Exploring the world, one place at a time
I couldn't very well go to Porto without visiting one of the many port houses that dot the hillside of neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia, which is how we found ourselves late one afternoon touring the cellars at Taylor's, one of the oldest port merchants in the region. Taylor's dates back to 1692 when an... Continue Reading →
One of my favourite things to do in Porto was visiting the city's many, highly decorative churches. From pretty tile-clad exteriors to breathtaking gilt carved interiors and superb views over the city, there was a lot to marvel at. But of all the incredible ecclesiastical buildings we visited (and we saw quite a few!), two... Continue Reading →
The contemporary art gallery Casa de Serralves is tucked away in one of Porto's wealthier suburbs. A bus ride away away from the bustling city centre, it would be easy to miss if you didn't know it was there. Opened in June 1999, the museum sits within the extensive grounds of Serralves Villa, a strikingly... Continue Reading →
For the last two and a half years, I've had an ever-growing list of posts lingering in my drafts folder that I held off publishing while we were in the throes of the pandemic, and it's got to the point where I haven't been sure what to do with them as it's been so long.... Continue Reading →
When I think of the food in Porto, I think of sardines, pastries, the francesinha sandwich, and lots and lots of port. Portugal's second city is a culinary delight, with a host of superb restaurants and cafés. Pretty much everything I had to eat or drink was excellent and Porto has since become one of... Continue Reading →
Portugal's second city is the perfect place for a weekend break. Boasting interesting architecture, a maze of alleyways that are ripe for exploring, museums, parks, churches, and fantastic food, it's a great city in which to spend a long weekend. Not to mention there's an abundance of its most famous export – port – on... Continue Reading →
The Castelo de São Jorge and the Alfama are among the oldest parts of Lisbon. This ancient, hilly district is home to a warren of winding cobbled streets and characterful old buildings, and it's where I decided to spend my final morning in the city. The Castelo de São Jorge is perched high on a... Continue Reading →
Nestled in the lush green hills surrounding Sintra is the extraordinary Quinta da Regaleira, a stately home quite unlike any other. This marvellous home and its unusual gardens were designed at the turn of the 20th century by the Italian architect Luigi Manini. The estate was built as a summer residence for António Augusto Carvalho... Continue Reading →
Two magnificent palaces, an incredible hilltop castle and a quirky stately home are just some of the many things to do in the pretty, picturesque town of Sintra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site to the west of Lisbon is surrounded by lush, tree-covered hills in the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais and was the favourite summer... Continue Reading →
When I was doing my research looking for things to do in Lisbon, the one place that consistently received top billing was the Oceanarium. Oceanariums aren't typically top of my to-do-list (castles usually are), but this one had such great reviews I was keen to experience it for myself. And so, on my first full... Continue Reading →
Little Old World 