What happens when a global super power fades away and becomes yesterday’s news? It becomes as magnificent as Portugal.
Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is a testament to a great country and an empire that spanned the globe. Relics and memories of the glory days of a rich and powerful maritime tradition sit cheek by jowl with symbols of modernity.
Which is not to say that Portugal is some kind of backwater. It exudes professionalism and an excellent combination of laughter, efficiency and joie de vivre.
Articles about Portugal, by region
Select one of the Portuguese regions to drill down and see articles and stories connected to it.
All my Portugal articles
- Harry Potter and Porto’s Hidden House October 18, 2023 - In Porto, in between the Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, there exists a hidden, narrow three-storey house called Casa Escondida. Some claim this house inspired J.K. Rowling, but… Continue Reading
- The special Barbican of Coimbra October 12, 2020 - One thing which fascinates me is the amount of human history we've lost. The barbican is one of those historical architectural features we've almost lost. In fact in Coimbra, Portugal,… Continue Reading
- The Lasting effects of the Thirty Years’ War November 26, 2018 - I've written plenty of articles about the effects of the 30 Years' war on Prague and Czechia in general. I knew bits and pieces of the story so I decided… Continue Reading
- How did the British take control of Malta? October 8, 2018 - I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is… Continue Reading
- The Lisbon Earthquake April 4, 2016 - Earthquakes, uncommon as they are, are as realistic to me as World War II or a sensible lawyer. I know they exist but I've never experienced them directly. This makes it… Continue Reading
- Betraying your Brother in Leiria February 29, 2016 - The long walk up to the castle of Leiria, in Portugal, is paved with cobblestones that are slippery when wet. I gingerly trekked up until, gasping for air, I reached the… Continue Reading
- Discovering Nazareth in Portugal January 11, 2016 - Along the Atlantic coast, in Portugal's central region, lies the town of Nazaré - literally, Nazareth. It sprawls over a clifftop and a beach below the cliffs and is a… Continue Reading
- Iberian Road Trip Review January 19, 2015 - In December, I wrote about my plans to go on a road trip for my New Year's holiday. The reality did not disappoint as I drove, drank and ate my… Continue Reading
- New Year’s Road Trip December 15, 2014 - A few months' ago, just as the summer was peaking, I turned my mind to thoughts of a New Year's holiday. It's worth planning ahead, even if there are always… Continue Reading
- Santa Engracia – Lisbon August 4, 2014 - The National Pantheon in Lisbon, Portugal is a 17th century church that was converted to a national monument and is now the final resting place for Portuguese personalities. Walk with… Continue Reading
- Pedro e o Lobo July 21, 2014 - Eating out is a tricky endeavour if you intend to try a new place. Old favourites have the advantage of a particular dish, or a great view or something else… Continue Reading
- Expat Feelings June 23, 2014 - I have written about my life as an expat before. There are many things that make this life engaging and soul-enriching in my opinion but there is one curious collection of… Continue Reading