Where to find the best vintage and second-hand shops in Lisbon (2026)
Second-hand or vintage shopping is always fun in Lisbon. There’s the thrill of not knowing what you’ll find, the highs and lows of finding something does (or doesn’t) fit, the feel-good fact that you’re stopping an item from going to landfill, and that you’re filling your wardrobe with ethical options over fast fashion. There are […]
Portugal’s pottery village: Why you should visit São Pedro do Corval
In the heart of the Alentejo, surrounded by fields of ancient olive groves, cork trees, and almonds lies Portugal’s pottery village: São Pedro do Corval. This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Portuguese village has made a name for itself as the largest pottery centre in the Iberian Peninsula. Across a handful of streets you’ll find almost two dozen pottery […]
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 a tile painting workshop […]
Best Douro Valley wine tours from Porto
If you’re a fan of wine, spectacular landscapes, and fresh country air, then a Douro Valley winery tour is the best day trip from Porto. This beautiful region west of Porto is recognised as the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Its rich winemaking history dates back to 1756 when the Prime Minister Marquis of Pombal […]
Made in Portugal: 20 Portuguese T-Shirt Brands
There’s no better basic than the humble T-shirt. Whenever I take a vacation, I often pack fancy linen shirts and colourful dresses, but more often than not I just wish I’d packed a few more classic T-shirts. Portugal is well known for its production of jersey fabrics. After buying my first Portugal-made T-shirt four years […]
Local’s guide to the LX Factory, Lisbon’s creative micro neighbourhood
I’ve been living within a five-minute walk of the LX Factory in Alcântara – one of Lisbon’s best things to do – for the past five years, so I know the industrial warehouses and creative precinct of this micro-neighbourhood very well. That’s why I’ve written this guide, sharing the best things to do along with where […]
How to spend 48 hours in Lisbon: Two-day itinerary
In Lisbon you have to go with the flow, which is why this guide gives you the freedom to choose-your-own-adventure and go with the rhythm of the city.
20 things to do in Évora, the Alentejo capital
History doesn’t have to be something you experience only in textbooks. In Évora you can touch, taste, and experience the marks left by ancient civilisations. From the remains of a Roman temple to the grandeur of its medieval cathedral, the capital of Portugal’s relaxed Alentejo region is a living, breathing museum of the country’s storied […]
Where to eat in Évora: best restaurants, cafés & sweets
If I had to pick a favourite regional Portuguese cuisine I’d choose the Alentejo. This expansive land of cork trees, olive groves, and vineyards has produced some of my all-time favourite Portuguese dishes. At the heart of it all lies Évora, the Alentejo capital, a small whitewashed city finished with yellow trim where you’ll find […]
Where to shop in Évora: artisans & boutiques
Whenever I visit a destination I always want to explore what is made there. In the Alentejo that means a rich heritage of terracotta pottery, wool capotes (coats), cork products, folk-art painted furniture, rugs, wine and more. Évora, the Alentejo capital, is a small and charming city with a historic core that is a joy […]
The best Portuguese cookbooks in English
Updated Feb 7, 2025 Whether you’re looking for a brilliant souvenir to mark your time in Portugal, or a thoughtful gift for someone special, I’ve rounded up what I think are the best Portuguese cookbooks available in English. While living here I’ve been collecting Portuguese cookbooks in both English and Portuguese, and one thing I’ve […]
31 best things to do in Sintra
Sintra is Lisbon’s best day trip, for sure. Each year millions of visitors flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Sintra village to explore enchanting 19th-century palaces and eat a travesseiro. But there’s much more to do here than tick off the top sights and twirl around a palace (though there are plenty of opportunities to […]