The Camino de Santiago: a case for Madeira’s levadas
The Camino de Santiago is perhaps the most popular pilgrimage route in Europe. It holds a lot of cultural significance, and that should be protected and celebrated. However, that shouldn’t mean…
On Pessoa, Portuguese Cuisine and Hidden Tastes: a Food Tour with Taste of Lisboa
The prolific Portuguese philosopher and writer Fernando Pessoa had no less than 80 heteronyms, facets of his personality re-imagined as thinkers and poets in his most notable works. And from…
Spain Snapshots: Little Known Wines from Spain and Portugal
You should blame my host family for my love of wine. Not used to drinking with dinner, they'd top up my glass with rich Ribera del Duero wines, saying it…
From Wine Tasting to Extraordinary Architecture: Discovering the Douro Valley
Author's Note: Seville wasn't always the object of my Spanish affection: I spent six weeks living with a host family in Valladolid, perfecting my castellano accent and drinking copious amounts…
Four Mini-breaks from Seville
Part of the attraction of residing in Seville; apart from the sunshine, siestas and delicious oranges is its proximity to so many weekend break destinations. Whether you’re after a quick…
Travel Highlights from the Last Six Months of 2012
When I reflected on just how much travelling I'd done during the first half of 2012 - from two new autonomous regions of Spain to fulfilling a nagging want to…