11 May

Casa da Cuquinha – a stunning luxury villa near Ponte de Lima

Casa da Cuquinha is a beautiful and traditional Portuguese country house which has recently undergone renovation. The only stones that have been left unturned  in this fine house are those in the traditional walls, which have been left exposed with most agreeable effects. Close to the stunning town of Ponte de Lima, this three bedroom

08 Mar

Seven “off the beaten track” best nudist beaches in Europe

What was once scowled upon by the modest mainstream has been steadily growing in popularity. With the ever-growing prevalence of nude beaches, even local authorities across Europe are turning a blind eye. So engrained in popular culture have nudist beaches become that ‘top tens’ and ‘favourite fives’ are now regular features in the travel writing

10 Feb

Casa de Sorro – a traditional villa near Ponte de Lima

The north western corner of the Iberian peninsula is much greener than anywhere else on the Spanish/Portuguese limb. This is due to more regular rainfall, which sweeps in from the Atlantic. While southern Portugal and central Spain become sun-baked and brown during the summer months, north west Portugal remains lush and green, its rivers flowing

29 Jan

Casa do Ludo – a secluded family villa in Almancil, Portugal

What is striking on arrival to Casa do Ludo are the magnificent pine trees which soar above the roof of the villa. Tropical palm trees and a luxurious well kept-lawn add opulence to the massive 10,000 square metre expanse of enclosed gardens. The tennis court and 10 x 4 metre swimming pool round things off

13 Jan

Wonderful Algarve family villa – Casa da Oliveira

Situated just a couple of kilometres from the Atlantic coastline and a string of beautiful beaches but within the tranquillity of the countryside, at Casa da Oliveira you get the best of both worlds. This classically-styled Algarve family villa  is built amongst other similar houses in a fine and well-to-do residential area of Vilamar, not

29 Sep

How to cook Chanfana stew

It has to be said that when it comes to dishes that cross multi-national boundaries and are revered throughout the world, lamb stew vaunts transnational appeal.  While the British are more familiar with Irish stew or even Indian lamb Rogan Josh, the Portuguese’s version of this popular dish is known as the Chanfana. While the ingredients