Lifestyle in Portugal

Portugal's history is written across its landscape, from ancient university towns to wine regions sculpted by hand over centuries.

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.

Summer in Porto can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. At this time of year, locals and tourists alike seek out refreshing outdoor spaces to escape the heat.The city’s public swimming pools offer the perfect solution — combining leisure, sport, and social time.

Set along the Atlantic coast in the municipality of Sintra, the name Azenhas do Mar originates from old watermills that once harnessed the flow of a local stream to grind grain before it reached the ocean.

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.

If you’ve spent any time nosing around Portuguese cafés, you’ll know there’s one local treat that gets everyone talking – the pastel de nata.

Lisbon isn’t short of things it does well, but the custard tarts you’ll spot in every window from Belém to Alfama might be the city’s proudest export. The hunt for the best pastel de nata in Lisbon is a cherished pastime for both locals and newcomers.

Planning a beach holiday with your dog? Portugal is home to some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Europe, offering sun, sea, and plenty of space for your four-legged friend to roam.

Tucked away in the heart of central Portugal, Águeda is a lively riverside town best known for its colourful umbrellas and forward-thinking community spirit.

Situated in the rolling hills of northern Portugal, Guimarães isn’t just any old town—it’s often called the cradle of the nation. You’ll find it a short train ride from Porto, in the Minho region. Locals take pride in their vinho verde and leafy landscapes.

From 22 August to 7 September, the city of Porto welcomes thousands of book lovers to celebrate the written word in one of Portugal’s most beautiful settings.With a long-standing tradition in the Invicta city, the Porto Book Fair has become one of the most anticipated events in the local cultural ca

Portugal is a country that’s easy to explore from north to south by rail.

Lisbon is shaping up to be the place to be, as EuroPride 2025 rolls into town and promises a proper celebration of LGBTQIA+ life and community.

Bringing your furry mate along for a new chapter under the Portuguese sun can be a bit nerve-wracking, but truth be told, Portugal is full of animal lovers.

Portugal's coastline has embraced naturism for decades, with several beaches welcoming those who prefer to soak up the sun without tan lines. Naturism gained acceptance here during the 1970s following the end of the Estado Novo regime, when social attitudes became more liberal.

Tucked away in Portugal's eastern Algarve, Tavira has managed to keep its authentic charm whilst quietly becoming one of the region's most desirable places to live.

Tucked at the western edge of Portugal’s Algarve, Lagos is a town where golden cliffs tumble into brilliant blue sea and life runs at a slower tempo.

Perched along Portugal's stunning Algarve coast, Portimão has grown from a traditional fishing port into one of the region's most appealing year-round destinations.

Aveiro, often dubbed the “Venice of Portugal”, sits on the west coast halfway between Porto and Coimbra. The city is famed for its network of pretty canals, brightly painted moliceiro boats gliding by, and a pinch of Art Nouveau architecture dotted throughout its centre.

As temperatures soar in Portugal, keeping homes cool becomes a challenge. This Deco Alerta article offers practical tips to stay comfortable during summer while reducing energy use, helping households manage cooling costs and improve efficiency without compromising comfort in the warmer months.

June is without a doubt the prime month for popular festivities in Portugal. It marks the height of celebration and a festive spirit that spreads across the country – from major cities to the smallest villages.

When summer rolls around and the jacarandas are blooming, Portugal gets ready to mark one of its most treasured occasions.

As summer begins to take hold, Portugal in June offers mild, welcoming weather — ideal for exploring the country before the intense heat of the peak season sets in.