The charming and cobbled Old World cornucopia of medieval Óbidos Portugal is just an hour north of Lisbon. The dreamy UNESCO village is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls. It’s decorated with splashes of ultramarine and saffron yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes a cherry pots of geraniums. … Read more
Wondering how to spend one day in Coimbra Portugal? I’ve got you covered. This 1 day Coimbra itinerary covers all the top attractions and best things to do and see in beautiful Coimbra. Dating from the 9th century, Coimbra is a surefire charmer with no end to its embarrassment of riches. The city is one of … Read more
Porto is a magnetic fairytale city with an unrivaled location on the Douro River in Portugal. The city is a mosaic of Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical architecture with a pinch of picturesque crumbling buildings. Church spires vie with draped laundry to set an atmospheric stage. Porto has magnificent churches clad in wild sky blue … Read more
Wondering if Livraria Lello bookstore is Porto is worth visiting? The answer is maybe, depending on your tolerance for crowds. The 110 year old Lello Bookstore is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and a must see site in Porto. It’s a stunning old world bookshop filled to the rafters with new … Read more
There’s nothing as romantic or idyllic as a road trip through Portugal. The country is a land finely aged like wine. It stuns with its vintage-y cities, whitewashed medieval villages, a beautiful seacoast, and delicious food and wine. Top this all off with a dollop of historic UNESCO sites and some soulful Fado music, and … Read more
Planning a trip to Europe and looking for some unusual places to visit? Here’s my guide to 25+ hidden gems in Europe. I love ferreting out unique and less touristy hidden gems in Europe. In my lifetime of travels in Europe, it’s always the tiny picturesque towns that steal my heart, don’t let go, and … Read more
Planning a trip to Portugal and Spain? Here’s my guide to taking a fantastic 10 day road trip in southern Portugal and southern Spain. This 10 day Spain-Portugal itinerary takes you from Lisbon Portugal to Granada Spain. This popular road trip route is dense with exciting cities, must visit medieval villages, Moorish architecture, UNESCO-listed landmarks, … Read more
Want to step into a fairytale? Here’s my guide to visiting Quinta da Regaleira Palace in Sintra. Quinta da Regaleira is a must see attraction and a landmark in Sintra, Portugal. The Gothic palace is simply breathtaking and full of mystique. It’s an easy 30 minute day trip from Lisbon, and definitely worth a visit … Read more
Exploring Porto and wondering where to find azulejos ? This guide takes you on a DIY walking tour of the best sites and landmarks in Porto with dazzling blue azulejo decorations. I dedicated an entire day to bingeing on azulejos in Porto. Perhaps I shouldn’t use the word “bingeing.” It’s a bit of a naughty … Read more
Planning a trip to Europe and looking for some unusual places to visit? I love ferreting out unique and less touristy hidden gems in Europe. In my lifetime of travels in Europe, it’s always the tiny picturesque towns that steal my heart, don’t let go, and form the sweetest and most indelible travel memories. Here’s … Read more