Festa dos Tabuleiros: Tomar’s colourful Festival of Trays

Daniela at Festa dos Tabuleiros, Portugal

Thirty 400-gram bread rolls are weaved into a human-size, paper flower-covered tower balanced precariously atop the 748 women marching by. Hundreds of these flowery 1.5-metre high piles bob through the enchanting Central Portuguese riverside town of Tomar on the shoulders of strong local ladies. The bearers range in age from 20-something to their 80s. Some […]

16 most beautiful villages and small towns in Portugal

Soajo is one of the most beautiful villages 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 […]

Exploring Hvar & Vis Islands in Croatia

Komiza on Vis Island in Croatia

I love Portugal but one of its great faults is the icy temperatures of the Atlantic Ocean. This year I was craving to swim in warm ocean water. Pair that desire with an overdue need to see cousins in Croatia and off I went. From the moment I landed in Split I was spoilt with […]

Explore Monsanto, Portugal’s magical rock village

Wind whips my face and bells toll as I look out over the plains towards Spain, wondering what it was like to wait here endlessly for an attack. High on this rocky mountain top, standing on the walls of a castle built in 1171, I can see how this fortress helped hold the border when […]

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.

Tile of the day: Convento de Chelas

Convento de Chelas

Once a year Lisbon Open House swings open the doors to some of the city’s most interesting and exclusive buildings for one weekend. Today’s #tileoftheday takes us to Convento de Chelas.

Weekend guide to Guimarães

Weekend guide to Guimaraes

Welcome to the birthplace of Portugal. Step back in time with this weekend guide of things to do in Guimarães.

Tile of the day: Sesimbra

Tile in Sesimbra

Just 30 minute from Lisbon, the hard-working fishing village of Sesimbra is topped by an ancient castle and surrounded by forest parks and the sea.

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