Journal / Portugal travel

Portugal travel

Where to go, when to go and how to get around — honest, practical notes for planning a trip to Portugal, written from our home in the Alentejo.

Five quiet beaches in the Algarve for August visits

A guide to finding quiet coastal spots in the Algarve during the peak summer month of August, focusing on locations away from the main resorts.

An Alentejo road trip: five days between cork oaks and coast

A slow five-day route through the Alentejo — whitewashed villages, cork forests, empty beaches and the best roadside food in Portugal — with realistic driving times.

How to eat well in Portugal: markets, tascas and the menu of the day

The single best food decision in Portugal costs under ten euros. How the prato do dia works, which markets are worth your morning, and what to order when the menu is only in Portuguese.

A guide to driving in Portugal: tolls, rentals and scenic roads

Practical advice on navigating Portuguese motorways, managing electronic tolls and choosing scenic routes through the Alentejo and beyond.

A month by month guide to visiting the Alentejo

A practical guide to the changing seasons and climate of the Alentejo to help you choose the best time for your visit.