The Best Day Trips from Porto (2026): Discover Northern Portugal

Porto is one of Europe’s most exciting cities, but some of the best experiences in northern Portugal are just a short train ride, bus, or drive away. Whether you’re looking for the best day trips from Porto for families, a solo adventure into wine country, or easy day trips from Porto without a car, you’re …

Epic Waves and Coastal Charm: Nazaré, Portugal in 2026

For those of you who have watched 100 Foot Wave on HBO/MAX, you know about Nazaré. If you haven’t watched it, I encourage you to so you can see some of the biggest waves in the world and the crazy people who surf them. But Nazaré is more than a big wave surfing destination. It …

A quick guide to the Town of Óbidos, Portugal

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 is easily one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations. The medieval walls, the winding cobblestone streets, …

Top things to do in the amazing Algarve, Portugal

When travelers think of Portugal, three destinations often come to mind: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. However, unlike Lisbon and Porto, the Algarve isn’t a single city– It’s an entire region brimming with diverse experiences. Whether you are seeing golden beaches, thrilling water sports, charming villages, historic sites, or world-class cuisine, the Algarve has something …

Day trip to Mafra Palace: is it worth visiting?

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 …

The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary for Portugal

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 …

A day in the Alfama District: Lisbon’s historic neighborhood

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. If you’re planning your time in Lisbon and want to make sure each neighborhood …

Águeda, Portugal: The colorful city of Umbrellas

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 …

A guide to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal

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 …

Exploring the Schist Villages of Central Portugal

In the center of Portugal, off the beaten path of the big cities, beaches and tourist spots, sits a pure treasure. The schist villages of Portugal dot the mountain sides and breathtaking landscapes of this region and are a great place to take a break from the normal tourist destinations. These historic villages were created …