In the last couple of years Comporta has been on the bucket list for many travellers who choose Portugal as their holiday destination. This small coastal town marries the best of the beach and the countryside and has a lot going on in its favour, such as beaches with long stretches of sand, delicious gastronomy, adorable little houses and stylish retreats. During off peak season it is an even more peaceful and inspiring destination. In fact, one of the best times of the year to visit is Winter, when silence, desert beaches, fresh fish and wide golden rice fields can sum it up.

When the weather is grey and cold, there's nothing better than sitting in a warm cosy place, armed with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. We’ve dedicated this month’s second journal post to coffee shops (cafés, in Portuguese) and bookstores.

We've chosen the town of ARCOS DE VALDEVEZ and the village of SISTELO as "Where to go in October 2019", not only because they have a handful of characteristics that make them a complete destination but also because they have a special charm during this time of the year.
When the green shifts to warmer colours and the leaves start to cover the pavements and paths, these hidden gems in the north of Portugal are a perfect hideaway. Below we gather some of the must do's when around.

Portugal is one of the finest destinations in Europe for birdwatchers. Despite its small size, our country comprises a big concentration of distinct habitats, which attract a wide array of bird species, from tiny ones to others with a large wingspan. In total there have been registered almost 450 different wild birds across the country.
In this journal post we tell you some curiosities about birdwatching in Portugal so grab your binoculars, field guide and notebook.

Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, cornered against the immense Atlantic Ocean. This Portuguese region has been home to many civilizations throughout the years. Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans and Moors all left a little bit of their heritage behind, which is still present in different fields such as architecture and art. In fact the word azulejo (tile) comes from zulaich, which means “small rock” in arabic.
When speaking about Algarve the first thing people mention is naturally the beautiful beaches. They are definitely a great reason to visit, specially if you’re in need of a vitamin D boost, but despite its stunning coastline Algarve is still an amazing destination. The peaceful vibe, the natural landscapes, the food and the historical heritage are also good enough reasons to visit.
So instead of soaking up the sun at the beach, we challenge you to discover the other Algarve.