their ownRead More →
The quiet village of Penha Garcia straddles a rocky cliff which commands sweeping views over the neighboring plains in the southeast part of Central Portugal. The surrounding rock formations are one of the geological highlights within the NaturTejo Geopark, notably the trilobite fossils that are scattered within them. Given itsRead More →
Why should you visit Viseu in central Portugal? Well, perhaps because it’s such a lovely place that it’s been voted ‘Best city in Portugal to live in’. Twice. I won’t be moving up there any time soon but I am pleased to have got to know it a little better.Read More →
Portugal’s most popular destinations, such as Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve beaches and Douro wine region have a tendency to hog the limelight and the covers of glossy magazines. However, you don’t have to venture far off the beaten track to discover some wonderful smaller towns and cities. These underrated placesRead More →
If you’re looking for somewhere to go hiking near Lisbon, Sintra Cascais Natural Park has a wide range of walking trails to suit different fitness levels and interests. You can opt for shaded forest paths in the Sintra Mountains near several UNESCO World Heritage monuments or explore the park’s fascinatingRead More →
The picturesque fishing port of Sesimbra is a mere 40 km south of Lisbon and still retains much of its fishing village atmosphere. It has the added bonus of being right next to the Arrabida Natural Park and its hidden coves and monastery, adding more to the potential things toRead More →
If you’re staying in Porto for more than a couple of days, you’ll find a variety of places you can visit as a day trip from Porto. As well as the amazing Douro Valley and Vinho Verde wine regions, you’ll find beaches, nature reserves, medieval cities, Celtic settlements, fishing villages andRead More →