Portugal is only now finding its way onto the European Tourism radar and we are all very happy to welcome you. For being a small country Portugal has a diverse range of climates. From snow-capped mountains in the center to rainy winters up north to hot, dry summers in the south you may not know […]
The Essential Guide to Traveling with a Child in Portugal Read More »
“Claret is the liquor for boys; port, for men; but he who aspires to be a hero must drink brandy…There are, indeed, few who are able to drink brandy. That is a power rather to be wished for than attained.” – Samuel Jackson Sipping brandy neat—no ice, no mixer—is an acquired taste for most, and like
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Ernest Hemingway writes of Paris in his A Moveable Feast, but the oysters he mentions could have been from Setúbal. “As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank
A Travel Guide to Setúbal’s Oysters and Wine Read More »
Editor’s Note: Today, we’re very excited to introduce Cathy Fisher, an American currently living in Lisbon with her Portuguese husband. Cathy approached us with an infectious passion to share her love of Portuguese wine; and who are we to say no?! Welcome Cathy and thank you for getting us in the mood for old Vinho Verde! “Portuguese guys care
The Serious Side of Vinho Verde Read More »
If I knew then what I know now, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. These are the tips of an expatriate and those of a traveler. They are the words that I utter after every trip gone awry and also after those that went off, mostly, without a hitch. Yet, it’s also
Spanish Nightlife: 10 tips on how to have the most fun Read More »
Your visit to Spain need not take on the predictable pace of one city on Tuesday, then bolting to a new city on Wednesday, with one too many museums (and perhaps a little party island hastily thrown in at the end to catch a quick sunburn) before jetting back to cooler climates. Big cities like
Five Small Towns in Spain Every Foodie Needs to Visit! Read More »
With more than two thousand years of grape growing and winemaking history, and as the country with the largest planted surface of vineyards in the world, approaching Spanish wines for the first time can be quite intimidating. Different regions, climates, varieties, regulations,… yield different styles that can gratify very divergent palates. Familiarize yourself with the
Spanish Wine 101- A starting point for Spanish Wine Lovers Read More »
Standing in a Spanish pescadería can be intimidating, even to the most acclimated gringo. Unlike in the U.S., where the fish counters are neat and organized, filets in even rows, a Spanish fish market is not for the squeamish. Whole fish are displayed on ice, heads and tails intact. Large shiny eyes stare up at you,
The Essential Travelers Guide to Ordering Fish in Spain Read More »
I love the flavors you get when cooking with Portuguese ingredients. I’ve learned that the food in Portugal can be intense, yet sophisticated. It bursts with flavors, yet somehow remains uncomplicated. How did a country, known for rustic cuisine, fuse exotic and foreign flavors so seamlessly that it’s become ingrained in their traditional cooking. For
Indian Spices: The Hidden Story of Portuguese Foods Global Influence Read More »
When I look at the timeworn façades across Portugal, listen to the tune in the language, or taste the spice of the food and I find it fascinating when I realize how much of it is influenced by the warm, culturally rich continent to the south, Africa. The strong Arabic structures of the Lisbon walls
African Influence on Portugal Read More »
Spain might be known for its festivals and its food more than for its skiing, but it would be remiss to assume that Spain is a country best visited in the summer. Although it sports almost 5,000 kilometers of coastline, the mountains, too, offer their own unique beauty and a wealth of winter activities beyond
Best Places to Ski in Spain Read More »
Carnival conjures images of brightly decorated floats, scantily clad dancing women, and a party that lasts for weeks on end, equivalent to New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Of any other celebration, Carnival is beloved in Europe! (photo by Rosino) But what is Carnival? Historically, during the six weeks of Lent, one was expected to be conservative in their behavior, which meant no
Where to Find the Best Carnival Celebrations in Portugal Read More »
If you were to take a series of snapshots of Carnival around the world, they might all look markedly different: a painted mask floating out of the evening fog in Venice; a jewel-studded headdress on a scantily clad dancer in Rio; an enormous Krishna riding on a float down a dusty street in India. Carnival
Your Guide to the Best Carnivals in Spain Read More »
Unless you fancy yourself a bit of a sweet talker, convincing a vendor at Barcelona’s world-famous La Boqueria market to sell you just one slice each of six different kinds of jamón isn’t likely to happen. I’ve enjoyed once or twice the feeling of hammy contentment after copping a free (tiny) taste of a top-quality
Jamón Experience: Tasting Spanish ham in Barcelona on a Budget Read More »
My first New Years in Portugal was spent in Lisbon, gazing out across the city to the Tejo river, where the yearly fireworks would flare up and burst in a spectacular display of color. Underneath the technicolor display, a cacophony of banging pots and pans alongside honking car horns rang in o Ano Novo. It was a gorgeous night
Traditions of a Portuguese New Year: It all comes down to your underwear Read More »
