Costa Nova, a charming seaside village in Portugal, offers a serene escape with its beautiful beaches and tranquil lagoon. Renowned for its iconic candy-striped houses, this destination invites visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls and embrace simple pleasures, embodying a sense of unwinding away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Tag Archives: traditional
Sublime Senhora
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego, Portugal, is a renowned pilgrimage site noted for its stunning Baroque architecture and a 686-step staircase. This significant landmark showcases historical and spiritual richness, shaping Lamego’s skyline and cultural identity, with features like terraces, fountains, and Azulejo panels enhancing its beauty.
Birthday girl
On a sunny birthday in the Douro Valley, we celebrate with a boat trip, enjoying the stunning views and Port tastings along the river. The region is famous for iconic Port brands and picturesque estates like Quinta das Carvalhas, known for its spectacular vineyards and beautiful estate house.
Fire fighting
The scorching heat affecting Portugal posed significant challenges for the Douro Valley, witnessed during a July 2025 visit. Seaplane pilots tirelessly fought fires by scooping river water. Pinhão, a charming village with scenic views and a slow pace of life, features lovely cafés, restaurants, and a notable train station adorned with azulejos.
Piddly on Port
Today we’re doing a tour of Cockburn’s wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. The experience highlights the region’s rich history and craftsmanship, showcasing coopers at work and concluding with a tasting of three Port varieties, making it a must for wine enthusiasts.
Heads on platters
A few odds and sods in this post. We’re back in Vila Nova de Gaia and have stumbled into what we assume is a religious parade. Either that or they just really like carrying around disembodied heads of bearded men. Another of my favourite holiday snaps, and souvenirs, the ubiquitous magnet! Looking out over aContinue reading “Heads on platters”
Soaking up Porto
Join us as we continue to romp through Porto soaking up the colours and the street art! There’s so much to see in this compact little city. It’s all easily walkable and you could cover it all in a weekend, but if you allow yourself a few more days then you can explore it allContinue reading “Soaking up Porto”
Vila Nova de Gaia: Where History Rests by the River
Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto, is renowned for its historic port wine cellars and rich architectural heritage. Highlights include the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar with its stunning views and the riverfront lined with historic wine lodges, blending contemporary attractions with its storied past.
Falling for Porto, One Tile at a Time
Porto captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and the tranquil flow of the Douro River. Notable sites like Estação de São Bento and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso showcase stunning azulejo tiles, embodying the city’s artistic charm. Porto invites exploration and leaves a lasting impression long after departure.
Teguise
Teguise, one of the earliest settlements in the Canary Islands, was the capital of Lanzarote until 1847. The town features numerous historically and artistically significant buildings. Visitors can explore the Aloe Vera museum and take photos with its mascot, adding a fun element to the experience.