27 best medieval & historic events in Portugal in 2026
Colourful banners flutter above cheering crowds as knights on horseback clash in a tournament for the ages. The air is thick with the scents of roasting meat and red wine, and music from another era fills your ears. Vendors hawk their wares from stalls while theatrical performers bring every corner to life, dressed as noble […]
29 traditional Madeira dishes and food to try: What to eat and drink
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. I find Madeira has a huge range of traditional dishes, local produce, and quirky drinks that […]
The 4 best hikes (that I’ve done) on Madeira Island
From lush, tropical scenery to ancient Laurisilva forests to arid plains and volcanic stone beaches, the scenery in Madeira is anything but dull – and dozens (in fact, hundreds) of incredible trails make it a top hiking destination in Europe. I really feel one of the best ways to experience the natural landscapes, flora and […]
Where to eat and drink in Madeira
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, […]
Best music festivals in Portugal: Complete 2026 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 2026. I’m a huge fan of […]
Where to eat in the Algarve
Fine dining fans could spend the week knocking back degustation menus at Michelin-starred restaurants and emptying jugs of white sangria at beach bars priced for the British crowd. Me? With my tasca budget and Michelin palate, I hunt for the best tabernas, cervejarias and marisqueiras that locals love as much as blow-ins like us. These […]
Ultimate Portugal events guide: Best festivals & cultural events for 2026
Portugal knows how to throw a brilliant party, and in 2026 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 […]
Pastel de nata cooking class: Best workshops in Lisbon & Porto
If you’ve become obsessed with Portugal’s pastéis 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. No time […]
My favourite tascas in Lisbon: Where to eat traditional Portuguese food
Every Lisboeta grew up eating at tascas, and so every local has a favourite hidden gem or secret spot in their Lisbon neighbourhood. A tasca is essentially a Portuguese bistro. They are cheap, family-run and you can enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal with wine, snacks and dessert for €10-€20 most of the time. Tascas are […]
14 common mistakes people make when visiting Portugal
From cultural tips to wearing the wrong shoes to avoiding scams, here are 14 of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make while visiting Portugal. Mistake #1: Thinking the bread is free (the bread is never free) The beauty of travel is connecting with other cultures but sometimes those cultures aren’t what we’re expecting. Restaurants […]
Photo Diary: Guide to the traditional costumes of Viana do Castelo & Minho
One of my favourite experiences in Portugal was witnessing the Mordomia Parade where more than 900 women proudly marched by wearing the ornate traditional costumes from their village. While the poster of the festival of d’Agonia, which falls every August, usually features a beautiful young woman wearing the most famous traditional red dress from Viana […]
Romaria d’Agonia: The most beautiful traditional festival in Portugal
If Mattel was to make a Portugal Barbie, the traje de Viana would be the costume. After the train passes Porto the hills turn green and we pass vineyards that line the tracks and corn fields at their peak. Stone towns and cabbage patches zip by as we chug north towards Viana do Castelo, the […]