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.

Tourist Tax in Portugal: 2025 rates for Lisbon, the Algarve & Madeira

To help manage the impact of high visitor numbers, many popular destinations levy a tourist tax. This supplementary fee is charged to visitors staying in a city or region, typically on a per-person, per-night basis, and is collected directly by accommodation providers.

Things to do in Madeira: hikes, Funchal sights & local food

Floating in the Atlantic Ocean, closer to Africa than to mainland Portugal, Madeira is an island with a character all its own. It's often called the 'island of eternal spring', and for good reason, as the weather stays mild throughout the year.

Portuguese passport ranks 4th globally: visa-free travel & EU benefits

A passport is far more than a simple travel document; it is a measure of global mobility and the key that can unlock opportunities across the world.

Living in Funchal: Madeira’s gentle capital

Located between Atlantic waves and green hills, Funchal is Madeira’s easy-going capital with a distinctly local flavour. Life unfolds at a comfortable pace, with daily routines shaped by the sea, mountain air, and a city centre full of markets and friendly faces.

Best places in Portugal for digital nomads

Thinking about life as a digital nomad in Portugal? While Lisbon and Porto often top lists of the best places in Portugal for digital nomads—with all the perks and some rapidly rising rents—they’re far from your only options.

Sustainable living in Portugal: off-grid homes and eco-villages

What’s happening with sustainable living in Portugal is more than just a passing phase. It's genuinely becoming part of the culture now, popping up in the cities as much as it is in rural communities.

Working remotely in Portugal: joining the nomad scene

Remote work in Portugal has truly taken off in recent years, and it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing the country as their base.

Living in Caminha: Portugal’s green border town

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.

School Holidays in Portugal 2025-2026

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.

Lisbon's best Blue Flag beaches: travelling the coastline

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.