Explore the old town of Funchal, watch the sunrise from one of Madeira’s highest peaks, hike on coastal trails and alongside levadas, go whale watching, relax on the beach, go Madeira wine tasting, ride a cable car to the beach, and swim in a natural hot pool…these all top the list of things to do in Madeira. Madeira is a …
Exactly How to Hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9) | Madeira, Portugal
Looking for one of the most relaxing hikes in Madeira, but still want some adventure? On the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, experience a calm forest walk, weave through narrow tunnels, and picnic in front of a spectacular waterfall. There’s almost no elevation gain too, so the this is the perfect hike for a lighter day in Madeira. Since it …
Aveiro: Best Things to Do in the ‘Venice of Portugal’
Aveiro is a small coastal city in central Portugal. It is known as “the Portuguese Venice” for its canals and waterways, similar to those in Venice, Italy. The top experiences in Aveiro include taking a boat tour through the canals, strolling through the city center, indulging in local pastries, and venturing beyond the city center to the salt flats and …
Where to Stay in Madeira 2024: The Ultimate Hotel Guide
When deciding where to stay in Madeira, there are a few things to consider. The location of where you stay in Madeira is very important, if not the most important factor to consider, as this dictates how much driving you will do, and whether or not you need to rent a car, so this can have a huge impact on …
3 Days in Porto: How to Plan a Trip to Porto, Portugal
Try port wine at the wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, stroll along the Douro River, try Porto’s decadent street foods, visit the most beautiful bookstore in the world, enjoy the view from the Dom Luis I Bridge, and day trip to the Douro Valley, Braga, or Guimarães…these are all things you can do with 3 days in Porto. …
14 Day Southern Spain & Portugal Itinerary: Andalusia & the Algarve
This southern Spain and Portugal itinerary is filled with remarkable historical sites, picturesque towns, and some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Start in Seville, a sun-drenched city famous for its cathedral, historic old town, and Plaza de España. From here, tour a few famous Andalusian cities, visiting the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, touring the Alhambra in Granada, and photographing …
20 Unique Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira
Steeped in history and full of charm, Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, Portugal. Exploring the picturesque old town, visiting the city’s historic monuments, riding the cable car to Monte to explore the botanical gardens, and wine tasting all make the list of the best things to do in Funchal. And don’t miss the thrilling toboggan sled ride down …
5 Epic Day Hikes in Madeira, Portugal
Hiking in Madeira is one of the best ways to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, from its high peaks to its coastal cliffs. The island offers plenty of options for any type of hiker, from steep mountain climbs to flat waterfall trails. Here are 5 of the best hikes in Madeira, our favorites on the island, and each route explores …
Seven Wonders of Portugal: The Ultimate Guide
The Seven Wonders of Portugal are a small collection of Portugal’s most important historical sites. These range from ancient castles to historic monasteries to colorful palaces. Some you may have heard of, such as Pena Palace and Belém Tower, but others may seem more obscure. They are all worth a visit on a trip through Portugal. In this guide, we …
Vereda do Larano to Boca do Risco | An Underrated Hike in Madeira
Looking for a beautiful hike and an escape from the crowds? This off-the-beaten-path hike follows along Madeira’s northeastern cliffside, offering views over the dramatic cliffs and the blue ocean far below. With a mostly flat and forested trail with hardly anyone in sight, Vereda do Larano is a serene escape from the island’s main tourist attractions. This is similar to …
Best Way to Hike Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) | Madeira’s #1 Hike
The PR1 trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is Madeira’s most popular and thrilling hike. Enjoy the beautiful golden sunrise rising over the island, and then traverse from Madeira’s third highest peak, Pico do Arieiro, to its highest peak, Pico Ruivo. The trail features narrow pathways rising above a steep valley, offering glimpses of Madeira’s coastal towns and …
Where to Eat in Lisbon: Best Restaurants, Cheap Eats & Food Tours
Where should you eat in Lisbon? With its outdoor cafes, food halls, pastry shops, rooftop bars, and famous seafood restaurants, your choices may seem overwhelming. In this guide, we list some of the top restaurants in Lisbon. Ranging from quick, cheap eats to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something here for everyone. This is by no means a “best restaurants in …
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8) | Step-By-Step Trail Guide
A visit to Madeira would be incomplete without hiking the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8). Known as one of the best trails in Madeira, you will walk along the rugged coast and marvel at the dramatic cliffs. The highlight is the view from the final climb, where hikers stand atop the highest point of the peninsula and overlook …
Two Weeks in Portugal Itinerary: With & Without a Car
There is a lot you can see and do with two weeks in Portugal. Spend a few days seeing the sights in Lisbon, day trip to Sintra to visit Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, taste port wine in Porto, visit the wineries in the Douro Valley, explore a few of Portugal’s charming towns, and end with some beach time …
3 Days in Lisbon Itinerary: Highlights, Hidden Gems & Sintra Day Trip
3 days in Lisbon is the perfect amount of time to visit this city’s must-see attractions, visit a few hidden gems, dine at its best restaurants, and even day trip to some incredible nearby destinations. There are several different ways to spend 3 days in Lisbon. You can spend all three days in Lisbon and Belém, visiting the historical sites …
How to Plan a Trip to Évora, Portugal (& Is It Worth It?)
Évora is a small city located in Alentejo, Portugal, about an hour from Lisbon. Filled with historic charm, this city is famous for its Roman Temple, well-preserved city center, and amazing Chapel of Bones. Évora is a popular day trip from Lisbon but it is also worth a quick visit on a road trip through Portugal. A few hours are …
One Day in Porto: Best of Porto in 24 Hours
If you have one day in Porto, there are a few ways you can plan your time. When deciding what to do, the biggest question to answer is would you rather spend your time visiting Porto’s historical sights, tasting port in the wine cellars in Gaia, or simply strolling through the city center and along the Douro River? In this …
Monsanto, Portugal: Photos, Things to Do & Helpful Tips
Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the rolling hills of eastern Portugal, sits Monsanto. This tiny town is famous for its colossal boulders. Stone houses are sandwiched between and under these boulders, making this one of the most unique villages to visit in Europe. Strolling these picturesque streets is a popular thing to do but walking the walls of the hilltop …
20 Foods to Eat in Portugal and Where to Find Them
What should you eat while in Portugal? Since Portuguese culture is deeply intertwined with food, the answer to this question is just as important as what you should see and do while in Portugal. Dining on salted cod, port wine tasting in Porto and the Douro Valley, indulging on Pastel de Nata pastries and the savory sandwiches in Porto are …
Cascais, Portugal: Best Things to Do & Day Trip Ideas
Cascais is a small coastal town that sits near Lisbon, Portugal. Relaxing on the beach and strolling through the lovely city center tops the list of things to do in Cascais, but there are also a few museums you can add to the list. Many people visit Cascais on a day trip from Lisbon, but Cascais also makes a great …