Welcome to the enchanting Douro River Valley, a mesmerizing landscape nestled in the heart of Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed region is renowned for its terraced vineyards, captivating vistas, and ancient traditions. If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking an immersive experience, walking and hiking in the Douro River Valley is an adventure you won’t want
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
“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
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
The Camino de Santiago or Way to Santiago, is known for its yellow arrows and distinct scallop shell symbols leading to Santiago de Compostela – and to the tomb of the Apostle Santiago (Saint James). Whichever Camino or “Way” one takes: the Portuguese, Coastal, French or Basque, whether hiking, biking or riding on horseback, the
The Beauty of Cycling in Spain Red polka-dotted flamenco dresses and charging bulls are only a couple of the images that may come to mind when the cyclist or hiker thinks of Spain. Set on the Iberian Peninsula with borders adjoining France and Portugal as well as the Atlantic to the north and the Mediterranean