Every culture has their way of celebrating summer, but the Iberians are full on experts at maximizing your beach lounging experience. From serene rocky shores filled with marine life to vivacious sandy beaches sporting live entertainment, swanky restaurants and topless women, there’s surely a beach that fits your style! But no matter where you are in […]
Top 8 Tips to Enjoying the Beach in Spain and Portugal Read More »
If you’ve ever been to Porto, you’re familiar with the ubiquitous Francesinha, the equivalent of a heart-attack on a plate. Its signature is the protein-carbohydrate medley of cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage, and steak, stacked between two fat slices of bread smothered in melted cheese and doused in a spicy, and oh so flavorful, tomato and beer sauce. Terrified
Where to find the Best Francesinha in Portugal Read More »
Don’t let the bucolic fields of pink and white almond blossoms, abundant fruit orchards and twisty vineyards fool you, there’s a gory, bloody side to Northern Portugal. Here is where you’ll find extreme snout to tail eating, where winter pig slaughters are a time for families to bond, to roll up their sleeves and hand-wash
6 Extreme Foods of Northern Portugal – For Foodie Adventurers Read More »
I adore a stunning pair of high heels. I’m not talking about the mammoth spikes that can alternatively be used as an assault weapon, or block heels that make you walk like un-oiled stick figure; I’m referring to the elegant sensible heels that sculpt your legs into sumptuous, sleek delectables. That said, Portugal is not for the heel obsessed. Frankly,
Catavino’s Top 10 Tips for Traveling in Portugal: Ditch the High Heels! Read More »
Photographer: Nuno Lemos Capture Date: December 21, 2013 Location: Serra da Estrela, Portugal About: Located in central Portugal, this gorgeous unspoiled area is a protected National Park filled with rushing rivers, deep ravines and enough wildlife to keep your binoculars at the ready. That said, if you’re a cheese lover, consider packing up your bags and moving here
Friday Feature Photo: Sunset over Serra da Estrela, Portugal Read More »
I’ll admit, there are times I desperately wish to transport myself back to Barcelona, to the autumn sun, to the calm beaches, to the lazy outdoor terraces. And it’s not because Barcelona is any better or worse than Porto, it’s because it’s simply…dry. Come autumn, Porto turns into a wicked stepchild, throwing a massive tantrum of blustery
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy the Autumn Rain Read More »
Photographer: Marcos Bolaños Capture Date: January 2014 Location: Canary Islands About: Despite its small size, the Canary Island Volcanic Archipelago is one of the most beautifully diverse places on earth supporting rare endemic species of animals and plants sequestered in the thick laurisilva forests. Hence, the islands aren’t just for sandy beaches and subtle white wine, but a rich fairytale
Friday Feature Photo: The Fairytale Forests of the Canary Islands, Spain Read More »
The Algarve and the summer season seem to be synonymous with its white sandy beaches, sapphire blue and aquamarine ocean waters, and of course, the food which is full of the “fruit of the sea”. The abundance of fresh seafood, fish and sun-ripened vegetables is what I dream of when I think of taking holiday
Cataplana: The traditional Portuguese cooking vessel explained! Read More »
When I was a child, I coveted anything flavored “cherry”. From the sweet artificial flavor of a Starburst candy to the ripe succulent berry itself, it was by far my absolute favorite fruit….that is until I moved to Barcelona. Barcelona evoked a deep passion for sweet mandarines, juicy strawberries, crisp apples and meaty melons. While
Ripe and Delicious Portuguese Cherries! Read More »
Enchanting, mystical, charming…these three words perpetually fall off my tongue when I describe the city of Porto. It’s a city that holds a thousand secrets etched on porcelain tiled buildings and abandoned romantic gardens teeming with flowering camelia trees. It’s a city where a 102 year old grandmother draped in black will smile broadly as
Deciphering the Vibrant Street Art of Porto Read More »
There are few cities in the world that are internationally known for their parks. Off the top of my head, I can think of Central Park in New York City, Parc Guell in Barcelona, Stanley Park in Vancouver, Griffith Park in Los Angeles, Lincoln Park in Chicago and Monsanto Park in Lisbon, but never once
The Lush Green Parks and Gardens of Porto, Portugal Read More »
It would be hard to escape the trendy, upbeat sounds of “Happy”, a song performed by American singer Pharrell Williams, from the Despicable Me 2 album. It’s been so successful that it’s topped the charts in 16 different countries and sold one million copies in the UK alone. Impressed? Just wait, there’s more! To coincide with the song’s
Pharrell Williams – Happy – We Are from Porto Read More »
Last year, Catavino attended the premiere of Simplesmente Vinho and had a fantastic time. We were surprised by the off-the-cuff tasting that resulted in a group of “wine geeks” joining together in a cave, literally, on the Cais de Ribeira for a small producer tasting. Thankfully, it was a huge success and has returned for
Simplesmente Vinho: Celebrating natural wine in Portugal Read More »
Taberna do Largo is an unassuming little wine bar nestled in the historic district of Porto; which approximately a year ago, I ducked in when taking refuge from the freezing rain. Music gently played over the speakers, the candles flickered on the tables in the back and a sweet young woman with a soft Portuguese
Taberna do Largo: A Personal Tribute to Courageous Women Read More »
I adore nature. Call me a tree-hugger, but I’m the girl saving spiders, running barefoot through the mud or picking up random leaves to inspect whether they have a particular aroma. I guarantee evolution would have killed me a century ago, if left to own devices. Nature is my place of rest and relaxation. And
Portugal’s Unknown Treasures: Peneda Geres National Park Read More »
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