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 […]
Where to find the best Portuguese street food and snacks in Lisbon
There’s nothing more comforting than knowing you can get a snack at any hour. From hot sandwiches like bifanas and pregos, to petiscos (tapas) of snails and prawns and an overwhelming range of eggy treats, Lisbon is not short of snacks. Hell, there’s even an entire 5pm meal, dedicated to hoeing down a sweet treat […]
Where to eat in Viana do Castelo
One thing I love about dining in Portugal is how each city, town and village offers something new. Same ingredients, a whole new world of food. I recently visited Viana do Castelo for the annual Romaria de Nossa Senhora d’Agonia festival, but I have to say I was as excited about the hearty Minho cuisine […]
15 best things to do in Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo is a place closely intertwined with the sea. Fishing boats destined for the cod-rich waters near Greenland once left the port of this small city in the northwest of Portugal, and their legacy has left its mark on the people, culture and cuisine. Feel the warmth of the locals who call this […]
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 learning more about Portugal’s […]
Itinerary: My ideal 7-day Algarve road trip
Golden shores with gently lapping waves. The smell of grilled sardines and sunscreen. Trees heavy with figs, lemons and olives. White-washed villages watching slow days pass by. I love the Algarve, especially in the summer, and it’s not hard to see why Portugal’s southern coast is a favourite destination for beach holidays. Below you’ll find […]
Controversy & a court case: Aveiro Train Station’s tiles
One of my favourite things about Portugal’s many tiled train stations is that they double as a tourism brochure. If you arrive in Aveiro by train, take the time to lap the original Aveiro Train Station building where 50 blue, yellow and white tiled panels detail the history of the city, its culture, people and […]
What to eat in the Azores Islands
Fresh seafood, hearty stews and heavenly pastries await in the Azores islands. Lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic archipelago of nine islands offers up many unique dishes and unusual ingredients, partly thanks to its climate and remote location. Taste the thermal-cooked Cozido das Furnas, visit an island best known for its […]
Best places to eat octopus in Lisbon
One question I get asked a lot is where is the best spot to eat octopus in Lisbon. It seems every traveller coming to visit wants to try great octopus dishes in Portugal, whether that’s a traditional Polvo à Lagareiro or a simple octopus salad. It’s true – octopus is a favourite ingredient in Portugal. […]
Lisbon’s best day trip: Sintra 1 or 2-Day Itinerary
I always say Sintra is Lisbon’s best day trip and encourage anyone visiting me here in the Portuguese capital to take at least a day to explore. Fairytale palaces, dense mystical forest, charming villages, oversized mossy boulders and a wild, rugged coastline define the historic Sintra village and wider region, and while there’s so much […]
A complete guide to the best festivals in Portugal in 2023
Portugal knows how to throw a brilliant party, and in 2023 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 […]
Best food festivals and events in Portugal in 2023
From celebrating sausages and sweet potatoes to Michelin-starred chefs cooking with fire, Portugal honours its rich gastronomic heritage with dozens of food festivals, wine fairs and events. Food is closely intertwined with culture in Portugal so it’s no surprise the small country puts on more than its fair share of food events. Each village has […]