50+ essential tips (from a local) for your first time in Portugal
Beneath Portugal’s postcard views and limitless pastel de nata access is a country rich in traditions, cultural quirks and little things that might catch first-time visitors off guard. I’ve called Portugal home since 2018, and through my blog and 1-on-1 video calls I help travellers navigate everything from restaurant etiquette to logistics. I’ve created this […]
35 unusual and off-beat things to do in Portugal
It was while standing beneath the 8-metre (26-feet) high glass ceilings of Carlos Relvas’ mid-19th-century photography studio (in the middle of Portugal’s virtually unknown Ribatejo region) that I thought, ‘wow, Portugal has so many amazing stories that most people won’t know or hear about’. I’ve lived in Lisbon since 2018, and since then I’ve been […]
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 […]
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 […]
10 perfect days in Portugal: A fast-paced classic itinerary
If you have 10 days to explore Portugal, this classic itinerary ticks off Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Sharing a 10-day Portugal itinerary on Olá Daniela is no easy task. Why? Because trip planning is such a personal experience. Whether someone has 7, 10, or 14 days in Portugal, I know from helping others that […]
9 places to visit in Portugal this summer
Summer in Portugal is a sun-drenched dream with long beach days and wall-to-wall festivals and events, where every esplanada (terrace) is filled with happy people enjoying the weather and a few (too many) Super Bocks. While summer is a fun time to explore Portugal, it is peak season, so the most popular places will be […]
9 places to visit in Portugal this spring
Spring can be the best time to visit Portugal, but it’s not all sunshine all the time. While there’s optimism in the air as the country defrosts and the warmth of the sun gains strength, there’s also a constant risk of April showers and crisp days where a thick coat is still necessary. Despite this, […]
My 10 favourite Portugal trips in 2024
Each year I round up my favourite trips I’ve taken across Portugal, and it’s a fun chance to reflect on where I’ve been and share a tale or two from cool places that I (often) haven’t had the time to write any blogs about (yet!). For me, 2024 was a really good year personally and […]
Guide to winter in Portugal: Where to go, things to do & more
Winter is the low season for travel in Portugal, but there are so many positive reasons to visit. Fewer tourists and lower prices are just two (of many) reasons to visit during this quieter period, and having spent seven winters in Portugal now I can attest that it’s often sunny with blue skies in January! […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]