Évora is the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, about halfway to the Spanish border from Lisbon (around 130km). Évora has an impressive historic walled city centre and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Évora has beautiful buildings, remains from Roman occupation and many museums and churches. The walled centre is eminently walkable, although as is … More 3 DAYS IN // Évora, Portugal
Setúbal is an historic fishing port that lies at the mouth of the River Sado and opposite the Troia Peninsula about 48km/30 miles south of Lisbon. It is an easy day trip from Lisbon or ideal to spend a few days exploring. Setúbal was very important in the production of sea salt and for the … More 3 DAYS IN // Setúbal, Portugal
It was brutally hot in Lisbon in July, so we looked at a map and found somewhere on the coast north of Porto whose temperatures were a lot lower. Having never been so far north, off we went, and what a great decision! Viana Do Castelo is a small, attractive city on the coast with … More 3 DAYS IN // Viana Do Castelo, Portugal
Portugal’s “Venice of the North” is a charming city in the north of Portugal, famous for its canals, bridges, Art Nouveau buildings, Santa Joana and Ovos Moles. We visited in August, staying for two nights, and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent there. Aveiro is on the same train line as Coimbra and Porto. A visit … More 2 DAYS IN // Aveiro, Portugal
Porto is Portugal’s second city. More down to earth than Lisbon. Not as affluent or as spread out, but vibrant, colourful and just as interesting. The Portuguese love of building cities on steep hills is in evidence here as in Lisbon. A big difference from Lisbon is that the River Douro is integral to the … More 3 DAYS IN // Porto, Portugal (2 and a half really)
If you like a city with mild winters and warm summers, stunning sunsets, a rich and interesting history, beautiful architecture, friendly locals and a fabulous cuisine, then this is the place for you. Situated on the Tagus estuary and built on seven hills, Lisbon is one of my favourite cities and a fabulous place for … More 4 DAYS IN // Lisbon, Portugal
Funchal is the capital of Madeira and it is a perfect cruise ship port. A wide open and flat boulevard by the sea-front, near perfect weather all year round, lots of shops and cafés and a laid-back feeling. If you are looking for adventure or excitement, this is not the place to go. We went … More 4 DAYS IN // Funchal, Madeira
Global Gary 