Welcome to the heart of Portugal, where rolling hills, ancient villages, and the soothing rhythm of rural life await. If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, far from the bustling crowds, then lace up your hiking boots for an unforgettable journey through the Portuguese highlands. The Hidden Gem of Portugal’s Highlands As the sun rises over
Dining in Porto is delightful journey for the senses and a essential part of the Porto tourist experience. This coastal gem offers a tantalizing array of culinary experiences that capture the heart of Portuguese cuisine. From charming riverside bistros to traditional tascas (casual bars with food) tucked in narrow streets, the city brims with flavors.
This is a promise, and a given: Anyone who loves to eat will love Lisbon. The Portuguese love food, they love going out and their bustling capital city offers an irresistible restaurant scene to explore. There are the famous ones that everyone mentions, like Cervejaria Ramiro (featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations visit to Lisbon).
‘Tis the gift-giving season, which puts us in mind of some special souvenirs of Portugal that also would make perfect presents for everyone on your list: Filigree jewelry is typical in the north of Portugal. It comes in gold or silver, in traditional motifs, such as the classic “Heart of Viana,” as well as more
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
One of the nicest side-effects of an active holiday spent walking, hiking or cycling is a whopping calorie deficit at the end of the day. Also, when you’ve been climbing hills and trekking trails in the great outdoors all day, presumably you’ve worked up a healthy appetite. And let’s face it, if you’re doing all
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
“Romantic” and “magical” are words often used to describe Portugal as a whole, but they particularly apply to Sintra, a small town about 30 minutes from Lisbon. For centuries, this area offered the Portuguese royal court a cool and peaceful summer escape from the heat and bustle of Lisbon—hence the grand palaces and noble manor