Lamego is one of the most interesting towns in Portugal’s Douro Valley, known for its monumental baroque staircase, historic centre, sparkling wine and cultural attractions. I often recommend it to people who want a break from vineyard visits and river cruises without losing the character and atmosphere of the Douro.Read More →
Elvas is one of Portugal’s most underrated historic towns. Close to the Spanish border in eastern Alentejo, this UNESCO World Heritage city is best known for its vast star-shaped fortifications, military history and impressive aqueduct. But what surprised me most when I revisited Elvas recently was how enjoyable it isRead More →
Thanks to its inland location, Loulé has remained unscathed from the blight of holiday resorts that mar some of the coastal areas in the Algarve. What you’ll find here is a quiet, attractive town with a strong local community and plenty of culture and creativity. Here are some of the things to doRead More →
This small city in northern Portugal is famous for the legend that lies behind the painted souvenir rooster of Barcelos. Judging by the number of giant cockerels dotted around the historical centre, this is still its main claim to fame but there are more things to do in Barcelos thanRead More →
Why should you visit Viseu in central Portugal? Well, perhaps because it’s such a lovely place that it’s repeatedly been voted ‘Best city in Portugal to live in’. I won’t be moving up there any time soon but I am pleased to have got to know it a little better.Read More →
Wondering what to do in Madeira? This guide highlights some of the island’s most memorable places to visit beyond the capital, Funchal. The subtropical climate of Madeira makes it mostly green and beautiful with an abundance of flowers, which is just one of the things I love about it. ItsRead 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. LastRead More →
Last Updated: November 2025 I’m always looking for an excuse to visit Guimarães and have visited multiple times over the last 18 years. This ancient northern city is known as the cradle or birthplace of Portugal so its wealth of cultural heritage is hardly surprising, nor is its UNESCO World HeritageRead More →
I always enjoy visiting Olhão in the Algarve but I was a little nervous about taking a visiting friend there 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 did other friendsRead More →
