Rabelo boats reach Porto's Ribeira district

One of Porto’s claims to fame is its port wine, a fortified wine that comes from the grapes of the Douro valley. If you look across the river from anywhere in the city, you’ll see the names of the biggest brands emblazoned on the red roofs of the port wineRead More →

Cat Gaa in Porto

In 2012 I invited readers who have travelled in Portugal to share their stories in an interview. The first of these weekly travel tales features the lovely Cat Gaa. Who are you? Name, age, nationality, where you’re based, what you do… I’m Cat, a Chicagoan by birth but a sevillanaRead More →

Pilgrims at Labruja, the highest point of the Central Portuguese Camino

The Central Portuguese Camino de Santiago is the most established route and the second most popular Camino route after the French Way. But is it the right one for you? Hopefully, this article will help you make that decision. As well as giving you information about the Central Portuguese CaminoRead More →

Two people hiking through colourful countryside in the Algarve

I love getting off the beaten track, especially on foot, so I was excited to be invited to spend a week exploring the countryside on a small group guided walking holiday in the Algarve. Our accommodation for the week was a luxury villa overlooking the Funcho River and reservoir, anRead More →

Baroque facade of Brejoeira Palace near Moncao. One of the best palaces in Portugal

Some of the best examples of Portuguese architecture can be found in its stunning palaces. They are known for their grandeur and beauty, with several having been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Many of the palaces in Portugal are influenced by a range of styles; an eclectic mixture from Neo-ManuelineRead More →

Curral das Freiras nestled in mountains. One of 3 easy walks in Madeira, Portugal

With its dramatic volcanic mountains and craters, Madeira island really is a paradise for walkers. You won’t catch me scaling the peaks of Pico do Areiro or Pico Ruivo any time soon but I have now done five fairly easy walks in Madeira. (Originally, this article contained just 3 walks but I’ve updatedRead More →

Cobbled lanes, Jardim do Mar. What to do in Madeira island

If you’re wondering what to do in Madeira, this travel guide will help you discover the sights beyond its capital city, Funchal. It’s no wonder it’s been awarded Europe’s Leading Island Destination for 2023  at the World Travel Awards. The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it mostly green and beautifulRead More →

Portinho de Arrábida, Serra da Arrábida, Portugal

You really don’t have to go far from Lisbon to find stunning landscapes and some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Simply take a day trip south across the River Tagus to the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park and you’ll find white sand and turquoise waters backed by greenery and limestoneRead More →