Europe

Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail, the most spectacular coastal trail in Portugal

| Christie

Fisherman’s Trail is praised for its dramatic coastal scenery, with paths that provide access to secret beaches and fishing spots. Some sections may be challenging because of the dunes and sandy beaches or the detours around cliffs; however, this is a trail that anyone might want to see at least once in their lifetime.

The Fishermen’s Trail, with a total of 226,5 km, is actually part of a larger hiking system, Rota Vicentina. This single-track trail can be done exclusively on foot. It is rated as moderate, but can become quite difficult in some sections due to the varied coastal landscape, strong winds and scorching sun, and, in a way, the lack of signage or rather intuitive in places. It can be done in 13 one-day stages, you can find more information here.  Each section of the trail is representative for this spectacular area as a whole. From fossilized dunes, to hidden coves and fine sandy beaches, all the colourful rocks and cliffs and biodiversity are a blast for the eyes and soul.

Atlantic Ocean, Almograve Hike
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The ultimate guide to visiting Palácio da Bolsa

| Christie

Imagine working in a world of gilded splendor and royal magnificence. You are here every day, stepping gracefully across the interesting exotic wood floors, guarded by various statues and oil paintings, you have a desk made of the finest wood such as mahogany or rosewood and dozens of painted portraits of former presidents smiling at you (ok, that might be awkward..). Would you like to work in such a place?

The Palácio da Bolsa is a neoclassical building built in the 19th century on the site of the fire-ruined Convent of S. Francisco. Due to its long duration and quality required, the construction of the Palácio da Bolsa became a true school for the artists who worked there. It took 67 years until the works and decorations of this palace were considered completed, in 1909, shortly before the proclamation of the Republic. To this day, the building is still home to the Chamber of Commerce in Porto, and open to the public.

Courtyard of Nations, Palácio da Bolsa
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Exploring Portugal: The walled city of Óbidos

| Christie

Nicknamed The Town of Queens because King Dinis gave it as a wedding gift to his bride Queen Isabel de Aragon in 1282, this walled city earned its name as this act began a long tradition of Óbidos being part of the Queen’s dowry until 1834.

Portugal is home to several charming walled towns, and Óbidos is known for its particularly well-preserved example, featuring a medieval castle and walls. Located just an hour north of Lisbon, Óbidos is definitely worth a day trip on your next trip to Portugal.

Óbidos The walled city
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Strolling through Porto: A walking guide to the most historic landmarks

| Christie

Perched along the north bank of the Douro River, Porto is best known for its Port wine, but also for its historic centre, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage since 1996.

Porto (also known as Oporto) was called Portus Cale in Roman times, which eventually gave the city its name. An important trading port and commercial site, Porto was targeted by many tribes and powerful forces over the centuries, including the Visigoths and the Moors. The kingdom of Portugal expanded between the 12th and the 14th centuries through what was called the Portuguese Reconquista, a Christian reconquest after more than 700 years of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. As new shipyards contributed to the city and country development, Porto became more and more famous. In 1415, Price Henry the Navigator embarked on the conquest of the Moorish port of Ceuta, in northern Morocco, followed shortly by sponsoring maritime expeditions, initiating the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Cais da Ribeira viewed from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
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Romans in Drobeta

| Christie

The constant expansion of the Roman Empire did not spare Dacia (modern Romania) from being on the Roman occupation agenda even before the days of Caesar. Domitian tried in 89 AD to take over Dacia, but it seems that he ended up with a peace and alliance treaty.

The first Dacian War (101-102 AD) that Trajan led against the Dacians brought an important victory, so the Romans were ready to secure the new territories.

Trajan bridge and the castrum
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Iron Gates, the most spectacular gorge along the Danube River

| Christie

The Iron Gates gorge (Romanian: Porțile de Fier; Serbian:Đerdapska klisura) is a natural border between Serbia and Romania the moment the Danube River enters Romania, to the city of Orsova, for approximately 150 km.

Big Boilers

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Hiking the Dragon’s Tail: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

| Christie

Nicknamed the “Dragon’s Tail”, the easternmost tip of Madeira is one of the most curious and unique parts of the island.

After hiking the highest peaks of the island, and one of the greenest paths in the middle of laurissilva forest, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço just seemed to us out of this world. Famous for its rugged coastlines and geological features, this peninsula was bound to impress us right from the start.

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

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Discovering Laurissilva Forest: Levada do Caldeirao Verde

| Christie

Located in the municipality of Santana, on the northern coast of the island of Madeira, the Queimadas Forest park is one of the best places to observe Laurissilva Forest. Home to the typical flora of Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, we found this park very peaceful, especially PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirao Verde the perfect place to have a relaxing walk, and admire nature, especially after a demanding hike on the previous day, Pico to Pico.

Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas
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