Traditional woodcraft in Vila Nova de Poiares

One of Vila Nova de Poiares‘ major annual events is Poiartes. As the name suggests, the predominant theme of the fair is arts and crafts so artisans from the municipality and other parts of central Portugal come here to show and sell the results of their skilled work. If you’reRead More →

Ana Silva demostrates the magic ball cane toy, cane workshop, Querença, Loulé, Portugal. Photography by Julie Dawn Fox

The Algarve is best known for its fabulous beaches and top notch golf courses so what’s an inland town like Loulé to do if it wants to entice visitors away from the coast? Get creative, that’s what. Loulé Criativo organises hands-on creative workshops in Loulé city and municipality. Run by local artisans,Read More →

Handpainted ceramic plates with colourful country scenes, Redondo, Portugal

I was drawn to the whitewashed Alentejan town of Redondo for its biennial street decoration festival, Ruas Floridas. As a bonus, I discovered a 500-year-old pottery tradition and had the privilege of meeting some very special people involved in its practice and preservation. Note: Places to stay near Redondo are atRead More →

Love Story azulejos by Hazul and Costah, Porto

Ever since I encountered Portugal’s exquisite filigree jewellery, I’ve been fascinated by one of the most popular designs, the Viana heart. Many Portuguese souvenirs and contemporary designs now sport this distinctively curved heart with its crown-like growth at the top so you’re bound to see it at some point. But what’s the story behindRead More →

Moscatel de Setúbal and Azeitão cakes. What to see and do in Azeitao

A day trip to Azeitão, a pretty village just south of Lisbon, proved to be a feast for the eyes as well as my stomach. Among the things to see and do in Azeitão are many of my favourite aspects of Portugal plus some unexpected treats. Not only did I get to tasteRead More →

Stone sculpture of three boys on a toy buggy

If you visit Ponte de Lima, you’re bound to see at least one of the stone sculptures made by the Sequeiros brothers. I’ve admired their work and photographed it on previous trips but this time, I had the opportunity to visit their workshop and showroom in Calheiros. The grassy verge in frontRead More →

Medieval bridge, Ponte da Barca

You might have heard of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator who proved once and for all that the Earth is round. In Portugal, he’s known by his real name, Fernão Magalhães, and although no one can say with absolute certainty, it’s likely that he’s from the quaint town of Ponte da Barca.Read More →

Legalise it, Street Art AXA, Porto

Indoor street art sounds like a contradiction in terms but that’s what’s on offer this month in Porto. 5 floors of the former AXA building in Avenida dos Aliados have been taken over by celebrated national and international street artists. Note: Although the exhibition is over, you can explore the best ofRead More →