Discover Portugal with Marga

Página Inicial
Portugal
Lisbon
Discover Portugal with Marga

Your go to for Portugal travel tips, Portugal itinerary ideas, and hidden gems in Portugal. I share local insights, honest advice, and real experiences. Olá!

Travelling to Lisbon soon? I also offer Lisbon photoshoots for unforgettable memories. I’m Marga, the travel writer and photographer behind this page! I live in Lisbon, and I’m a cat-mum to 16-year-old Savage. I love coffee, cheese, a good book and exploring this beautiful country. I write about Lisbon and the rest of Portugal, and I hope this website will help as an inspiration for your holiday. Read here for more! https://www.discover-portugal.com/

05/05/2026

Best places to propose in Lisbon (and actually remember it forever) 💍📸

Thinking about proposing in Lisbon? I recently updated my guide with some of the most beautiful (and practical) spots around the city, because let’s be honest, the setting really matters.

From amazing viewpoints to quiet parks, Lisbon has so many romantic corners. But timing, light, and privacy can make or break the moment.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

- Sunrise at a miradouro – soft light, fewer crowds, and city views
- Alfama’s hidden streets – more intimate and less predictable
- Belém by the river – especially around golden hour
- A sunset spot in Cascais – cliffs, ocean views, and beaches

And a little tip from me: if you’re planning something this special, it’s 100% worth capturing it properly. I help plan and photograph surprise proposals, so you don’t have to stress about angles, timing, or missing the moment.

It’s honestly one of my favourite things to shoot, and you’ll have those photos forever. Discover more here: https://www.discover-portugal.com/best-place-to-propose-in-lisbon/

Would you go for a big scenic view or something more quiet and hidden?

04/05/2026

I went kayaking in Sesimbra last weekend and honestly… I loved it!

We paddled along the coast of the Arrábida Natural Park and made our way to Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo, and wow, that beach is even more beautiful from the water. Turquoise water, wild cliffs, and barely any crowds!

What I liked about this experience:
- You can start directly in Sesimbra
- Or join from Lisbon with transport included (super easy if you don’t have a car)
- The route is beginner-friendly, but still feels like a little adventure
- You get to see hidden beaches you can’t easily reach by foot

The whole coastline there is just stunning. It’s one of those places that reminds you why Portugal is so special 🌿

I’ll share the link in the comments if you want to book it for summer.

Have you ever been kayaking in Portugal? Or is this on your list? 👇

01/05/2026

Lisbon in May might just be the best-kept secret in European travel. 🌸

The jacaranda trees start blooming, the temperatures are around 20–25°C, and the beaches are the perfect spot for a refreshing dip.

As locals based in Lisbon, May is genuinely one of our favourite times of year. The city feels alive but not overwhelmed. Perfect for rooftop drinks at sunset, long walks along the Tagus, or a spontaneous day trip to Sintra while the palace gardens are at their most beautiful.

This month also brings some brilliant events: ARCOlisboa (the contemporary art fair), and the Moga Festival Caparica for electronic music lovers.

We've put together a full guide on what to do, what to wear, and where to go, whether you're planning a city break, a beach day, or a proposal (yes, we help with those too 📸).

👉 Read the guide: https://www.discover-portugal.com/lisbon-in-may/

Have you ever visited Lisbon in spring? What was your highlight? Drop it in the comments! We'd love to hear! 👇

29/04/2026

From waterfalls to mountain views: the best walks in Madeira

If you love a good walk with a view, Madeira is honestly hard to beat.

We’ve done quite a few hikes here over time, and some of them still live rent-free in our head.

What we love most? You don’t have to be an extreme hiker to experience it. Many of these walks are surprisingly accessible, but still feel like a proper adventure.

Here are a few favourites from our list:
- Levada walks – Easy, scenic trails along irrigation channels (perfect if you don’t want steep climbs)
- Waterfall hikes – Think lush forests, tunnels, and that “wow” moment when you hear the water first
- Mountain ridge views – A bit more effort, but the views are unreal on clear days
- Coastal paths – Dramatic cliffs and ocean views, especially beautiful at sunrise

Some of these walks are super popular (for a reason), but there are also quieter routes where you might only pass a few people along the way.

We’ve shared all the hikes we did, including difficulty, what to expect, and our honest tips, so you can pick what fits your trip 👇

https://www.discover-portugal.com/walks-madeira/

Are you more into easy scenic walks or proper mountain hikes?

28/04/2026

Planning a proposal in Sintra? Here’s how to make it unforgettable 💍

Thinking of proposing in Sintra? Honestly… you’ve picked one of the most magical places in Portugal. Misty forests, hidden viewpoints, and fairytale palaces... it’s hard to go wrong here. But timing and planning make all the difference.

I’ve put together a full guide (based on real shoots!) to help you avoid the crowds and create a moment that actually feels personal, not rushed or surrounded by tourists.

Here are a few of my favourite tips:

- Go early (or late) – Sunrise is quiet and dreamy, while sunset can work in hidden spots
- Skip the obvious crowds – Places like Pena Palace are beautiful… but not ideal for a private moment
- Choose a hidden gem – Think forest paths, quiet viewpoints, or lesser-known gardens
- Have a simple plan – Know where to stand, where I’ll be (😉), and what happens after
- Capture the moment – A surprise proposal deserves more than just a quick phone photo

And yes… I help plan and photograph these moments all the time, from scouting quiet locations to blending into the background so it feels natural.

Curious how to plan it step by step (and find the best hidden spots)? I’ve shared everything in my full guide 👇
https://www.discover-portugal.com/proposal-in-sintra/

Would you go for a fairytale palace or a quiet forest view for your proposal?

27/04/2026

Skip the hills, see more: why a tuk tuk tour in Lisbon is actually worth it 🚖

Lisbon is beautiful… but those hills? They’re no joke 😅
If you want to see a lot without getting completely exhausted, a tuk tuk tour is honestly one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to explore the city.

I’ve tried it myself, and it’s such a relaxed way to discover places you’d probably miss on foot.

Here’s why I’d recommend it:

Effortless sightseeing – No climbing endless hills, just sit back and enjoy
Local driver = local tips – You’ll hear stories and get recommendations you won’t find in guidebooks
Hidden spots included – Think viewpoints and little streets you wouldn’t normally find
Great for short trips – Perfect if you only have 1–2 days in Lisbon
Easy photo stops – And yes… I know a few perfect ones 😉

It’s especially great if you’re visiting for the first time and want a good overview before exploring on your own.

And if you’re planning a proposal, a tuk tuk can actually be a fun and relaxed way to get to a quieter spot without giving anything away 👀

Curious which tours are actually worth it (and which to skip)? I’ve broken it all down in my guide 👇
https://www.discover-portugal.com/tuk-tuk-tour-lisbon/

Have you ever done a tuk tuk tour in Lisbon, or would you try it?

23/04/2026

The meaning behind the red carnations 🌹

This Saturday, 25 April, Portugal celebrates the anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. It’s one of the most important dates in the country’s history, marking the end of the dictatorship and the beginning of democracy.

If you’re in Portugal this weekend, you’ll likely see people carrying red flowers and hear the song "Grândola, Vila Morena" playing in the streets. It’s a truly moving day to be here.

I’ve put together a guide to help you understand the history and why this day is so special:
- The story of how the revolution remained (mostly) bloodless
- Why the red carnation became the ultimate symbol of peace
- What to expect if you are visiting during the celebrations

You can read the full story here:https://www.discover-portugal.com/carnation-revolution-in-portugal/

Have you ever been in Portugal during the April 25th celebrations, or is this your first time hearing about the history?

19/04/2026

Where to propose in Cascais? 💍

Cascais is easily one of the most romantic spots in Portugal, but finding that perfect, quiet moment can be tricky if you don't know where to look.

Whether you're dreaming of a dramatic cliffside backdrop, a quiet sandy cove, or a charming spot in the heart of the old town, I’ve put together a guide to help you plan the perfect surprise.

In my latest guide, I share 6 handpicked locations including:

Dramatic natural settings like Boca do Inferno
Quiet, intimate beaches away from the main crowds
Romantic garden spots and historic town highlights
The best times of day to visit for the perfect light

Here is the full guide in case you're planning a proposal this summer! https://www.discover-portugal.com/propose-in-cascais/

Have you ever visited Cascais Portugal? It's such a beautiful spot for a romantic getaway.

13/04/2026

Portugal really comes alive when there’s a festival in the air, doesn't it?

I’ve spent a fair bit of time recently trying to track down as many cultural events and festivals as possible across the country. It’s a huge list, but I’ve finally put it all together into one guide to help you plan your trips around these unique traditions.

From the massive city-wide celebrations to the tiny village "festas" you might otherwise miss, here’s a look at what’s coming up:
- Traditional folk festivals with music and dancing
- Unique local food and wine celebrations
- Religious processions that have stayed the same for centuries
- Modern arts and music events in stunning locations
- I’m sure I’ve missed a few local favourites, though!

If you’ve been to a festival in Portugal that you absolutely loved, or if there's one you're finally going to see this year, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

https://www.discover-portugal.com/portugal-festivals/

09/04/2026

Tired of the summer crowds at the Jerónimos Monastery?

We all know that Belém is a must-see, but during the peak season, the queues at Jerónimos can be a bit of a nightmare. If you’re looking for that same jaw-dropping Manueline architecture but without the two-hour wait, you might want to head North to Alcobaça.

The Alcobaça Monastery is one of Portugal’s most impressive UNESCO sites, and the best part? Even in the middle of summer, you might find yourself with the entire cloister almost to yourself.

A few reasons why it’s worth the trip:
The sheer scale of the church is incredible—it was the first Gothic building in Portugal.
You can visit the tombs of Pedro and Inês (Portugal's most famous, and tragic, love story).
The kitchen is massive, with a chimney so large you could roast an entire ox in it!

I've written a guide on why this spot is such a great alternative to the busy Lisbon sights:https://www.discover-portugal.com/alcobaca-monastery/

Have you visited Alcobaça yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

06/04/2026

Planning a hike in Portugal soon?

April is finally here, and the trails are starting to look incredible. Whether you’re planning to tackle the levadas in Madeira, the coastal paths of the Rota Vicentina, or some quiet mountain trails in the Serra da Estrela, it’s the perfect time to get outside.

I’ve managed to get a little something to help you stay on the right track (literally!). If you use AllTrails to find your way, they’re currently offering 50% off their Plus membership.

It’s really handy for:
Downloading maps to use offline (a lifesaver when signal drops in the mountains)
Getting "wrong turn" alerts so you don’t end up on a three-hour detour
3D trail previews to see exactly what those inclines look like before you start

The offer is only running until April 7th, so it’s worth grabbing now if you have a spring or summer trip coming up. And you can use AllTrails for hikes worldwide!

You can find the deal here: https://alltrails.pxf.io/VO4moE

Where are you planning to hike in Portugal this year? I'm always looking for new trail recommendations!

Endereço

Lisbon

Website

https://www.discover-portugal.com/

Notificações

Seja o primeiro a receber as novidades e deixe-nos enviar-lhe um email quando Discover Portugal with Marga publica notícias e promoções. O seu endereço de email não será utilizado para qualquer outro propósito, e pode cancelar a subscrição a qualquer momento.