My 10 favourite Portugal trips in 2023
I have a confession to make: I have more fun than I have the energy (or time) to write about on this blog. It’s why last year I had a blast wrapping up my favourite trips…
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Routes, regions and practical notes for travelling with a little more attention.
Devil on the loose: 8 traditional pagan carnivals to attend in Portugal
Updated Feb 6, 2026 The strong sound of jangling cowbells on a crisp winter evening is forever etched in my memory. Now just hearing the distinct clanging raises my heartbeat, taking me back to a few…
Portugal Road Trip: Where to stop between Lisbon and Porto
Most people visiting Portugal for the first time are keen to visit Lisbon and Porto, the biggest and second-biggest cities. But driving three hours directly from one to another skips out on coastal gems, medieval walled…
Made in Portugal: 32 Best Portuguese Menswear Brands
There’s no better country to look to for high-quality, sustainable menswear than Portugal. This small nation is well known for its production of high-quality jersey fabrics, textile innovation, and luxury shoemaking – all key factors for…
22 most beautiful castles in Portugal
When diplomacy was more swords than handshakes, castles were critical for Portugal’s defence, especially against attacks from neighbouring Spain and the Moors. When the Zamora Treaty was signed in 1143, D. Afonso Henriques became the first…
Cork masks, a burning effigy and plenty of wine: the traditional Schist Villages carnival
The sound of a gaita (bagpipe), drums, accordions and chatter emanates from the centre of Aigra Nova, a tiny one-resident schist village near Coimbra, in central Portugal. It’s 8.30am on a sunny winter Sunday and the…