Portugal is a country of great culture and hospitality, full of nooks and crannies that are a must see for any visitor. You’ve certainly heard of each one of these 3 cities, seeing as they are the largest in Portugal. According to some specialty blogs, each one has very interesting places to visit, but usually, those spots are not the most popular, however, they are undiscovered gems that are worth discovering! Embark with us on this journey through our largest Portuguese cities, and get to know 3 irresistible places in each one! Oporto Although well known for its football passion, for the...

Arcos de Valdevez, capital district village in the Alto Minho region, is surrounded by nature and bathed by the beautiful Vez River. Occupied since pre-historical times, the many and diverse local archaeological finds prove just that. Part of the Peneda Gerês National Park, it is worth visiting its natural beauty, as well as getting to know its rich history. Arcos House is comprised of various rural tourism houses, especially indicated for those who seek accommodations that will let them fully enjoy this fantastic region. Located in a mountainous area, Casa da Nascente is one of them: a...

Cármen and João are the owners of Guest House Douro, located in the heart of Oporto’s historical centre. Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, in 1996, this is a place that offers guests a unique and charming experience. Guest House Douro is the first and only luxury guest house to open its doors right in front of the city’s famous riverfront and is nestled into a historical Ferdinand wall. Surrounded by tourist attractions and historical monuments, such as the S. Francisco Church, the Bolsa Palace, the Dom Luís I Bridge and numerous Port Wine cellars, there is a lot to see and do around...

In January 2013, Food & Wine magazine, an international publication by American Express, elected the most romantic cities in the world and among them is our beautiful capital, Lisbon. Lisbon is among the 10 most romantic cities in the world, sharing the award along with Paris, San Francisco and Prague. "Old buildings and glorious, new restaurants, clothing stores and museums that have made the city one of the most exciting cultural destinations" make Lisbon the 8th most romantic city in the world. Food & Wine suggests staying at the Bairro Alto Hotel, situated in the heart of the city...

Portugal is rich in vast and stunning gardens, most of which are also historically important, standing out not only because of their beauty, but also because of their great patrimonial value. Amidst their verdant and perfumed landscapes, many hide testimonials of time past, but all are true works of living art. Valentine’s Day or the simple desire to take a romantic walk are both great reasons to discover some of Portugal’s most amazing gardens. If you want to surprise your better half with a romantic outdoor date, why not pack and enjoy a picnic at one of these gardens? All you have to do is...

In Portugal, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with pomp and circumstance – from the party venue to the lingerie worn –it is tradition to wear something blue while you initiate the midnight ritual which implies eating 12 raisins (and making 12 wishes!), while savoring a delicious champagne and counting down the last 12 strokes of the year that is coming to an end. But New Year’s Eve is much more than blue underwear and eating a handful of raisons… The place where New Year’s Eve is going to be celebrated could have a huge influence on the success of the night and of the party, so why not discover...

In a country with so much natural beauty such as Portugal, discovering all the wonderful tourist spots that this country has to offer is imperative, especially before you decide to pack your bags in search of adventure at another destination. Have you had the privilege of travelling down the Douro River? Come along for an unforgettable ride… Golden moments A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, the Alto Douro wine region is a wonderful place for those who wish to delight in an excursion and be delighted by a landscape that is truly unforgettable. For that matter, nothing like a trip on the...

If you’re environmentally friendly and want to discover Portugal’s greener side, you’ll be happy to know that from north to south of the country, you’ll find numerous hotels that promote ecological stays, without compromising the comfort and well-being of its guests. Perfect for those who love ecology, a sustainable way of life and slow travel… 1. Quinta da Bouça d’Arques – Vila de Punhe, Viana do Castelo In Northern Portugal, you’ll find a marvelous property where sustainability and love for mother nature are present in each detail, big or small: the water comes from natural mines and wells...

Bed & Breakfast is an accommodation concept that was born during World War II in England when, faced with completely booked hotels, the English started opening their homes to travelers and foreigners, offering them a bed to spend the night and breakfast the next day. One of the most curious things about Bed & Breakfasts’ today is that in most cases, the owner also lives in the house, which just helps create a homier and more welcoming place… sort of like a home away from home. If you’re going to be in Lisbon and want to give this original form of sleeping away from home a try, than...

Did you know that Portugal is one of the best European destinations for birdwatching? There is no other country in Europe where it is possible to see an Iberian imperial eagle or a blue wing pigeon, as well as more than 350 different bird species. Discover the birdwatching phenomenon and enjoy the best that nature has to offer. Portugal: a variety of natural habitats The large variety of natural habitats that can be found in Portugal allows any birdwatcher to discover many stunning territories: high mountains, natural parks, encased valleys, beaches as far as the eye can see, hills with views...