Our Love Affair with Porto On our final morning in Lisbon, we meandered along the winding cobbled lanes of Alfama and leapt aboard a three-hour train ride north to Portugal’s second largest city: Porto. It would be a tough act to follow after such a rich and magical time in the City of Seven Hills, but Porto proved equally stunning and memorable ant there are many fun things to do in Porto. We ... Read Full Article
The Magic of Lisbon
There’s no city on earth like Lisbon. To feel the vista of sunset drizzling over terracotta tenements and the Pombaline rococo of the old town; to husk over cold cerveza in the dulcet twilight of the banks of the Tejo as the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge blends into nightfall; to dip bread into plates of sardines and hearty sausages; to see the number 28 tram rattle and clank through cloistered, ... Read Full Article
Magical Madeira
From the air, Madeira is an otherworldly sight. As I flew toward the island and passed over its miniscule neighbour of Porto Santo, it really did feel like I was approaching a distant, mythical land. Basking alone in the Atlantic Ocean, it is geographically apart from elsewhere, situated approximately 650 km west of Morocco and 1,000km southwest of Europe’s mainland, meaning that a ... Read Full Article
Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal: Editor’s Picks
Where to Stay in Lisbon - The Best Hotels in Lisbon for Every Budget Lisbon doesn’t have just one downtown, so we’ve compiled a list of ‘where to stay in Lisbon’ options that represent the city’s most popular areas to stay in Lisbon for tourists. These include the Bairro Alto neighborhood, the Belém neighborhood, and the Costa da Caparica beach area and of course the iconic Alfama ... Read Full Article
Top Things to do in Lisbon, Portugal
Finding things to do in Lisbon, Portugal is an easy task; Lisbon has led a very adventurous life. From its very beginnings, Lisbon has been molded by a variety of cultures and influences. Also read our other helpful posts on Lisbon: Where to Stay in Lisbon Best Day Trips from Lisbon Likely founded by the Phonicians in 1200 BC, Lisbon also has a strong Roman history and influence and ... Read Full Article
Hidden Gems of the Algarve, Portugal
Located in southern Portugal, the Algarve region is a popular destination for those seeking beach resorts, loads of sunshine, and award-winning, golden, sandy beaches - topped off with a fabulous nightlife. If you have already been to the Algarve, then you know just how much this region of Portugal has to offer. For those of you who have yet to enjoy an Algarve holiday or ... Read Full Article
Up Close Guide to the Azores Islands
Situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Islands are the very top of one of the earth's tallest mountain ranges, the Atlantic ridge. With a temperate climate year-round, this rugged and verdant volcanic archipelago comprises nine islands, ranging in size from 270 square miles (Sao Miguel) to just 7 square miles (Corvo). The islands form an autonomous part of ... Read Full Article
The Central Portugal Experience
Exploring central Portugal provides travelers with an authentic Portugal experience. The small town hotels, wineries and restaurants offer an inexpensive window into the lives of the people in this part of the world. Quinta de Bispos is an eco country inn, beautifully located on an old citrus farm on the south slope of the Caramulo Mountains in central Portugal. Quinta de Bispos is the first ... Read Full Article
The Allure of the Azores
The plane is descending, flying low over a volcano. Steam rises. Cat, my youngest daughter, is excited. “Look, you guys! The earth is boiling.” And it is! Like the other islands of the Azores, Sao Miguel is volcanic. It’s also verdant and utterly beautiful. The Azores Archipelago is in fact the visible part of the Atlantic ridge, some of the highest mountains on earth, measured from their ... Read Full Article
Portugal’s Principal Wine Regions: Minho and Douro
When one hears the words “European wine,” typically French Cabernet and Italian Lambrusco, or perhaps German Gewürztraminer, come to mind. Though Portuguese wines have become increasingly popular in American restaurants (especially the Vinho Verde varietal, and Port has made a resurgence in popularity), tourists often envision Portuguese wines as subprime to their French and Italian ... Read Full Article