top of page


Coastal Charm: Hiking from Lagos to Luz – An Algarve Must-Do!
The cliff-top trek from Lagos to Praia da Luz is Algarve magic in its purest form. Starting at the iconic Ponta da Piedade, this 7km trail winds along golden limestone cliffs, offering bird’s-eye views of hidden sea caves and turquoise coves.
The path is rugged but rewarding, culminating in a descent toward the "Black Rock" and the whitewashed charm of Luz. It’s a 2.5-hour journey where the Atlantic breeze and wild scenery steal the show. A must-do for any coastal explorer.

Katie Durie
1 day ago4 min read


Winter in Luz Portugal: Coastal Walks and Cozy Corners
Discover the quiet charm of Luz, Portugal in winter. From the scenic coastal hike to Burgau and watching surfers at Rocha Negra to the best open restaurants and nearby shopping in Lagos, find out why the Algarve's off-season is a hidden gem for walkers and sun-seekers alike.

Katie Durie
Feb 152 min read


Chasing Silver Linings: Making the Most of a Rainy Algarve Day
Think a rainy forecast ruins an Algarve vacation? Think again. From the thrill of the "Sunshine Sprint" to the peaceful solitude of post-storm beachcombing, discover how to turn grey skies into your best travel memories. We’re diving into the region’s cozy side: world-class thalassotherapy spas, boutique retail therapy in Loulé, and the magic of misty cliffside walks. Embrace the silver linings and find out why the Algarve shines even when the sun takes a break.

Katie Durie
Feb 135 min read


Silves, Portugal: The Algarve’s Best Kept Off-Season Secret
While the coastal resorts of the Algarve retreat into a winter slumber, the ancient Moorish capital of Silves begins to breathe. Stripped of the summer heat and the heavy footfall of tour groups, this hilltop gem reveals its true character: a mix of red-sandstone fortresses, narrow medieval labyrinths, and a surprisingly sophisticated dining scene. From navigating the 'medieval parking traps' to sipping local Negra Mole wine in the shadow of the castle, Silves proves that the

Katie Durie
Feb 65 min read


Beyond the Golden Triangle: Algarve Villages on the Rise in 2026
Looking beyond the Golden Triangle, the Algarve has up-and-coming villages perfect for living, investing, or slow travel. Explore Olhão, São Brás, Aljezur, and more for authentic Portuguese charm and year-round community.

Katie Durie
Feb 43 min read


Quiet Villages in Andalusia for Slow Travel
These lesser-known villages in Andalusia are made for slow travel—quiet streets, everyday life, and places where lingering feels natural. This guide highlights small towns that reward walking, watching, and staying a little longer.

Katie Durie
Jan 284 min read


Most Charming Villages in Andalusia (Easy Day Trips and Slow Travel)
From whitewashed streets to quiet hilltop squares, these Andalusian villages are easy to explore and hard to rush. This guide highlights five of the cutest villages in Andalusia, each perfect for a slow walk, a coffee stop, and a relaxed visit.

Katie Durie
Jan 274 min read


Ronda in Winter: A Slow Travel Destination in Andalusia
Slow travel in Ronda, Spain, is especially rewarding in winter, when crowds fade and daily life slows. From misty gorge views to cozy cafés and gentle day trips to Andalusian villages and Cádiz, Ronda invites you to stay longer and move less.

Katie Durie
Jan 254 min read


Frigiliana in Winter: A Slow Travel Guide
Frigiliana in winter is calm, walkable, and quietly alive. This slow travel guide explores village life, gentle walks, day trips, and why staying longer feels natural.

Katie Durie
Jan 214 min read


Slow Travel in Tavira, Portugal in Winter
Winter mornings along Tavira’s riverfront, where daily life moves at an easy pace. Tavira, Portugal, is one of the Algarve’s most charming towns—and winter is when it shines for slow travelers. Without summer crowds, Tavira feels calm, walkable, and genuinely lived in, making it ideal for travelers who want to stay longer and move at a gentler pace. If you’re looking for a winter destination in the Algarve that prioritizes daily life over tourism, Tavira is an excellent choic

Katie Durie
Jan 193 min read


Winter Travel in Nerja, Spain: History, Highlights, and Top Things to Do
Nerja, Spain in Andalusia Nestled on the eastern edge of the Costa del Sol, Nerja feels worlds away from the high-rise resorts that define much of southern Spain’s coastline. With its whitewashed old town, dramatic cliffs, and clear Mediterranean waters, Nerja manages to be both lively and deeply traditional. It’s a place where history, nature, and everyday Andalusian life blend seamlessly. A Brief History of Nerja Inside the breathtaking Nerja Caves, Andalucía. Nerja’s story

Katie Durie
Nov 21, 20254 min read


Slow Travel in Lagos, Portugal: Is this the Algarve Base for You?
Lagos in winter: fewer people, more boats at rest, and a harbour that finally exhales. Lagos is one of the Algarve’s best-known towns, often associated with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and busy summer streets. What’s less talked about is how Lagos functions in winter—and whether it truly works for slow, off-season travel rather than a short holiday. This article looks at Lagos not as a postcard destination, but as a place to live into for a while. Then you decide, is s

Katie Durie
Nov 19, 20254 min read


5 of the Best Hikes in Andalusia (That Don’t Require Being Extreme)
Andalusia offers some of the most diverse hiking in southern Spain, with trails that range from gentle coastal walks to rugged mountain routes. This article covers the best hiking trails in Andalusia, with clear details on difficulty, elevation, and whether each hike is a loop or out-and-back. It’s designed to help you plan hikes that match your ability, time, and travel goals.

Katie Durie
Apr 25, 20253 min read


Off-Season Travel in Algarve and Andalusia - Why its the Perfect Time to Visit
Traveling during the off-season can be one of the most rewarding experiences for those looking to explore the stunning regions of Algarve and Andalusia. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic experience, off-season travel allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes without the hustle and bustle of peak tourist times. In this blog post, we will explore essential tips to make the most of your off-season adventure in t

Katie Durie
Mar 27, 20254 min read


Portugal to Spain Day Trip: A Slow Travel Ferry Trip Across the Guadiana River
Take the Guadiana Ferry from Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal to Ayamonte, Spain in just 15 minutes. There is a magical, disorienting moment right in the middle of the Guadiana International Bridge. Your radio signal flickers, the clock on your dashboard jumps forward an hour, and the "Bom Dia" you’ve been practicing suddenly becomes "Buenos Días." For most, the border between Southern Portugal (the Algarve) and Southern Spain (Andalusia) is a 120 km/h blur on the highway

Katie Durie
Jan 20, 20254 min read


Why the Algarve is Ideal for Winter and Off-Season Travel (and Who It's Not For)
Golden cliffs, turquoise sea, mild temperatures and sunny days - Algarve in winter. Southern Portugal’s Algarve is often marketed as a summer playground—golden beaches, packed resorts, blazing heat. What’s rarely discussed is how different the Algarve becomes in winter and the quieter months, and why that version of the region may actually be the best one. For many, the Algarve is ideal for winter trips. This article isn’t about selling a fantasy. It’s about setting realisti

Katie Durie
Jan 10, 20254 min read


Winter Travel Getaways in Portugal and Southern Spain: Discover Algarve and Andalusia
Alhambra - Where centuries of art still speak softly. Winter is the perfect time to escape the cold and rejuvenate in the sun. Why not take the time to explore new destinations that offer a blend of culture, history, and stunning landscapes, while avoiding the crowds of summer? Two regions that shine during the colder months are Algarve in Portugal and Andalusia in Spain . With their mild climates, rich traditions, and breathtaking scenery, these areas provide the perfect bac

Katie Durie
Jan 9, 20258 min read
bottom of page