João Alvares Fagundes should probably be a Portuguese national hero. The Lima Valley Giant from Viana do Castelo played a significant role in securing the enduring popularity of bacalhau (cod fish) in Portugal. At the beginning of the 16th century, during the Age of Discoveries, he wound up in the CanadianRead More →
When I first wrote about the best viewpoints in Porto, I hadn’t yet been to Serra do Pilar Monastery. The white circular church on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Dom Luis bridge in Porto looks beautiful during the day and orange lighting gives the arches underneath it a magicalRead More →
Portugal’s Lima valley is so beautiful you hardly need an excuse to visit. The verdant landscape, abundant history and architecture, not to mention the local vinho verde (young wine) are reasons enough for spending as much time as possible in this part of northern Portugal. The main aim of my most recent trip, however,Read More →
Not a lot of tourists make it to Bragança. Which is a pity as this medieval city, tucked away in the north east of Portugal, possesses some unique treasures and is easier to get to than you might think. Having ventured up north to see the costumed capers of the Caretos of Podence, MikeRead More →
After reading about Sortelha’s “great charms” in a guide book, I was keen to see if it would live up to the hype. It does. So much, in fact, that of the Historical Villages of Portugal I’ve visited so far, Sortelha and Monsanto are my favourites. I’ve already told you what’sRead More →
It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for Portuguese manor houses and stately homes, especially ones you can stay in and pretend you own (or perhaps that’s just my little fantasy). Casa da Ínsua is one such place and I jumped at the chance to check it outRead More →
Lisbon National Pantheon was not on my original list of things to see and do while in Lisbon, although it is now. I visited this monument simply because I was practically on its doorstep after visiting the São Vicente da Fora Monastery (another pleasant surprise) and thought I might as well popRead More →
The village of Melgaço is almost as far north as you can get in Portugal and is only separated from Spain by the River Minho. Surrounded by hills, forests and vineyards and the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park, its setting couldn’t be more beautiful. I only had one day toRead More →
The ancient city of Conímbriga in central Portugal is one of the best Roman ruins I’ve ever visited. It’s so good I’ve been there twice and been impressed on both occasions. Even my 13-year-old stepdaughter declared, “It was better than I expected!” So what makes Conímbriga so remarkable? For me,Read More →
