Editor’s note: during my month in Lisbon, I visited Sintra (read about it here), but did not make it to Obidos or Evora. We are fortunate to have Sam Spector to fill in those gaps for us, as well as offer his insights on Sintra itself. For more of Sam’s writing, click here to visit…
Editor’s note: I was fortunate to spend a full month in Lisbon in early 2020, prior to the onset of Covid. Like Sam, I loved the city, and you can click here to read my guide to it, which in turn links to other in-depth articles about specific neighborhoods and aspects of life in Lisbon.…
Editor’s note: for regular readers, you’ve become accustomed to seeing the world not only through Sam Spector’s eyes, but also those of his wife and their now year-old daughter. Here, they explore one of my favorite countries, and one I’ve considered moving to: Portugal. Enjoy! And for more of Sam’s adventures, click here to visit…
Portugal's capital has beckoned me for years. Called by the sea, the hills, the food, and the sounds of the language, it has been at or near the top of my travel wish list for as long as I've had one. Now, after spending a month living and exploring Lisbon, I am able to share…
I had never been to Portugal before spending a month there earlier this year. First, wow, what an amazing country! However, there are some things I wish I'd known before coming that would have helped me better navigate as a tourist, better plan my trip, and better understand the people. Here is a list, in…
It's amazing how different the world can be after only a short train ride. A cool ocean breeze lifts my spirits (and messes my hair) as I sit in the sun along one of Cascais's many beaches. Sunglasses on, I alternate my gaze between the blue waters and the volleyballers - though they play with…
As many of you know, food has long been one of my passions. When I travel, I love to try local dishes, go to local spots, and really get a feel for what makes a particular food culture unique. Some places have the reputation for being specific foodie destinations - Italy and France jump quickly…
When maritime history meets awesome architecture, the birthplace of a famous food, and cool museums, you know that is a place worth visiting. Belém is a neighborhood in western Lisbon along the Tagus, and combines all of these things. Home to some of the city's elite - and the country's president - Belém is a…
Pena Palace is considered by many to be the most beautiful building in all of Portugal, and it certainly lives up to that reputation. The colors - yellows, reds, blues - of the fanciful towers and decorations play masterfully with the cloud-filled sky and the greens of the open mountainous space around it. It is…
Porto is sometimes called Portugal's "second city," referring to it being second in both size and importance to the capital, Lisbon. But when it comes to exploration for a traveler, Porto is second to none. While it may not have the historic significance or cultural hubs of its larger cousin to the south, Porto is…