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.
A solar eclipse is one of those rare sky shows Europe actually gets to enjoy properly this year. 2026 is extra special because a total solar eclipse in Portugal has not been visible since 1912.
National holidays are only half the story in Portugal. The real curveballs for work, school and travel plans are often the regional and municipal holidays – the days when one city is completely shut while the next town over is business as usual.
UNESCO cities in Portugal may be few – there are five in total across the mainland and islands – but they tell a disproportionate amount of the country’s story. Each one has a historic centre recognised by UNESCO for its “outstanding universal value”.
Portuguese wine is having a real moment, and the best wine routes in Portugal put you close to that energy. Wine tourism here means slow weekends on the river, drives through cork forests and evenings in small towns where the local taverna still knows every regular.
If you spend any time in Portugal, sooner or later, someone will suggest going out to petiscar. It’s one of the most sociable ways to eat, all about sharing plates, lingering over drinks and chatting for hours.
When people talk about green wine in Portugal, they mean Vinho Verde, not some weirdly coloured drink. It is one of the most easy‑going, affordable styles around, especially in the north and around the ciy of Porto.