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 […]
My 10 favourite Portugal trips in 2023
I have a confession to make: I have more fun than I have the energy (or time) to write about on this blog. It’s why last year I had a blast wrapping up my favourite trips across Portugal with a short summary – so I thought I’d do the same this year. From the far […]
Best music festivals in Portugal: Complete 2024 guide
Each year, especially in summer, Portugal’s music festival calendar is packed with big-name artists, major festival line-ups and smaller boutique events. Expect to find music festivals in Portugal’s big cities of Lisbon and Porto, plus down south on the beaches of the Algarve and in secret countryside locations in 2024. I’m a huge fan of […]
22 most beautiful castles in Portugal
When diplomacy was more swords than handshakes, castles were critical for Portugal’s defence, especially against attacks from neighbouring Spain and the Moors. When the Zamora Treaty was signed in 1143, D. Afonso Henriques became the first King of Portugal, and Alphonse the VII of León and Castile, recognised this small nation as an independent kingdom. […]
Cork masks, a burning effigy and plenty of wine: the traditional Schist Villages carnival
The sound of a gaita (bagpipe), drums, accordions and chatter emanates from the centre of Aigra Nova, a tiny one-resident schist village near Coimbra, in central Portugal. It’s 8.30am on a sunny winter Sunday and the usually quiet streets are a hive of activity. A stream of villagers starts rolling down a steep cobbled street […]
16 most beautiful villages and small towns in Portugal
With their tile-covered facades, art deco details and historic landmarks, Portugal’s cities and big towns are absolutely gorgeous. But there’s nothing like the magic of visiting tiny charming villages. Having travelled far and wide across Portugal over the past couple of years, I’ve been swept up in the spell of so many beautiful white-washed coastal […]
My 6 favourite Portugal adventures from 2022
Naturally, after a couple of pandemic years exploring the width and breadth of Portugal, I jumped at the chance to explore beyond the country’s borders this year. But while it was brilliant to go abroad for new and nostalgic adventures, I started to miss exploring the cute white-washed or stone villages, wild nature and friendly […]