Too Square to be Hip
A narcissist's guide to travel and culture
My introduction to the Portuguese nation began, where it begins for most, in the Nation’s capital. One of the great cities of the colonial empire, Lisbon doubles as one of the best capital cities in Europe. This colourful cultural monolith is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe and it is easy to …
Tomar happens to be one of my favourite places in Portugal, even to the consternation of many locals I spoke to in Lisbon, many of whom had not heard of the town. The city is renowned for its military architecture but possesses a stunning old town that ranks among the most underrated in Portugal. It …
The scorching heat of the Portuguese summer can be too much to bear for just about anyone, least of all royalty, that’s why Sintra with its vast canopy of refreshing hilltop forests is so appealing. Leaving Lisbon behind, the elite of Portugal made Sintra their hideaway and around it the little town of Sintra prospered. …
The second city of Portugal, Porto or Opporto as it is often referred to, is a city simply radiating culture. One of my favorite destinations in the world, it has everything a backpacker like me could need; a friendly population, a unique geographical landscape, great works of civil engineering, an authentic historical feel and fantastic …
Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra rebounded by becoming a cultural and academic capital of the nation. Jk Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, was inspired by Coimbra and its famous school uniforms for her landmark Harry Potter series, observing the old academic traditions first hand while living in Portugal (see Porto). I was lured …
A popular coastal resort town on Portugal’s crowded southern coast, Lagos serves as a gateway to the stunning Algarve region and understandably so! The whitewashed buildings of the old city may give it a quaint – regional feel, yet what may seem like a small city to today’s tourist has played an oversized part in …
Sitting in a half empty train lumbering from Porto to Guimares, my head was heavy and swollen from a massive fever I had been carrying around since my last day in Coimbra. In a daze I hauled my tired ass out of the train and into a stormy day in town. Geography Guimaraes is located …
