Halloween is my favorite time of year because it is a spooky season. The weather is a little cooler, leaves are turning to a rainbow of colors, and pumpkin ale begins to fill the shelves in the store—well, in the United States, that is. At the beginning of October, a few stores began to put …
When you hear about palaces in Portugal, most think of Sintra and Pena Palace. It is the famous castle on the hill that (some say) inspired Disney’s castle. But if you want an alternative that is easier to get to, has fewer crowds, and is grander than Pena, we recommend Mafra Palace. This incredible 18th-century …
For the past few years, Portugal has ranked pretty high for tourism and vacations, especially among Americans (and Brits although they have been visiting Portugal for years). Portugal has a great deal to offer in terms of affordability, beauty, fantastic food, and the people are incredibly nice. Most people coming from North or South America …
The first time my wife and I visited Lisbon, our tutuk driver took us into Alfama. She asked if we had tried ginjinha yet. We had only been in the country about 24 hours and didn’t even know what ginjinha was. She parked the Tuktuk up on the sidewalk close to a small and very …
Read more “A day in the Alfama District: Lisbon’s historic neighborhood”
Águeda is not one of those well known towns that are visited by thousands of tourists every year. It sits quietly to the east of Aveiro, a quick drive or 30 minute train ride into the town where its narrow cobblestone streets and traditional architecture make it just as enchanting as other Portuguese towns. But …
Read more “Águeda, Portugal: The colorful city of Umbrellas”
Picture yourself stepping off a train into a fairy-tale town, where pastel-colored palaces peek through misty forests. Or imagine wandering through sun-drenched medieval streets, where history whispers from every weathered stone. These aren’t far-off fantasies – they’re the reality of day trips from Lisbon, the enchanting Portuguese capital. Some of the best day trips from …
Read more “12 Incredible Day trips from Lisbon by train or bus”
One of the best-kept secrets and hidden gems is along Portugal’s Silver Coast. The fishing village of Peniche has become one of the best landing spots for water sports, beaches, seafood, and great options for a relaxing vacation. It’s as close as you can get to the Algarve without all the tourists. Whenever we have …
Read more “Why Peniche, Portugal is the best for coastal fun”
Located in the center of Portugal is the lovely town of Tomar. This medieval town is the perfect place to emmerce yourself in Portugal’s rich history. And what better way than to visit the Convent of Christ and the Tomar Castle. This vast monumental complex built in the late 12th century is now a UNESCO …
Read more “A guide to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal”
Imagine a hidden paradise just off the coast of Portugal, where crystal-clear waters lap against rugged cliffs, rare seabirds soar overhead, and a lone lighthouse stands sentinel over a landscape untouched by time. Welcome to the Berlengas Islands, a natural wonder that feels worlds away from the bustling streets of Lisbon, yet is easily accessible …
The Batalha Monastery (Mosteiro de Batalha) in central Portugal is a magnificent Dominican monastery and one of the finest examples of Late Gothic architecture in the country. The intricate stone carvings, soaring naves, and exquisite chapels showcase the pinnacle of Gothic style. It symbolizes this critical point in Portuguese history as it was built to commemorate …
Read more “Visiting The Batalha Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site”