Guide to Arrábida Natural Park – things to do, where to eat, where to stay
Just 45 minutes south of Lisbon lies Arrábida Natural Park – a wild coastal paradise of turquoise bays, limestone cliffs and secret beaches that feel straight out of the Caribbean. Long one of my favourite Lisbon day trips, Arrábida has just earned new fame as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – so it’s finally time I […]
Best ways to explore Ponta da Piedade in Lagos
Ponta da Piedade is a must-see coastal peninsula on Portugal’s southern Algarve coastline. At this imposing natural landmark near Lagos, vibrant orange cliffs rise from the ocean in a dramatic, craggy fashion, creating hidden beaches, caves and grottos, arches, and even rocky animal shapes. Exploring this area is probably the number one thing to do […]
Best beaches in Tavira, Algarve
Tavira, at the eastern end of the Algarve, offers some of the most beautiful yet secluded beaches in Portugal. Here, the Ria Formosa lagoon stretches between the ocean and the mainland, so, oftentimes (but not always), reaching the sand means hopping on a small ferry or water taxi. Once you arrive, endless ribbons of uncrowded […]
Best day trips from Tomar
Tomar may be best known for its Templar history and the magnificent Convent of Christ, but it’s also a brilliant base for exploring towns, villages and sights in Central Portugal. Within half-an-hour’s drive you can explore medieval castles, swim in hidden river beaches and wander little stone villages where time does stand still. Whether you’re […]
Guide to Tomar: Portugal’s city of Templar legends
I didn’t find any secret chambers, underground tunnels or white messenger pigeons while exploring Tomar – but the legends of the mysterious Knights Templar still inspire visits to this off-beat Portuguese city. Tomar, a 90-minute drive north of Lisbon, holds a unique place in the nation’s historical and cultural narrative. It was here that the […]
Fall in Portugal: 8 places to visit this autumn
If you’ve ever wished summer could stretch just a little longer, then Portugal might be your autumn answer. Early in the season, while much of Europe is already embracing sweater weather, you can still chase sunny beach days along the Atlantic Coast, and push ‘just one more’ ocean swim in the Algarve or on Madeira […]
Taste of Porto: A food-filled weekend at Canto de Luz
Canto de Luz invited me to experience their boutique hotel and food experiences as part of this sponsored collaboration. Reflections remain independent. Beyond azulejo-covered churches and cobbled lanes that wind down to the Douro River, at its core, Porto is a city connected to food and wine. I’ve visited Porto a dozen times, and on […]
9 islands of the Azores: what you need to know
Set adrift in the North Atlantic, the nine volcanic islands of the Azores offer a mix of raw beauty and quiet charm. Life here moves at an unhurried pace and adventure here means hiking lush trails, spotting whales offshore, and tasting wines shaped by volcanic soil and the sea. The islands are surprisingly easy to […]
Guide to São Miguel’s hot springs and thermal pools
São Miguel’s natural geothermal pools and hot springs are reason enough to visit the largest island of the Azores. The island has the highest concentration of hot springs in Europe, and I’ve been lucky enough to holiday on the volcanic isle three times. From steamy rainforest pools to oceanside thermal baths, I’ve done the difficult […]
Where to go vintage and second-hand shopping in Porto
Porto is a gem for second-hand and vintage shopping. From hidden thrift shops to cool vintage boutiques, Porto’s segundo mão shopping scene throws up gold for those ready to bargain hunt. I’ve visited Porto probably more than a dozen times, and each time I leave with at least a few new items for my wardrobe. […]
4-day itinerary for São Miguel Island, Azores
Crater lakes, steaming hot springs, gushing waterfalls, tea plantations, wild dolphins and rolling green pastures make the Azorean island of São Miguel feel like it’s from another world. I’m based in Lisbon and I’ve visited this island, which some describe as a cross between Ireland, Hawaii and New Zealand, three times to uncover new gems […]
Where to eat on São Miguel Island, Azores
São Miguel Island is a fun place to eat. From steaming stews pulled from volcanic earth and little sweet pineapples grown in glasshouses, to cheese counters that feel like theatre and the world’s largest gin collection, you’ll find plenty of foodie experiences that make this Azorean island unique. I’ve visited São Miguel – the largest […]