Glimmers of hope: the mood at Luton airport as England restarts foreign travel
Kevin Rushby tackles an escalator for first time in 15 months as overseas holidays restart for green list countriesLuton airport at 6am on the day that foreign holiday travel begins again. The halls...
View Article‘The beginning of normality’: Algarve welcomes back British tourists
Unemployment rose by 70% in the past year in the Portuguese region most reliant on tourism, so locals are delighted to see Kevin Rushby and today’s other arrivalsCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our...
View ArticleBlue sky, green sea and red tape: diving in the Algarve after lockdown
With a few days of spectacular diving near Lagos fresh in the memory, Kevin Rushby had to tackle the last few hurdles of Covid paperwork to return homeCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our...
View ArticleA week on the old smugglers’ trail in Spain and Portugal
Staying in a house with a colourful history, our writer enjoys a sunny week of cycling, markets and festivals in two countries“This whole area is riddled with smugglers’ paths.”Pepe spread an arm out...
View Article10 of the best things to do in the Azores
Now on the UK’s travel green list, the Portuguese archipelago offers stunning volcanic landscapes and its own delicious cuisine, wines and even coffeeThe Azores archipelago (Açores in Portuguese) lies...
View ArticleWe walked the world’s longest suspension bridge in Portugal’s natural playground
In Arouca Geopark near Porto, my sons dared each other to tackle white-water rafting and a scary, record-breaking bridge‘Three, two, one, and … jump!” yelled Rafael, our rafting guide. Into the air my...
View Article‘Straight out of a fairytale’: Portugal’s best towns and villages, by readers
With river and Atlantic beaches, brilliant architecture and affordable but delicious cuisine, our tipsters have gorged on the country’s beautyEven the most cold-hearted atheist cannot fail to be...
View Article‘An uplifting experience’: readers’ favourite places in Lisbon
Hidden bars, architectural gems and brilliant restaurants and museums are among our tipsters’ highlights of this gleaming cityAfter a morning’s sightseeing in the historic centre, my favourite place in...
View ArticleTales of two cities: a twin-city break to Lisbon and Porto
Portugal’s two major cities are both rich in history, gorgeous food and incredible views. If you can’t decide which to visit, try combining the twoWe usually love cities for the attractions they offer,...
View Article40 of the best beaches in Europe
From flamingo-pink shores to wild coastlines and everything in between, our travel writers pick the continent’s finest sands, and places to stay nearbyContinue reading...
View Article‘Perfect for a caipirinha and sunset’: readers’ favourite beaches of Portugal
Our tipsters take to the sands, seas and restaurants of exquisite beaches from north of Porto to the island of MadeiraEvery time I emerge from the dunes and see the endless expanse of sand along the...
View ArticleHidden Portugal: where to stay and what to do off the beaten track
Hauntingly beautiful villages, thermal springs, unspoilt beaches, fairytale castles ... Portugal has so much more to offer than the bustle of the AlgarveHidden … Greece | Croatia | ItalyBritain’s love...
View ArticlePortugal drops all Covid entry requirements
As high summer approaches, visitors to the country no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to be allowed inPortugal has become the latest country to drop all Covid travel...
View ArticleQuinta-ssential Portugal: a campervan tour of farms, villages and flavours
A new website for campervanners puts Portugal’s superb country food and wine on your doorstep – and you only pay for the welcome basketAs we pull up at the gate of Lavoura da Bouça, a huge but friendly...
View ArticleWish you weren’t here: the photos that show an hour in the life of ‘quiet’...
Travellers trek to remote destinations in search of Instagram-worthy photos. But at what cost? Photographer Natacha de Mahieu visualises the impact of overtourismNatacha de Mahieu arrived at the edge...
View ArticleAthens ranked cheapest location in Europe for city break
Prices have fallen and a weekend in the Greek capital costs £207, compared with £218 in runner-up LisbonAthens has been ranked the cheapest location for a city break on the continent, ahead of...
View ArticleIn and out of Spain and Portugal: a road trip up the Guadiana River
Bristling with castles and old port towns, the river that forms much of the Iberian border is peaceful and characterful – and you don’t have to start off on a zipwireStrapped into a harness, hands...
View ArticleMy volunteering trip to help bring a fire-ravaged Portuguese forest back to life
Five years after wildfires tore through its woods, an inland area between Porto and Lisbon is still working to restore its ecosystems – and is open to offers of help from visitorsThe gently sloping...
View Article‘Three times the size of our house’: watching surfers ride Portugal’s monster...
The Atlantic town of Nazaré has become a mecca for those brave enough to surf some of Europe’s biggest rollers, and gawping at their feats makes the perfect winter breakPlanning a trip around a natural...
View ArticleRail journey of the month: Lisbon to Vigo via Porto, past dunes, rivers and...
Our slow travel expert enjoys the cross-border Celta train between Portugal and Spain, and not only because it costs just €5.25It should not be that difficult to reach Portugal by train. About 15 years...
View Article