Europe

In brief: Two hundred years ago war left its traces in the middle of Portugal, where now domestication and natural calm prevail. Linhas de Torres - the Lines of Forts Most know that the Russian…

In brief: A river, a love story, and a community spirit flowed into our thoughts from diverse waters around Coimbra. Water is the source of life and sustenance. Near Coimbra, we encountered other diverting qualities:…

In brief: Near Obidos, we found three sources of physical and mental well-being: the hot springs and ceramics of Caldas da Rainha; the surf and sand of Baleal/Peniche; and the rambling outdoor garden of Buddha…

In brief: Whatever your perspective – secular touring, sacred purpose, or natural walks – Óbidos and its environs are wonderful places to linger a while. Secular Óbidos Sitting on our garden terrace in, we could…

Toward the east of central Portugal, there is hidden treasure to discover amid the hills of a huge limestone-filled geological park (39,000 hectares) with the big name to match, Parque Natural das Serras de Aire…

In brief: When inside Queluz palace, peering at once private spaces and awed at public ones, or outside with its formal gardens and ornate canal, you feel quite regal. We felt fortunate to be escorted…

In brief: Within a few meters walking in central Lisbon, one can turn back the time machine 2000 years, then fast forward to 800 years ago, before returning to recent times, the new city of…

In brief: It's easy to feel liberated and refreshed when the artful streets and hills of Lisbon are available. Alfama tiles The weather is improving. The mood during Portugal’s long lockdown? Well, not as much.…

In brief: We love to traipse amid greenery in the wildly diverse parks of Lisbon. Here are three nice ones we visited on Sundays and the "green thought" each prompted. Even in the worst moments…