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.
Right up in the green corner of Northern Portugal, where the wide Minho River meets the Atlantic, sits the market town of Caminha. With one foot on the coast and the other practically in Spain, this scenic spot offers a unique slice of Portuguese life.
If you're living in Portugal or planning a move, knowing when the school holidays fall makes life a fair bit easier. The Portuguese academic year typically runs from September to June, with breaks dotted throughout for Christmas, Easter, summer, and a handful of shorter interruptions.
You don't have to head all the way south to find excellent beaches. If you're visiting or living in Lisbon, you have some brilliant Portuguese Blue Flag beaches just a short train ride away.
One of the best things about Portugal is its incredible coastline, but with literally thousands of beaches, figuring out where to lay your towel can be tricky. That's where the Blue Flag award comes in handy.
When you picture the Douro Valley, your mind likely goes straight to the terraced vineyards and world-famous Port wine. But to get to grips with this part of Northern Portugal means looking beyond the bottle on the shelf.
Portugal’s got a proper sweet tooth, and it shows—just pop into any pastelaria and you’ll be spoiled for choice. The country takes its pastries seriously, with locals nipping in for a quick coffee and something sweet at all hours.
No visit to Portugal is complete without tucking into at least one pastel de nata. Born in the convent kitchens of Lisbon, this little custard tart has become a national icon.