How to spend 48 hours in Porto

Sé Cathedral do Porto is Porto's best sunset spot

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 […]

Where to shop for tiles (azulejos) in Portugal

Gazete Azulejos tile workshop Porto

Portugal’s azulejos or tiles seem to be everywhere you look across Lisbon, Porto and Portugal’s smaller cities. It’s hard not to fall in love with the unique patterns and colours that blanket whole buildings and make this small European country and its streets beloved for their beauty.  Of course, if you’re visiting Portugal you’ll want […]

What to eat and drink in Madeira: the best local dishes to try

Poncha a venda do andre Madeira

The beauty of travelling around Portugal is eating through the huge variety of regional dishes, local sweets and unusual. From the north to the south, and out to the remote islands there are so many unique things to try. Here’s a round-up of the best Madeira dishes, foods and drinks you should try while exploring […]

Itinerary: Our magical 5-day Madeira Island road trip

Madeira Island

Life on much of Madeira is a battle between man and nature. Moments from the coastline, sharp, jagged mountains rise out of the earth covered in thick, green foliage that few manage to tame. A scattering of typical Portuguese houses with terracotta roofs dot the ridges and valleys. We catch but a glimpse as we […]

Where to eat and drink in Madeira

Funchal Madeira A Preferida

Bolo de caco. Milho frito. Peixe espada. Lapas. Maracujá. Madeira Island might be part of Portugal, but this sub-tropical drop in the Atlantic has its own strong identity – and most importantly, unique dishes and foods to try. We spent nine days exploring Madeira from east to west, seeking out the best restaurants, snack bars, […]

Sardines & pimba: Your 2024 guide to Lisbon’s Santo António Festival

Sardines at Lisbon's Santo antonio festival

Every June the smell of sardines and sound of pimba music ricochets through the narrow cobbled streets of the city’s most traditional neighbourhoods. The start of summer is a wild and wonderful time to be in Lisbon. In late May locals start constructing temporary bars and barbecues, and hang colourful streamers and decorations ahead of […]

Tile of the day: Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina in Porto

Azulejos at Capela das Almas de Catarina or Santa Catarina Chapel in Porto

The tiled churches of Porto are simply insane. One minute you’re peacefully wandering the old streets and – boom – you turn a corner and there pops out yet another church or chapel clad in impressive blue-and-white illustrative azulejos.  Today’s #tileoftheday is diving deep on Capela das Almas de Catarina or Capela de Santa Catarina, […]

9 best things to do in Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz

Have you ever been ice skating on the beach? For Jorge’s birthday in January I wanted to get away somewhere north of Lisbon, ideally where his family in Aveiro could meet us for lunch and Jorge could enjoy a winter surf. I landed on Figueira da Foz. The small city lies where the River Mondego […]

Made in Portugal: Where to shop for Portuguese ceramics

Portuguese handmade ceramics Bordallo Pinheiro

While I love all things made in Portugal I have a particular soft spot for Portuguese handmade ceramics. There are simply so many incredible small artisans and bigger factories producing truly beautiful, high quality and affordable plates, jugs, cups, bowls and more. In this guide I’ve listed a bunch of my favourite Portuguese ceramic brands, […]

13 best things to do in Olhão

Things to do in Olhão

Fisherman, locals and tourists move at the same slow pace through the narrow, whitewashed streets of Olhão. Charming and full of character, this town perched on the edge of the Ria Formosa feels as though time has paused.  Ornate chimneys and flat, Moorish-style roof terraces make the old centre of the small city closer to […]

Tile of the day: Sé Cathedral do Porto

Sé Cathedral do Porto is Porto's best sunset spot

Sé Cathedral do Porto is covered in some of the most spectacular blue-and-white tile scenes to check out. Visit in winter to enjoy a magical sunset from the top of a tower.

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