Are you having trouble deciding whether or where to stay in the Douro Valley? If so, this insider guide will help you with your choice. The breathtakingly beautiful Douro wine region has become one of Portugal’s “must see” destinations. While it’s possible to get a quick glimpse of the Douro’sRead More →
Are you wondering whether or not to spend a night or more in Sintra? And if so, where to stay? My insider guide to Sintra hotels and guesthouses will help you choose the best place to stay depending on your budget and preferences. I’ve come to know Sintra intimately overRead More →
Deciding where to stay in Porto is much easier with a little insight into its layout. It’s always been a favourite city of mine and one that I return to again and again, even after 16+ years of living in Portugal! During that time, I’ve stayed in several different neighbourhoodsRead More →
Where’s the best place to stay in Lisbon if you’re visiting for the first time? The central neighbourhoods of Chiado, Baixa, Principe Real, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade, and possibly Alfama, are the best areas for accommodation if you want to be based in the heart of the city andRead More →
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 →
Picture a collection of whitewashed cottages perched on a cliff overlooking a sandy beach and rocky coastline and you’ve got the village of Azenhas do Mar. In fact, you may already have seen images of this charming village within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park – it’s very photogenic. Mike and IRead More →
Narrowing down the selection of idyllic locations for romantic getaways in Portugal has been a tough job. There’s just so much choice! To keep it simple, I’ve highlighted places for every region in Portugal where you and your sweetheart can feel the love and not just on Valentine’s Day. Table ofRead More →
Viana do Castelo has definitely grown on me over the years and is one of the most interesting and attractive coastal cities in northern Portugal. With a fascinating history that dates back to pre-Roman times, remarkable costumes, unique jewellery and a restored hospital ship, not to mention the beaches, views,Read More →
I’d been wanting to stay at Vidago Palace Hotel for a long time but felt it warranted a special occasion. Our 10th wedding anniversary seemed the perfect justification for heading to this luxury historical hotel in the north of Portugal. It turned out to be absolutely the right combination ofRead More →
