What to see and do in Ponte de Lima

If you’ve never been to Portugal, you’re in for a treat. You might even fall a little bit in love, especially if you know what to expect. My insider Portugal travel tips can help you prepare and make your first trip go as smoothly as possible.  Knowing a little aboutRead More →

Group shot, Iberian Masks Festival

There are countless fairs and festivals in Portugal, celebrating everything from obscure beans to Roman heritage. Finding out about them can sometimes be a challenge so my guide to some of the best Portugal festivals is designed to give you a starting point.  Note that smaller festival dates, and especiallyRead More →

Man on a rock gazing at mountains on a Portugal hiking trail in Peneda-Gerês National Park

Portugal has many spectacular hiking trails to offer, with a range of difficulty levels and a huge variety in landscapes. I’ve had the pleasure of walking in every region of mainland Portugal as well as many of the islands of Madeira and the Azores. Here are some of my favouriteRead More →

Man hiking. Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro mountain peaks in Madeira, Portugal

As a leisure activity, hiking in Portugal has become much more popular in the last few years. When I first moved here, it was mainly foreigners who went for long walks just for fun. Nowadays, there are more Portuguese hikers out and about and lots of visitors are keen toRead More →

N2 Portugal road trip with passport and map

Portugal’s longest road, the N2, (or Nacional 2), runs from Chaves, just below the northern border of the country, all the way to Faro on the south coast. Given that it’s Portugal’s most epic road trip, the N2 is often referred to as the Portuguese Route 66. Built in 1945,Read More →

Road trip through Arrábida Natural Park

I’ve lost count of all the road trips in Portugal that I’ve done over the years. While I certainly enjoy car-free city breaks and day trips, I’m usually keen to explore further afield in order to get to know a particular area. Given the limited public transport in rural areas,Read More →

hand-painted ceramics by Sr. Melho

You’re enjoying a fantastic vacation when you suddenly ponder “What to buy in Portugal?” for family and friends back home. Portugal is proud of its unique crafts, food and drink so you’ll find plenty of options when you’re looking for your Portuguese souvenirs. You don’t have to look hard toRead More →