19:36No longer practised on the islands of the Azores, but whaling was a big industry. A whale’s cadaver was processed for lamp oil, candles, medicines, perfume and machinery lubricants. The blubber was melted down for oil and the bones tossed aside. The first type of whaling done was shore whaling along the New England coast, […]
The capital of the Algarve and the gateway to the sunny south coast of Portugal, Faro is a popular destination. This small city with its whitewashed houses, marina and cobblestoned streets is the gateway to the Algarve. With the remains of a Roman wall that enclose the old town and small chapels still retains its […]
Located in the centre of São Miguel Island, the 4-star Azoris Royal Garden features an outdoor pool with a sun-lounger terrace and offers air-conditioned guest rooms with balconies. Royal Garden rooms have modern furnishings and are decorated in neutral colours. They come equipped with cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Restaurante Jardim […]
Famous for the religious appearances of 1917 and a place of hope and faith, Fatima remains one of the most intriguing places to visit, being recognised by the church as worthy of belief. I passed through Fatima on my journeys through Portugal, being a fan of all things strange and wonderful I couldn’t pass up […]
Rossio Garden Hotel in Lisbon is right in the historical centre, a couple of meters from the famous Rossio Square. Walk out the door and you will find yourself right in the heart of Lisbon. Experience all the major city charms by foot. By just walking 2 minutes you can reach all the most known […]
11:38It’s not often I return the Azores to my home town of Achada in Nordeste, São Miguel. With a population of approximately 600, situated on the northwest coast with stunning ocean views, village life becomes clearer after a few days. Modest and simple living is the order of the day, live on what you have, […]
On the southern coast of the Portuguese Algarve, it has great beaches, a perfect town and most importantly, outstanding views. I have to admit that Lagos remains a favourite place for me, having returned several times, my face familiar with some of the locals. My first visit here brought me to this coastal town small […]
18:44Lisbon is Western Europe’s oldest city, even predating capitals such as Rome, Paris and London. The largest city and capital of Portugal is a thriving centre for culture and commerce, Lisbon is one of the world’s most liveable cities and a fantastic place for a city break. Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From […]
Hotel Talisman is officially a 3-star hotel located in the centre of Ponta Delgada, the largest city in São Miguel Island and the Azores. Located within walking distance of most attractions and the city, with easy access to the new harbour and marina that was officially completed in 2010. The room was large, clean and […]
06:45The second-largest city in Portugal and declared a World Heritage Site, famous for its Port Wines, also known as the city of bridges. Dating back to the 4th century, Porto is built along the Douro river on some very steep hills. Along the Douro river are some famous port wineries in which you can take […]
18:16Ponta Delgada, Portuguese for thin point, is the largest municipality and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal located on the south coast of São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. Populated since 1444, the island of São Miguel was a vast territory, with small settlements scattered […]
Gary Travassos Azores Taxi & Van Tours Azorean Tours is a personalised taxi & van tours around the island to see the most beautiful places on S. Miguel, Azores. Regular pick-up and transfer services too. The private tour guide gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the wonders of this islands natural wonders, in a comfortable and safe mean of […]
02:02Lisbon is a European city that doesn’t get the attention like others, perhaps this is a good thing as things remain relatively unspoiled and unexploited. The capital and largest city of Portugal, and the political centre, perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with white-bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways built on seven hills, an […]
07:25Ponta Delgada is the largest city on the island of São Miguel in the archipelago of the Azores, the autonomous region of Portugal. Populated since 1444, the island of São Miguel was a vast territory, with small settlements scattered about, except for Vila Franca do Campo in the central-southern coast, and the community of Ponta Delgada. […]
10:14Funchal is the largest city, the municipal seat and the capital of Portugal‘s Autonomous Region of Madeira, and has been the capital of Madeira for more than five centuries. Funchal‘s name comes from the abundance of fennel (funcho) found on the island. It was an important shipping centre during the 15th-17th centuries. Often referred to as […]
11:38Achada, from the Portuguese for “flat-land”, is a civil parish in the municipality Nordeste on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. The area is known as Achada, once referred to as Achada Grande, was originally populated in the first half of the 16th century. Its name was derived from the Portuguese phrase terra […]