EuroCheapo's Portugal Articles

The Azores: Visit the very end of Europe

Flores Azores
The dramatic and beautiful landscape of Flores, in the Azores archipelago. Photo: Julen-Iturbe

Apr 17 In early June, the Santorini will steam into Lajes, a ragged settlement on the eastern shore of the tiny island of Flores. Lajes wins no prizes for beauty. It is a rough-and-ready port. For many yachtsmen who cross the Atlantic from the New World, the island of Flores is their first port of call in » Read more

Posted in Boats, hidden europe, islands, Portugal

Those Were the Days: Tourism before mass mobility

Those Were the Days: Tourism before mass mobility

Mar 14 Some 15 million Americans will visit Europe this year, a small part of a flood that helps reinforce Europe’s position as the most buoyant tourist market in the world. Despite economic uncertainties, Europe recorded a 5 percent increase in international tourist visitors in 2011, in some measure benefiting from the declining fortunes of the Middle » Read more

Posted in Europe, Greece, hidden europe, Ireland, New York, Portugal, Tours, United Kingdom

No Trains to Greece… and Other Tales of Rail Woe

No Trains to Greece… and Other Tales of Rail Woe

Jan 18 Back in fall 2010, we highlighted some of the key missing links in Europe’s rail network. These are those frustrating gaps, where even the most dedicated rail traveller must switch to a bus: Poprad (Slovakia) to Zakopane (Poland), or the hop south from Narvik in Norway to reach the rail route south to Trondheim at » Read more

Posted in Alternative Transportation, Bus, Europe, Greece, hidden europe, Italy, Lisbon, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Train, transportation

Lisbon: 5 lookout points offering a drink with a view

Lisbon: 5 lookout points offering a drink with a view

Nov 10 By Guilhem Fauquier in Lisbon— The Portuguese often refer to Lisbon as the cidade das sete colinas, or “city of the seven hills.” They’re not kidding. Although walking the hilly terrain will be a workout, the seven hills do offer outstanding views that the locals enjoy every day. Most of these vistas offer dramatic, sweeping » Read more

Posted in Bars, Food, Lisbon, Portugal

Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel

Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel

Oct 25 By Tom Meyers— I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel in Lisbon earlier this month. I was in town for the week to review about 50 hotels for our Lisbon guide, and I’d be spending three nights at this hotel. I had just spent three nights at another hotel, the » Read more

Posted in Ask the Cheapos, Cheap Hotels, Cheapos at work, Lisbon, Portugal, Practical Info, Travel Smarts

Lisbon Day Trips: Four beach escapes

Lisbon Day Trips: Four beach escapes

Jul 29 When the weather is hot, there’s nothing as satisfying as a day spent by the water. While many European capitals offer proximity to beaches, rivers or lakes, few of them boast convenient access to both a river and several beaches. Situated on the Tagus River, Lisbon has a waterfront of its own—plus many beaches an » Read more

Posted in beach, Day Trips, fun, Lisbon, Portugal, Sports, summer, Train

Lisbon cheap souvenir: Cock-a-doodle… do!

Lisbon cheap souvenir: Cock-a-doodle… do!

Oct 03 Lisbon cockerels having a face-off. These two are for sale. Throughout Portugal, the cockerel is a symbol of faith, justice and good luck. As far as we’re concerned, our fine-feathered friend is also a symbol of a bargain. In Lisbon, where folk art featuring the cockerel is available in every gift shop, the little guy is a » Read more

Posted in Cheap Souvenirs, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon: Parque Eduardo VII for free

Aug 08 Lisbon is a city full of fabulous museums and botanical gardens… with entrance fees. However, Parque Eduardo VII, in central Lisbon, is a happy, freebie exception. The Parque Eduardo Named after King Edward VII of Britain (following his 1903 visit to Portugal), the park boasts two greenhouses (“estufas”) filled with tropical plants. These beauties sit atop » Read more

Posted in cheapo by the day, City Guides, Free Stuff, Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon: Free things to do on Sunday

Lisbon: Free things to do on Sunday

Jul 14 If you’ll be in Lisbon anytime soon, plan to lay low during the week (or head to the beach) and hit the major sights and museums on Sunday. Why tour on the day of rest? Because many of Lisbon’s attractions are free, for at least a few hours, every Sunday of the year. Some museums—like the Museum of » Read more

Posted in Free Stuff, Lisbon, Museums, Portugal

“Lost”-Minute Lisbon Getaway for under $900?

“Lost”-Minute Lisbon Getaway for under $900?

Feb 22 We’ll admit it: we’re fans of the TV show “Lost” (Aaron’s a member of the Oceanic Six?? Helloooo curveball!) We’ll also admit that today is an exceptionally wintry, snowy, icy Friday in New York City and we’re finding it hard not to daydream about Lost-y seaside escapes. Thus inspired, we’ve decided to plan a spontaneous (if imaginary) » Read more

Posted in Entertainment, Lisbon, Portugal, Trip Planning