Nestled in the middle of the vast Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Islands offer a magical escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Known for their dramatic landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and vibrant culture, the Azores Islands provide an idyllic setting for hiking enthusiasts. Join us as we explore the breathtaking trails, encounter playful dolphins
Sunny, scenic Portugal is an ideal destination for active travelers who like to round off outdoor adventures with the classic European attractions of culture, castles and cuisine. Hikers, trekkers, cyclists, kiteboarders and surfers are all drawn to this small but diverse and welcoming country. This mini overview gives an idea of where to begin: Lisbon, the
Porto, like its larger and perhaps better-known southern sister Lisbon, has a long and storied history, sits on a photogenic river and is currently enjoying an explosion of interest from international travellers. But the two cities are very different, in looks and personality. Here are some suggestions to whet your appetite for a visit to
Lisbon is an old, layered and complex city, begging for a deep dive to really experience it. Each neighbourhood has distinctive charms, so it’s worth a little advance research to hone in on a personal itinerary. If time is short, any cut-to-the-chase picks to get a real sense of the city would have to include
Portugal is a popular destination for Northern Europeans for the same reason Florida is popular with North Americans: Plenty of sun, sand and sea make this part of Europe ideal for beach vacations, and mild winters and short flight times from almost all major capitals provide a quick escape from ice and snow (especially popular
When REI Adventures, one of the top outdoor adventure companies in the world suddenly and unexpectedly shut down its international trips division a few months ago, it left a lot of adventurous travelers at loose ends. It also left in the lurch local tour operators—like Terracotta Journeys in Portugal and Spain—that had supplied that big
Treading Lightly There is no doubt that travelling and exploring new places is good—good for self-development, good for international understanding, good for local economies. But as mass tourism exploded in a pre-COVID19-shutdown world, it became obvious that tourism as an industry has some downsides, too. Overcrowded tourist sites, wrecked environments and angry, inconvenienced local residents
Spain is a prize package of a country. Large by European standards, it is blessed with an incredible geographic range, from sunny beaches and rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains to rolling plains and everything in between, making it ideal for walking and hiking tours. Its long and glorious history means that everywhere you turn there