Cesca Rampley

Culture vulture from London with a passion for all things foodie. I’ve lived abroad for almost 10 years, floating from one magical place to another. I studied literature at university in the eclectic city of Brighton, and since then, I’ve been hooked on keeping up with what to do, see, and, of course, eat. I’m a firm believer in appreciating and learning from local cultures, travelling responsibly, and giving new things a go with an open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity. I try to share useful tips, local insights and a bit of honest know-how, so you can make the most of wherever you find yourself.

Portugal’s Golden Triangle: Vale do Lobo’s new prime benchmark

Property buyers have sought out homes at Vale do Lobo in the Algarve for the past 65+ years. It boasts a well-established, welcoming international community, with a mix of full-time residents and second-home owners. The unparalleled Vale do Lobo lifestyle is a core part of the attraction.

Portugal’s most coveted areas for summer retreats - scarcity driving growth

As summer settles in, Portugal’s prime property markets are tightening at the top and pushing demand into the next ring of coastal and lifestyle addresses.At the start of 2026, just over 1,000 homes priced above €4 million were on the market nationwide, according to idealista data.

Portugal's new face of luxury: inside Sublime’s more authentic approach

Luxury tourism in Portugal is going through what can best be described as a structural shift. For decades, the premium segment leaned heavily on exuberance, visible distinction and formal service.

Lisbon least affordable capital amid high rents and living costs

Lisbon’s appeal has grown steadily in recent years, but the numbers for 2026 show a city where wages are struggling to keep pace with the basic cost of a comfortable life.Recent data from Tradingpedia underlines how housing costs, both for renters and buyers, are at the heart of an affordability cri

Guide to Portugal’s only national park

If you ever hear someone say Portugal doesn’t have a proper national park, they’ve simply not made it up to Gerês.

7 lesser‑known Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve

The Algarve leads Portugal again in 2026 for Blue Flag beaches, but most people still gravitate towards the big resort names.

Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve in 2026

Across the western cliffs, through the resort coastline, and all the way to the barrier islands, the Algarve once again dominates the national Blue Flag list. In 2026, dozens of beaches and marinas across the region have received the award, confirming the Algarve as Portugal’s benchmark for wat

Portugal’s new Blue Flag beaches: coastal and inland finds for 2026

Portugal’s newest Blue Flag beaches for 2026 stretch far beyond the usual Algarve suspects. This year’s additions to Portugal's Blue Flag recognitions include wild Atlantic sands in the north, river beaches in central Portugal, and freshwater reservoir spots in the Alentejo.Rodanho Beach, Viana

Portugal’s wild, no-traffic atlantic escape

Out in the mid-Atlantic, there’s a wild Portuguese island where a single volcanic cone dominates the skyline.

São Pedro Festival in Portugal 2026: where to celebrate Saint Peter’s Day

There’s something about late June in Portugal that shifts the mood entirely. Streets fill with streamers, long outdoor dinners appear as if by instinct, and the smell of grilled sardines hangs in the air.