Castaway Portugal

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas to one and all from team Castaway. We hope you have a wonderful time celebrating wherever you are in the world! For those who find this time of year difficult, it's just another day - try to enjoy the little things....starting with these beautiful photos.....
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/merry-castaway-christmas

Christmas in the Algarve is one of the highlights of living here, and something we look forward to every year. Instead of the hustle and bustle that often comes with the season, we enjoy a more relaxed pace, taking time to stroll along the beaches or the clifftops, taking in the beauty of the coastl...

17/12/2024

Cycling in the Algarve in the Winter is different, but nothing like cycling in Northern Europe in the Winter! Our latest blog post explains more....
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/winter-cycling-with-blue-skies-and-quiet-roads

There’s something fantastic about cycling in the Algarve during winter. While my friends in Northern Europe are layering up like Michelin men and braving icy roads (or spending all their time on Zwift!), I´m here in Portugal, zipping along quiet roads under a gloriously blue sky. Winter, you say?...

10/12/2024

We recently had one of those pinch me moments where we realised just how lucky we are! Worth taking a look at the stunning photos on our blog post today 👌https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/feeling-lucky

Recently, we took a leisurely stroll along the promenade in Praia da Luz, one of our favorite weekend activities. We love taking in the views, and stopping along the way for a relaxed brunch or lunch, and soaking up the coastal atmosphere.On this particular visit, we were absolutely captivated by th...

03/12/2024

The best way to visit one of Portugal’s most picturesque villages - top tips on our blog today! Link in bio 😉

03/12/2024

The best way to visit one of Portugal's most picturesque villages - top tips on our blog today!
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/how-to-experience-monsaraz-at-its-best

Monsaraz is a picturesque medieval village which sits on top of a hill overlooking the vast plains of the Alentejo, near the border with Spain. We have visited this beautiful spot before, but on our previous trips we did not stay in the centre of the village. On this occasion, we did just that, and....

26/11/2024

A special post about a special trip we had to the stunning striped houses of Costa Nova - have you ever seen anything like them? Read more on our blog - link in bio 👌🏼

26/11/2024

A special post today about a special trip we had to the stunning striped houses of Costa Nova....have you ever seen anything like them?
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/the-stunning-striped-houses-of-costa-nova

The striped houses of Costa Nova, located on the western coast of Portugal near the city of Aveiro, are a colourful symbol of the region's maritime heritage. These houses, known locally as "palheiros," were originally built in the 19th century by fishermen as simple storage sheds for their equipment...

19/11/2024

One to tickle your tastebuds today! Read all about the Algarve's obsession with chicken piri piri! https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/the-algarve-s-chicken-piri-piri-obsession-needs-one-more-photo

If you’ve ever visited the Algarve, you might have noticed that there is a bit of a culinary obsession that borders on the fanatical: chicken piri piri. It’s not just a dish; it’s practically a way of life! Since moving here, we have joined in with this obsession and now search for the ultimat...

12/11/2024

A visit to one of the most spectacular parts of Portugal at one of the best times of the year - the Douro Valley in harvest time! https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/harvesting-joy-in-douro

The wine harvest in Douro is an unforgettable experience, especially for first-time visitors like ourselves. If you are not familiar with the region, it is located in northern Portugal, primarily along the Douro River and its tributaries. It extends from the city of Porto inland towards the eastern....

05/11/2024

Today on our blog, find out all about Portugal's tallest lighthouse 👌
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/portugal-s-tallest-lighthouse

The Barra Lighthouse, or "Farol da Barra," stands as a proud sentinel on the coast near Aveiro. At an impressive 62 meters tall, it is the tallest lighthouse in Portugal and one of the tallest in Europe. Built between 1879 and 1893, the lighthouse has long been a beacon for sailors navigating the tr...

29/10/2024

Even in the scorching Algarve, wine production is on the up! Read more on our latest blog post...
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/algarve-s-booming-wine-scene

The Algarve is rapidly emerging as a thriving wine destination, with the region's winemakers expected to experience a 5% surge in wine production. Having visited Portugal for over three decades, I vividly remember sampling an Algarve wine many years ago when the region was not widely known for its w...

22/10/2024

A wander round the streets of Lagos with its superb street art 👌https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/a-canvas-of-street-art

The city of Lagos is a destination celebrated for its pristine beaches and rich history, but amidst the historic walls and golden sands, there's an art scene that paints a unique and colorful portrait of this coastal town. Lagos has embraced street art as a powerful form of self-expression and a bri...

15/10/2024

What is this stuff in the sky we wondered - read our latest blog post...when it rains, it pours! https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/when-it-rains-it-pours

After a gruelling five months of relentless sunshine, the sky finally broke out its dusty old collection of clouds! Those little puffs of moisture felt like long-lost friends who had just returned from an epic summer vacation, leaving us peasants behind to bake in the blazing sun. We nearly forgot w...

08/10/2024

A glimpse into one of the destinations on our recent road trip to the North of the country, and the place they call the Venice of Portugal 👍
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/exploring-the-charm-of-aveiro-the-venice-of-portugal

Aveiro is nestled along Portugal's stunning Atlantic coast, and visitors are drawn to its unique charm and picturesque canals. Known as the "Venice of Portugal," Aveiro boasts a delightful blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and a maritime atmosphere. The vibrant ´moliceiros´ (brightly pa...

05/10/2024

01/10/2024

Autumn for Castaway Portugal means cycling without the sunrise alarm! Read more on our latest blog post...
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/autumn-cycling-without-the-sunrise-alarm

24/09/2024

It looks like we finally have a bit of respite after some recent devastating wildfires in the North of Portugal...
https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/portugal-s-devastating-wildfires

In the last two weeks, you may have read that Portugal has been grappling with devastating wildfires, a recurring problem exacerbated by the country's hot, dry summers. This year, the fires have been particularly severe in the North, with thousands of hectares of land scorched across the region. Ove...

17/09/2024

Back from the Douro Valley, feeling refreshed and revitalised after an incredible trip! https://www.castawayportugal.com/post/back-from-the-douro-valley

We have just returned from an exhilarating road trip through the stunning Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards cascade down hillsides and the river winds its way through the landscape like a silver ribbon. We came back with memories aplenty. From tasting exquisite wines at charming restaurants, to...