Whenever someone visits us here in Portugal, we can’t help but take them to Óbidos. It’s one of those places we just have to share. Óbidos sits right outside of Caldas da Rainha, about an hour from Lisbon, and it’s one of the best day trips from Lisbon you can take and easily one of …
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Nestled in the valleys of the rivers Alcoa and Baça, the city of Alcobaça is a quiet treasure in central Portugal, about 100 kilometers north of Lisbon. It’s best known for the magnificent Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but this medieval town has much more to offer than its famous landmark. Between its wine …
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For a long time, Torres Vedras was just the place with the hospital. We’d drive in for appointments at CUF, do what we needed to do, and drive back out again. The first time we ever set foot there for anything else, we were watching the finish line of the Joaquim Augusto Gomes de Oliveira …
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Tucked into the center of Portugal, the medieval town of Tomar guards one of the country’s most jaw-dropping secrets: a sprawling Templar fortress turned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal has stood since the late 12th century, and walking through it feels like flipping through eight centuries of history in a single …
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Most people start planning a Portugal trip by asking the wrong question. They ask “what should I see?” before they’ve answered the question that actually determines everything else: how long to spend in Portugal or much time do I have to work with? It matters more than it sounds like it should. We’ve watched friends, …
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The Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro de Batalha) in central Portugal is a stunning example of Late Gothic architecture and one of the country’s most important historical landmarks. Built to commemorate Portugal’s victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, a triumph that secured the nation’s independence, it stands as both a spiritual and national symbol. …
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If you’ve never heard of the Grutas de Mira de Aire, you’re not alone. Tucked into the limestone hills of central Portugal, they don’t always make it onto the typical tourist itinerary. But they absolutely should, and by the time you’ve finished reading, we think you’ll agree. We included the Grutas de Mira de Aire …
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Tucked into the lush landscape of northern Portugal, the city of Barcelos offers a blend of folklore, tradition, art, and historical charm that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive. Most famous for its colorful rooster, Barcelos is much more than just a legend, it’s a living, breathing expression of Portuguese identity. With a rich …
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The first time we visited Aveiro, we didn’t expect to fall for it so quickly. But from the moment we stepped off the train and caught sight of the old train station, covered in gorgeous azulejos, we knew this small city on Portugal’s central coast was something special. Often called the Venice of Portugal and for good reason. Aveiro is …
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Summer in Portugal means sunshine, festivals, and an energy that draws travelers from around the world. With long days, warm temperatures, and a coastline stretching over 800 kilometers, it’s easy to see why a Portugal summer is considered the best time to explore this beautiful country, from outdoor activities in natural parks to lazy beach …
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