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. I visit the […]
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. […]
Where to eat in Guimarães: the best restaurants and taverns
When it comes to where to eat in medieval Guimarães, the answer feels like it should be snacks at a tavern, a homely bistro or an old-man bar. This surprising smaller Portuguese city serves up all three, along with a few dining gems, from a chic French-inspired bistro to a Michelin-starred diner. Eating out in […]
Tile of the day: Step inside Capela de São Miguel in Coimbra
Having seen many, many tiled chapels it takes quite a lot to blow me away but the Capela de São Miguel in Coimbra is jaw-droppingly beautiful. It’s definitely up there among the most beautiful tiles and breathtaking sights in Portugal. Covered floor-to-ceiling in intricately hand-painted azulejos, ornate wooden balustrades, with a brightly painted ceiling and […]
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 […]
Where to buy authentic souvenirs in Lisbon
Souvenirs don’t have to be tacky fridge magnets or novelty mugs. Take home gifts with a little more heart when you visit Lisbon. From ceramics made in Portugal and works by local artists to traditional brands and objects, here are 13 stores you can browse for authentic Portuguese souvenirs in Lisbon. Of course, as with […]
Exploring Hvar & Vis Islands in Croatia
I love Portugal but one of its great faults is the icy temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean. This year I was craving to swim in warm ocean water. Pair that desire with an overdue need to see cousins in Croatia and off I went. From the moment I landed in Split I was spoilt with […]
Guide to Monsanto, Portugal’s magical rock village
Wind whips my face and bells toll as I look out over the plains towards Spain, wondering what it was like to wait here endlessly for an attack. High on this rocky mountain top, standing on the walls of a castle built in 1171, I can see how this fortress helped hold the border when […]
Lisbon Shopping: The Best Sustainable Stores & Boutiques
That awful feeling when you rip open a package, hold up the pants and realise they’re the wrong size? That doesn’t happen when you go shopping in real life. Step out on the streets of Lisbon and hunt out these ethical and sustainable shops and boutiques. You’ll not only feel good about the planet and […]