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.

We understand long holidays are usually taken during Summer when warm sunny weather is a given. However, travelling during off peak season has its perks: there are no crowds, the hotel fares are cheaper and the destination is sure to be more authentic.
Plus with the undeniable climate change winter is no longer a marked colder and harsher season, particular near the coast. With an average of 300 days of sun and mild temperatures, our country is a delightful destination during winter time as well. Here we picked a few destinations that have a special charm during Winter.

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.

This is the ultimate aim: achieve a balanced life.
We need to juggle family, friends, work, exercise, meditation (and so on) without loosing it. The trick is establishing the priorities, defining the goals with achievable timmings and working inside out towards them in a conscientious manner. With enough time to reflect, evaluate and humility to recognise our flaws there is always room to improve.
​Below are some ideas to ease the mind and (re)gain quality of life, all attainable whilst enjoying our beautiful country.

Serra da Arrábida Natural Park is a protected area with 16.521 hectares located in the central part of the country and by the sea. It  extends from Sesimbra to Palmela, already in Setúbal, and the whole southern stretch is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
June is a terrific time to explore this part of the country because the weather is nice, it's not as crowded as it is during July and August, and the natural scenery is a stunner.
Below we’ve highlighted some of the main reasons to visit this natural reserve.

When the Portuguese navigators got to shore in 1420 they baptised the island as Madeira (wood in Portuguese) because of the amount of plants, bushes and trees they saw. At the time Madeira was a dense wild forest, but slowly it turned into a beautiful well-tended garden that wows whoever visits, specially during Spring.
This time of the year is great to explore the archipelago and we'll show you why.

With the Weekend-Break Bookpacks available it’s time to start planning some short escapes throughout the country. There are options for everyone and here are a few of our favourite destinations.