How do you decide on the best place to stay in Lisbon if you’re visiting for the first time? Each of the most central Lisbon neighbourhoods has something different to offer so use my insider guide to help you choose the best area to stay in Lisbon for sightseeing according to yourRead More →
When deciding where to stay in Porto, your choice of neighbourhood will be guided in part by how you want to get around the city centre. I like being able to walk to the main sites and fortunately, Porto’s historical centre is compact enough to facilitate that. If you’re not burdened byRead More →
The Douro valley in northern Portugal has more than just the perfect climate and soil for cultivating grapes and a wine-producing culture that dates back centuries. The undulating curves of the Douro wine region’s hillsides create a beautiful and dramatic landscape which changes with the seasons and is so specialRead More →
Long-term readers may remember that I published an insider’s guide to getting the best value for money when travelling in Portugal a couple of years ago. While most of the advice in Money Saving Tips For Travel In Portugal: Unlock The Secrets To Getting Great Value For Money remains valid,Read More →
A part of my “mop up Camino”, I spent 3 days in May walking the Coastal Portuguese Way of St. James from Vila do Conde to Caminha, on my own. I’d already completed a 4-day stint in Galicia between A Guarda and Redondela (where the coastal and central routes merge)Read More →
When Mary-Jo Manzanares offered me the chance to do a podcast with her about Portugal, it didn’t take me long to decide which part of the country to focus on. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the Minho region of northern Portugal and have become a huge fan. Mary-Jo’s Where ElseRead More →
If you’re thinking of visiting the Algarve, my insider tips might come in handy before you book your trip. When to go to the Algarve If you want my advice, I’d avoid July and August unless you like jostling for space on crowded beaches and in the surrounding cafés andRead More →
My day in the Peneda-Gerês National Park didn’t go according to plan and I ended up seeing more of its rugged landscapes than I’d expected to. It was still only a taster and I’m keen to return and explore it in more depth. In a bid to whet your appetite forRead More →
If you want to explore beyond Lisbon and Porto, it may be best to rent a car in Portugal to give you full flexibility over where you go and when. Hiring a car in Portugal is fairly straightforward if you know what to watch out for, as is driving here. These insider car hireRead More →
Exactly what clothes and equipment you need to take with you on the Way of Saint James will depend on factors like the weather and your personal needs. Most importantly, whether you will be carrying it around with you all day or opt have your luggage transferred between stages. IRead More →
