I always enjoy visiting Olhão in the Algarve but I was a little nervous about taking a visiting friend there in April to show her its understated charms. Would she find it too low key or shabby? Not at all! In fact, she loved its laid back authenticity, as didRead More →
The heartbreaking tale of Pedro and Inês, Portugal’s famously ill-fated lovers inspired me to visit Alcobaça, a pretty town in the Silver Coast of Central Portugal. The theme of love is a strong part of Alcobaça’s identity and you’ll see it reflected throughout the town, which is also known forRead More →
The enchanting UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Sintra is an understandably popular destination. Although it’s less than an hour from Lisbon, it’s a world apart. We’re talking forested hills filled with fanciful palaces, romantic gardens, centuries-old castles and convents, all contained within a natural park fringed by beautiful beaches. InRead More →
Tacky tourist traps make me want to run screaming back to the countryside. Thankfully, Tavira has managed to avoid such horrors despite being in the Algarve, i.e. Portugal’s most popular region for tourists and expats. Although unspoilt and decidedly laid back, there are still plenty of things to do in Tavira.Read More →
When thinking about things to do in Ericeira, a small coastal town just 35km northwest of Lisbon, what immediately comes to mind are surfing and beaches. However, although Ericeira has the distinction of being Europe’s first world surfing reserve and surfers travel from far and wide to enjoy the wavesRead More →
If you’re wondering what to do in Madeira, this travel guide will help you discover the sights beyond its capital city, Funchal. It’s no wonder it’s been awarded Europe’s Leading Island Destination for 2023 at the World Travel Awards. The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it mostly green and beautifulRead More →
You may choose to visit the Algarve for its beaches, after all many will argue that you will find the best beaches in Portugal here and the Algarve has just been awarded Europe’s Leading Beach Destination for 2023 by the World Travel Awards. But in my experience it’s always worth prising yourselfRead More →
The picturesque fishing port of Sesimbra is a mere 40 km south of Lisbon and still retains much of its fishing village atmosphere. It has the added bonus of being right next to the Arrabida Natural Park and its hidden coves and monastery, adding more to the potential things toRead More →
Ponte de Lima charmed me at first sight. When I revisited a couple of years later, Portugal’s oldest town nestled itself deep inside my heart and is never coming out. It’s got all the right ingredients for me: plenty of gardens, fancy mansions and other historical buildings, interesting small museums andRead More →
