Portugal is to Europe what Bali is to Indonesia. It’s the surf haven of the whole continent, offering the most consistent swells across a veritable hodgepodge of breaks, some uber-famous, some totally hidden. You can come here to score peeling beachies that curl into the golden sands of the sunny Algarve. Or you can come …
Located in the Greater Lisbon area along the Portuguese River, Sintra is a city of about 400,000 residents that’s particularly well-known for its abundant castles and palaces. For those staying in Lisbon looking for a convenient day trip option, Sintra is usually no more than an hour away, depending on traffic, which is often bumper …
Second only to the capital city of Lisbon, Porto is the second-largest and most populous metropolitan area in Portugal, with an urban population of nearly 240,000 residents. Though it often gets overlooked for more well-known tourist destinations in nearby countries, Porto has experienced a surge in visitors in recent years, and many savvy travelers consider …
Lisbon city is a hidden gem on Europe’s west coast, that’s becoming less and less hidden by the day. The locals know it as the city of seven hills. However, the rest of the world is flagging it as one of Europe’s trendiest foodie cities. Needless to say, a tour to Lisbon is not complete …
Once ignored by many visitors to Europe, Lisbon has grown as a significant destination in the past few years. The city is full of charm, history and vibrant cuisine – making it the perfect place to experience one of the most unique cultures in Europe. With the growth in tourism, many excellent tours are now …
In 2018, Portugal scooped the World’s Leading Destination gong, marking the second year in a row that the country has won the World Travel Awards honor. Lisbon, its capital, emerged as the Best Destination City 2018, with the country’s national tourist board voted the Best Official Tourism Organization in the World. So, what makes Portugal’s …
This Alentejo town is on the left bank of the River Sado, just before it widens into an immense estuary. The low-lying countryside is a patchwork of rice fields and coniferous woodland that yields a big pine nut harvest. Alcácer do Sal is still marshalled by a medieval castle, with a superb museum in its …
Bounded by the Tâmega and Douro Rivers, Marco de Canaveses is in the granite highlands of Northern Portugal. One glance at mountains, evergreen forest, river valleys and vineyards and you may be ready to lace up your boots. You may also want to sample local flavours, as Marco de Canaveses is a seriously fruitful wine …
Just 20 minutes north of Lisbon, Vila Franca de Xira is on the Tagus River, right where it widens into that vast estuary. The largest and most ecologically diverse wetland region in the country are on the banks here. This is a dreamland for birdwatchers, and a new ultra-modern visitor centre can equip you with …
Portugal’s history is filled with stories of its maritime strength. Portuguese explorers vied with the English, Dutch, and Spanish across all the oceans of the world from the 15th Century onwards. Portugal has two distinct coastlines, one facing west into the Atlantic and one facing south into the Mediterranean. The influence of the sea features …