Portugal Road Trip: Where to stop between Porto and the Douro Valley
If you’re a wine lover, then a cheeky road trip from Porto to the luscious Douro Valley is a must. While you can visit world’s oldest demarcated wine region on a (very long) day trip, if you have the time to spare I suggest a road trip from the city to the countryside for a […]
Portugal Road Trip: Where to stop between Lisbon and the Douro Valley
Anyone visiting Portugal with a love for wine will have the Douro Valley firmly on their radar. Here vines cascade down steep hills until the skinny terraces reach the curves of the Douro River. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, dating right back to 1756. Driving directly between Lisbon […]
Where to find the best vintage and second-hand shops in Lisbon (2024)
Second-hand or vintage shopping is always fun in Lisbon. There’s the thrill of not knowing what you’ll find, the highs and lows of finding something does (or doesn’t) fit, the feel-good fact that you’re stopping an item from going to landfill, and that you’re filling your wardrobe with ethical options over fast fashion. There are […]
Portugal’s pottery village: Why you should visit São Pedro do Corval
In the heart of the Alentejo, surrounded by fields of ancient olive groves, cork trees, and almonds lies Portugal’s pottery village: São Pedro do Corval. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Portuguese village has made a name for itself as the largest pottery centre in the Iberian Peninsula. Across a handful of streets you’ll find almost two dozen pottery […]
The best tile painting workshops in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Among Portugal’s artistic treasures, it’s the azulejos that matter most. Steeped in centuries of tradition, hand-painted tiles adorn the facades of buildings, palaces, and churches, narrating stories of Portugal’s past with vibrant colors and intricate designs. If you’re visiting Portugal – or live here – you may have an interest in a tile painting workshop […]
Guide to the best Douro Valley winery tours
If you’re a fan of wine, spectacular landscapes, and fresh country air, then a Douro Valley winery tour is the best day trip from Porto. This beautiful area west of Porto is a stunning destination and is recognised as the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Its rich winemaking history dates back to 1756 when the […]
The best pastel de nata cooking classes in Lisbon and Porto
If you’ve become obsessed with Portugal’s pasteis de natas (Portuguese custard tarts) then you have two options: If you’re interested in learning the secrets behind this irresistible Portuguese pastry (and potentially learn to bake other traditional desserts), read on to find the many hands-on pastéis de nata classes found across Lisbon and Porto. What is […]
2024 Guide: Best Festivals & Cultural Events in Portugal
Portugal knows how to throw a brilliant party, and in 2024 these will be the biggest and best festivals and events to attend. Each year cities, towns and villages across Portugal play host to traditional celebrations, food-focused events and huge music festivals. From celebrations with sardines and world-class street theatre, to medieval fairs and international […]
Made in Portugal: 20 Portuguese T-Shirt Brands
There’s no better basic than the humble T-shirt. Whenever I take a vacation, I often pack fancy linen shirts and colourful dresses, but more often than not I just wish I’d packed a few more classic T-shirts. Portugal is well known for its production of jersey fabrics. After buying my first Portugal-made T-shirt four years […]
How to spend 48 hours in Porto
Porto is the ultimate weekend city. In two days you see and taste it all – from the tile-covered churches to port wine tasting to the city’s famous hearty sandwiches. The architecture and tiles are different to Lisbon, the city is cooler (in temperature) but the people are perhaps a little warmer. There’s not much […]
Local’s guide to the LX Factory, Lisbon’s creative micro neighbourhood
I’ve been living within a five-minute walk of the LX Factory in Alcântara – one of Lisbon’s best things to do – for the past five years, so I know the industrial warehouses and creative precinct of this micro-neighbourhood very well. That’s why I’ve written this guide, sharing the best things to do along with where […]
How to spend 48 hours in Lisbon: Two-day itinerary
In Lisbon you have to go with the flow, which is why this guide gives you the freedom to choose-your-own-adventure and go with the rhythm of the city.