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. Read next… 50+ essential tips (from a local) for your first time in Portugal Mistake #1: Thinking the bread is free (the bread is never free) The beauty of travel […]
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 […]
A strange whistle in the street? That’s Portugal’s travelling knife-sharpener – the amolador
The first five times I heard an amolador, I mistakenly thought it was just a neighbour with a few loose screws. After all, why would someone be wheeling a bike through the neighbourhood while piping a charming, if slightly repetitive, tune on a pan flute? After more than a year living in Portugal, I recall […]
Food festival guide: Best gastronomic events in Portugal 2026
From celebrating sausages and sweet potatoes to Michelin-starred chefs cooking with fire, Portugal honours its rich gastronomic heritage with dozens of food festivals, wine fairs and events. Food is closely intertwined with culture in Portugal so it’s no surprise the small country puts on more than its fair share of food events. Each village has […]
6 best food markets in Portugal
My favourite way to get to know a place is through its food, and there’s no better place to start than at the source – the local fresh produce markets. Every town and city in Portugal is home to permanent market halls filled with fruit and veg vendors, fish wives, butchers, cheesemongers and spice stalls. […]
My 10 favourite Portugal trips in 2023
I have a confession to make: I have more fun than I have the energy (or time) to write about on this blog. It’s why last year I had a blast wrapping up my favourite trips across Portugal with a short summary – so I thought I’d do the same this year. From the far […]
Devil on the loose: 8 traditional pagan carnivals to attend in Portugal
Updated Feb 6, 2026 The strong sound of jangling cowbells on a crisp winter evening is forever etched in my memory. Now just hearing the distinct clanging raises my heartbeat, taking me back to a few dark and wild nights in the remote north-west of Portugal, when I was traipsing about Podence trying to avoid […]
Portugal Road Trip: Where to stop between Lisbon and Porto
Most people visiting Portugal for the first time are keen to visit Lisbon and Porto, the biggest and second-biggest cities. But driving three hours directly from one to another skips out on coastal gems, medieval walled villages, wine regions, castles, and plenty of culture. Yes, Lisbon and Porto are two distinct cities with unique architecture, […]
22 most beautiful castles in Portugal
When diplomacy was more swords than handshakes, castles were critical for Portugal’s defence, especially against attacks from neighbouring Spain and the Moors. When the Zamora Treaty was signed in 1143, D. Afonso Henriques became the first King of Portugal, and Alphonse the VII of León and Castile, recognised this small nation as an independent kingdom. […]
16 most beautiful villages and small towns in Portugal
With their tile-covered facades, art deco details and historic landmarks, Portugal’s cities and big towns are absolutely gorgeous. But there’s nothing like the magic of visiting tiny charming villages. Having travelled far and wide across Portugal over the past couple of years, I’ve been swept up in the spell of so many beautiful white-washed coastal […]
My 6 favourite Portugal adventures from 2022
Naturally, after a couple of pandemic years exploring the width and breadth of Portugal, I jumped at the chance to explore beyond the country’s borders this year. But while it was brilliant to go abroad for new and nostalgic adventures, I started to miss exploring the cute white-washed or stone villages, wild nature and friendly […]
25 traditional dishes to order in Portugal
There’s a lot more to Portuguese food than piri piri chicken and custard tarts. In this article I’ve rounded up two dozen or so traditional Portuguese dishes you can easily order throughout the country. When it comes to eating in Portugal, I’m always amazed by the wide variety of dishes, seasonal specials and regional plates, […]