Many people in the Vila Nova de Poiares neighbourhood learned to swim in the swimming pools at Recreio da Fraga leisure complex (nicknamed Fraggle Rock in our house) but it became neglected and was closed down for many years. Thanks to the efforts of the local council and local investment,Read More →
Having sampled some of the walking trails along the Alentejo coast, I’m now completely hooked on the area. The craggy landscape is relatively untouched, punctuated here and there by beautiful beaches and small towns, such as Vila Nova de Milfontes, Porto Covo and Odeceixe. Although I didn’t have time toRead More →
Most Douro river cruises concentrate on the stretch between Porto and Régua, Pinhão, or Barca d’Alva. Although the contours and lines of the Douro wine region, I wanted to see the natural park’s rugged, rocky landscape on an International Douro river cruise. With Las Arribas del Duero of Spain on one side andRead 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 →
Senhora do Salto means Lady of the Leap, an intriguing name for a picturesque gorge and natural park in northern Portugal. There is, of course, a story behind it. Legend of the Lady of the leap According to the legend, a knight on horseback was being chased by the devil in the formRead More →
Loriga river beach claimed a place on my wish list when it was voted as one of the finalists in the beaches edition of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. Once you’ve seen photos of the turquoise rock pool nestled in the mountains, you’ll understand the appeal and may even wish to find somewhereRead More →
The sleepy little village of Serpins in central Portugal may have seen better days but there are still a few treats both in and around it. As well as having its own river beach, there’s a beautiful gorge a little further upstream below a charming hilltop viewpoint. Its unusual curved railwayRead 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 →