What to do in Portugal

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.

Planning a holiday or thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025? Then you’re in for a real treat—literally. Portuguese food is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, offering bold flavours, hearty dishes, and rich culinary traditions influenced by Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisines.

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

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.

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.

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

There’s nowhere quite like Portugal for surfing. The coastline is peppered with breaks for every ability, friendly surf towns, and a laid-back pace that gets under your skin.

As June winds down, Porto shakes off its regular rhythm and transforms into a bustling city of light and laughter for Festa de São João, or St. John Festival.

Portugal is an incredible destination, but it can quickly feel overwhelming when tourist hotspots become overcrowded. From packed city centres to busy beaches, many visitors flock to the same famous landmarks. However, there's so much more to explore beyond the typical sights.

First things first—what exactly is bacalhau, the Portuguese national dish? In Portugal, bacalhau refers to cod, specifically salt cod, which has long been a cornerstone of Portuguese cuisine.

Chaves, the historic city in northern Portugal, officially opened the new Aquae Salutem Thermal Complex on 22 March, World Water Day.

As Easter approaches once more, it brings forth a delightful season in Portugal where families come together to feast and rejoice.

Spring is just around the corner, bringing nature to life as trees and flowers burst into bloom. If you love cherry blossoms, you don’t need to travel to Japan to witness their beauty.

Carnival in Portugal is a vibrant and colourful celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Lent, typically in February or March. The exact dates vary each year, depending on the Catholic liturgical calendar.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you a dessert lover? If your answer is yes, Portugal is a great destination for you. Portuguese desserts are known for their rich flavours, use of traditional ingredients, and a sweet indulgence that reflects the country's culinary heritage.

Weekend breaks in Portugal offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historic cities to relaxing on beautiful beaches and indulging in delicious cuisine.

Portugal is known for its beaches and sunny weather, rather than winter wonderland scenes.

Portugal comes alive with festive charm during the Christmas season, offering a rich blend of cultural and culinary delights.

The colder weather has arrived, Christmas is just around the corner, and while Portugal is typically renowned for its sunny beaches and warm climate, the crisp chill of winter has begun to settle in.

Portugal is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, but it also boasts some of the best natural hot springs and thermal spas in Europe.

Portuguese wine tourism offers an exceptional blend of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class wines. With renowned regions like Douro Valley, Alentejo, and Vinho Verde, wine lovers can embark on unforgettable journeys through picturesque vineyards and charming estates.

As summer draws to a close, our desire for a weekend getaway remains strong, but this time, we're not heading to the beach.