If you’re visiting Porto, a port tasting is an unmissable experience. But what exactly is the difference between Ruby and Tawny? And did you know that there are also white and rosé ports? At the historic Cálem port cellars, I dive into the world of port wine, from centuries-old traditions and impressive wine barrels to surprising pairings with cheese and chocolate. A glimpse into the port cellars at Cálem Across the Douro, in Vila Nova de Gaia, lie the famous port cellars. Al

At Reisleven, we love sharing great hotels with you. Are you planning a weekend break to colourful Lisbon soon? If so, I’ve got a hot tip for you: Casa Teva by chic&basic, right in the heart of the historic Alfama district. Sleeping in chic & basic style You could easily walk right past Casa Teva. From the outside, the hotel is rather unassuming, blending in with the colourful houses, narrow streets and façades where laundry hangs out to dry. As soon as you know where to go,

The beautifully restored farmhouse in the Alentejo countryside In the area around Évora, I discovered a surprising concept: two unique hotels that you can combine during a single stay. One offers the charm of a restored Portuguese farmhouse, the other the luxury of a five-star hotel in a former monastery. Just a 15-minute drive from Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, these two unique properties are situated in the heart of the Portuguese countryside, just a three-minu

Romantic cobbled streets of Marvão In this story for One Planet Journey, Ambassador Ilse Woorts takes us to Marvão, a small village in Portugal’s Alto Alentejo region. Discover why this historic village is such a wonderful place for deep travel, from wandering its narrow streets and exploring its castle to tasting local food and getting a feel for the soul of the place. A delightful village Marvão is one of those charming Portuguese villages that may not be the first place yo

My guilty pleasure? Street art. I just didn’t realise Lisbon had so much street art to offer. Wow, what a discovery! The city feels like one big open-air gallery. Wherever you look, you’ll spot a painting, big or small. On a façade, a wall, by a flight of stairs or just around a corner. It makes Lisbon even more colourful. Lisbon Gives Street Art Plenty of Space The great thing about Lisbon is that the local council actively supports street art. Artists are given permission t

Anyone walking through the streets of Lisbon or Porto can hardly fail to notice them: distinctive façades covered from top to bottom in colourful, glossy tiles. They give Portuguese cities a charm you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Sometimes they form crisp geometric patterns, sometimes they are classic blue and white, and sometimes the colours of the façades really pop. Especially when the Portuguese sun shines on them, entire streets are transformed into a colourful spe

Setúbal is one of those places that immediately leaves an impression. Raw, authentic and, at the same time, surprisingly charming. This is no polished coastal town, but a city full of character, where daily life still revolves around the harbour. Along the waterfront, you can still see fishermen repairing their nets, a scene that perfectly reflects the city’s authentic character. And all this less than an hour from Lisbon. Where the ocean meets Arrábida Natural Park Setúbal i

From romantic vineyard escapes to sky-high stargazing retreats, each of these six hotels offers a completely different way to experience Portugal. There’s always something worth celebrating, whether it’s a special occasion or simply the desire to surprise your partner with a romantic weekend away, sometimes you just want to treat yourself to something special. Indulge in gourmet dinners, fine wines and stays that feel extraordinary in every way. These six luxury hotels in Por

When you hear the name Portugal, you might immediately think of Lisbon, the yellow trams, and the bustling streets along the Tagus. But what if I told you that just an hour's drive away lies a completely different world? Imagine a place nestled between mountains and sea with secluded beaches amongst green hills, where dolphins play in crystal-clear waters and deserted sandbanks offer the perfect setting for a tranquil picnic. Welcome to the Arrábida Nature Park, a side of Por

Would you like to discover a completely different side to Portugal? In the Alentejo, it’s all about space, silence and the good life. Extensive nature, authentic villages and a cuisine full of rich flavours make this region unique. Think of local produce such as artisanal sheep's cheese and vineyards that produce some of Portugal's best wines. Add to that one of the clearest night skies in Europe and you know: you want to be here. Where architecture blends into nature The roa

In this evocative deep travel feature for One Planet Journey, Ilse Woorts ventures into the heart of Portugal’s Dão Valley. She explores the revolutionary Santar Vila Jardim project, revealing how ancient walls have vanished to connect six majestic estate gardens into one continuous landscape. Join Ilse in the noble halls of the House of the Counts for a royal stay at the Valverde Santar Hotel. Uncover a hidden gem defined by community, viticulture, and timeless elegance. Pre

Ultimate relaxation at Casas da Lapa with views over Serra da Estrela The best-kept secret in Portugal: Serra da Estrela Few people really know it, but in the heart of Portugal are the mountains of Serra da Estrela, just over a two-hour drive from Porto. It's not as well-known as a travel destination, and that's what makes it so special: fewer crowds, more space and pure nature. A place where you can hike endlessly, relax on river beaches and have a picnic at hidden waterfall

Aveiro: the colorful alternative to Venice It looks like Venice, but feels different. The same atmosphere, perhaps even better. There are brightly coloured boats gliding through the canals, but without the crowds. Everything that Venice has, you will also find in Aveiro. But with a Portuguese twist. Don't you want to go there? Just an hour's drive from Porto, the charming city of Aveiro awaits. Believe me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how nice it is there, and you'll lov

Awakening in a wine barrel, surrounded by rolling vineyards Imagine sleeping in a wine barrel, nestled among the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, surrounded by pure luxury. It sounds like something out of a dream. Still, at Quinta da Pacheca , it becomes a reality. Less than a two-hour drive from Porto, you’ll find this unique spot, where robust wine barrels have been transformed into stylish suites with views over endless vineyards. During my road trip through northern