Madeira Travel Guide With (or Without) Kids

We hadn’t planned on visiting Madeira at all. In fact, this trip started with a cancelled getaway to the Austrian Alps after the forecast promised nothing but rain. Searching for a last-minute alternative from Lisbon, Madeira popped up as the best deal—and what a lucky twist that turned out to be. With its gorgeous hiking […]

Hiking from Cabo da Roca to Praia da Ursa

Ever since I first learned about Praia da Ursa I’ve been wanting to visit! I’ll be honest, when reading descriptions about the hiking trail leading to this beautiful beach, I was a bit hesitant about whether it’d be a good hike to do with children. The trail is described as steep, with some scrambling required […]

Near Lisbon: Castelo de Almoural

I’ve been having a great time writing these post about what to do near Lisbon. It’s really amazing how many beautiful and historic places are just a short trip from the Portuguese capital. Most of these gems lack the crowds of the more popular sites, which is also nice! One of the most magical places […]

Palácio Nacional da Ajuda

Nestled atop Ajuda hill in Lisbon, the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is a beautiful neoclassical palace that tells a fascinating story. After the devastating 1755 earthquake and tsunami, the royal family first lived in a temporary wooden structure here. In 1796, construction began on a grand stone palace. The palace was originally designed in Baroque‑Rococo […]

Near Lisbon: Sesimbra

Sesimbra is a charming coastal town in Portugal, known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. Nestled between the Arrábida mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, this lovely town is less than an hour drive from Lisbon. We visited Sesimbra for the first time in late 2024 because a friend of our suggested we […]

Hiking in Buçaco National Forest

Finding a cool place to hike in June can be a tall order in Portugal. Temperatures in most places are quite hot around this time of year. Luckily, while looking for a nice place to go hike this past weekend, we found Buçaco National Forest. Buçaco National Forest is about a 2-hour drive from Lisbon. […]

Visiting Conimbriga Roman Ruins

Portugal is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Western Europe, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s amazing past. Among these historic sites, Conimbriga stands out as one of the best-preserved Roman settlements in Portugal. If you enjoy visiting historic sites, and especially Roman ruins, then visiting Conimbriga Roman ruins should […]