Medieval castles dot the landscapes of Portugal. Many of these hilltop garrisons were originally built by the Romans and the Moors, and then further fortified by the Christians and Templar Knights in the Middle Ages. While touring the castles in Portugal, not only will you take a step back in time, but you will also […]
If you are planning your first trip to Madeira, there are several very important things to know before you go. Madeira is a very popular tourist destination and with that, crowds can be huge. Driving around the island can be challenging, parking can be almost impossible at some sites, and where you choose to stay […]
Coimbra is one of the largest cities in Portugal and it is famous for its university, its churches, and ancient Roman buildings. Visiting the University of Coimbra is the top experience to have here, but touring the churches, the botanical garden, and seeing the Roman aqueduct all make the list of things to do in […]
Visitors to Madeira often claim that Levada das 25 Fontes – Levada do Risco is one of the best hikes in Madeira. With a hike down to a secluded waterfall pool deep within a lush forest, as well as the option to add-on a visit to one of the tallest waterfalls in Madeira, what’s not […]
Madeira blends together all of the ingredients for a perfect holiday: scenic drives, dramatic coastal viewpoints, thrilling hiking trails, lovely seaside towns to explore, food and wine tastings, beach time, spa time, and of course, beautiful places to simply relax and soak up the sights. If you are planning your Madeira itinerary, there are multiple […]
Explore the old town of Funchal, watch the sunrise from one of Madeira’s highest peaks, hike on coastal trails and alongside levadas, go whale watching, relax on the beach, go Madeira wine tasting, ride a cable car to the beach, and swim in a natural hot pool…these all top the list of things to do […]
Looking for one of the most relaxing hikes in Madeira, but still want some adventure? On the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, experience a calm forest walk, weave through narrow tunnels, and picnic in front of a spectacular waterfall. There’s almost no elevation gain too, so the this is the perfect hike for a lighter […]
Aveiro is a small coastal city in central Portugal. It is known as “the Portuguese Venice” for its canals and waterways, similar to those in Venice, Italy. The top experiences in Aveiro include taking a boat tour through the canals, strolling through the city center, indulging in local pastries, and venturing beyond the city center […]
When deciding where to stay in Madeira, there are a few things to consider. The location of where you stay in Madeira is very important, if not the most important factor to consider, as this dictates how much driving you will do, and whether or not you need to rent a car, so this can […]
Try port wine at the wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, stroll along the Douro River, try Porto’s decadent street foods, visit the most beautiful bookstore in the world, enjoy the view from the Dom Luis I Bridge, and day trip to the Douro Valley, Braga, or Guimarães, or Aveiro…these are all things you […]
This southern Spain and Portugal itinerary is filled with remarkable historical sites, picturesque towns, and some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Start in Seville, a sun-drenched city famous for its cathedral, historic old town, and Plaza de España. From here, tour a few famous Andalusian cities, visiting the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, touring the […]
Steeped in history and full of charm, Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, Portugal. Exploring the picturesque old town, visiting the city’s historic monuments, riding the cable car to Monte to explore the botanical gardens, and wine tasting all make the list of the best things to do in Funchal. And don’t miss the […]
Hiking in Madeira is one of the best ways to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, from its high peaks to its coastal cliffs. The island offers plenty of options for any type of hiker, from steep mountain climbs to flat waterfall trails. Here are 5 of the best hikes in Madeira, our favorites on the […]
The Seven Wonders of Portugal are a small collection of Portugal’s most important historical sites. These range from ancient castles to historic monasteries to colorful palaces. Some you may have heard of, such as Pena Palace and Belém Tower, but others may seem more obscure. They are all worth a visit on a trip through […]
Looking for a beautiful hike and an escape from the crowds? This off-the-beaten-path hike follows along Madeira’s northeastern cliffside, offering views over the dramatic cliffs and the blue ocean far below. With a mostly flat and forested trail with hardly anyone in sight, Vereda do Larano is a serene escape from the island’s main tourist […]
The PR1 trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is Madeira’s most popular and thrilling hike. Enjoy the beautiful golden sunrise rising over the island, and then traverse from Madeira’s third highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, to its highest peak, Pico Ruivo. The trail features narrow pathways rising above a steep valley, offering glimpses […]
Where should you eat in Lisbon? With its outdoor cafes, food halls, pastry shops, rooftop bars, and famous seafood restaurants, your choices may seem overwhelming. In this guide, we list some of the top restaurants in Lisbon. Ranging from quick, cheap eats to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something here for everyone. This is by no […]
A visit to Madeira would be incomplete without hiking the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8). Known as one of the best trails in Madeira, you will walk along the rugged coast and marvel at the dramatic cliffs. The highlight is the view from the final climb, where hikers stand atop the highest point […]