I’ve been hinting at a Lisbon walking tour for a while and it’s finally ready! My GPS-activated audio walking tour of Lisbon is now available via the VoiceMap app. Thanks to VoiceMap’s innovative GPS-triggered technology, I can guide you virtually around some of Lisbon’s most beautiful squares and viewing spotsRead More →
I often get asked about places to visit in the Douro wine region. For architecture, history and culture, one of my favourite towns in the Douro area has to be Lamego. Although not on the River Douro itself, it’s only 20 minutes away by car, still in the wine regionRead More →
Like most visitors, the the first time I went to Valença do Minho I made a beeline for the fortress. It is, after all, where you’ll find the best views and architecture. Plus a whole load of gaudy towels and linens on the main shopping street! Valença do Minho, beyond the shops UnlessRead More →
The Portuguese countryside is speckled with historical villages but Monsanto holds the title of “Most Portuguese Village in Portugal”. Although I’m sure the people of Monsanto in Central Portugal are proud of this accolade, I don’t really understand why their village won it. Far from being quintessentially Portuguese, it’s oneRead More →
Vila Nova de Cerveira may be small but it made a lasting impression on me. This northern Portuguese village on the bank of the River Minho, has bags of natural beauty, historical architecture and more than its fair share of art. It’s also named after a legendary stag. In no particular order, hereRead More →
It was the oxblood red pool that brought me to Mina de São Domingos in Portugal’s Alentejo region. The village’s disused mining pit is now filled with water. Stained from the surrounding iron ore and made acidic by the sulphur, it’s fascinating but not for swimming in. If you fancy a dip, there’s aRead More →
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 →
I was concerned that the village of Monsaraz might be overly touristy, perhaps even a little tacky. I needn’t have worried. From the moment Mike and I walked through the ancient archway into the walled medieval village, we were smitten. What’s not to love about cobbled streets and smartly whitewashed stoneRead More →
Over the last few years, I’ve developed a fascination with stone sculptures. Fortunately, for me, there are plenty to be found in Portugal. It’s only recently, however, that I’ve realised that much of the craftsmanship I admire belongs to Romanesque architecture. This distinctive style and structure became popular in the churchesRead More →
