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 →
The view from a glass-fronted riverside café one afternoon in Arcos de Valdevez was enough to convince me that this northern Portuguese village warranted further exploration. That’s partly why I accepted an invitation to follow the Lima Valley Giants Route. Being keen to learn more about the history, countryside and culture of this partRead 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 →
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 →
I have a certain fondness for quirky hotels, especially ones that I can afford to stay in. That’s why I couldn’t resist when Casa de Sezim popped up in my search for a hotel near the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guimarães, the ‘birthplace of Portugal’. Casa de Sezim isRead More →
