June in Portugal marks the height of summer. Gardens are lush and productive, with an array of vegetables and fruits coming into their prime. Understanding June in Portugal: This month, all regions experience warm to hot temperatures, perfect for a variety of summer crops. Irrigation and Maintenance: Efficient watering is crucial. Consider drip irrigation for consistent moisture. Keep an eye on pests and diseases, taking action as necessary. June Harvesting and Planting Guide: North Portugal: Harvest early potatoes and spring greens. Plant late-summer crops like pumpkins and squash. Central P ..read more

Living and working abroad as an expat is an adventure like no other – you get to immerse yourself in a whole new culture, build meaningful connections and create lasting memories that will stay with you forever. But it can be easy in the chaos of moving and getting used to your new surroundings to let those cherished memories slip by without documenting them. It’s important to capture your unique experiences so that years down the line, you’ll be able to relive them again with crystal clear clarity, whether it’s the first property you lived in in your new country, the first time you tried a l ..read more

May is the gateway to summer in Portugal, with longer days and rising temperatures accelerating garden growth. Understanding May in Portugal: The North sees the last of the spring rains, central regions enjoy a warm climate, and the Algarve starts feeling the early touches of summer heat. Garden Preparations: Now’s the time to ensure your plants are well-supported. Stake taller plants like tomatoes and beans, and install trellises for climbing varieties. May Planting Guide: North Portugal: Perfect for sowing summer salads and herbs. Begin planting out seedlings hardened off in April. Central ..read more

It is late afternoon and day-trippers are arriving to view the sunset. Golden rays penetrate straight down the valley, bathing the village and the hill in warmth. The aldeias were well situated to capture as much daylight as possible. In the cool, dark valleys, the temperature change is palpable, especially near the many streams. Despite the effort required to climb uphill, the uplands are the place to be. Once the sun sets, the air turns chilly and the cold and the darkness set in. Abrigos, stone-built shelters for humans, animals and gear, dot the landscape. Most have fallen into ruin but o ..read more

In the pursuit of healthier living environments within Portuguese homes, a critical but often invisible factor is the impact of rising damp on indoor air quality. Rising damp, a condition where moisture seeps upward from the ground into building walls, can significantly degrade the air we breathe indoors, affecting not just the building’s structural health but also the well-being of its inhabitants. Moisture-laden walls provide a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which release spores into the air. These spores can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, highlight ..read more

Holiday homes in Portugal are administered under the Alojamento Local (AL) regime. This is a regime that regulates holiday homes. Registration is mandatory for this regime and the home must meet certain requirements such as shading on the windows, the existence of fire extinguishers and a self-aid kit. Recently (in 2023), the socialist government in Portugal passed legislation with the aim of reducing the amount of AL properties in Portugal. Now, it is no longer possible to obtain an AL license for apartments in most of Portugal (it is still possible in the islands or some inland areas, but o ..read more

Exploring Portugal’s hidden rural areas reveals a world of enchanting landscapes, historic villages, and cultural richness, offering a serene escape from the well-trodden tourist paths. Here are some off-the-beat gems to consider for your next Portuguese adventure: Peneda-Gerês National Park: This is Portugal’s only national park, boasting stunning landscapes like lush forests and sparkling lakes. It’s a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, where you might spot the Iberian wolf or golden eagles. The park is dotted with traditional villages where you can indulge in local delicacies like ..read more

Creating a successful compost pile is an enriching endeavour for any property owner in Portugal, blending seamlessly with the pursuit of sustainability and the cultivation of lush, productive gardens. It is not as simple as ‘chuck it in a pile and leave it’ but it certainly does not need to feel daunting either! We thought we would share some top tips on the ‘art’ of layering your compost, this is really a critical process that balances green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials to gain optimal decomposition. This practice not only enriches the soil but also reduces waste, making ..read more

In the quest for energy efficiency within Portuguese homes, a critical but often overlooked factor is the role of rising damp. Rising damp, a condition where ground moisture travels up through the walls, can significantly impair a building’s insulation properties. This often leads to increased energy consumption, particularly in heating, as damp walls require more energy to warm up. The impact of rising damp on a building’s thermal resistance is a key concern in Portugal’s diverse climate. Damp walls have a lower thermal resistance compared to dry walls, making it harder to maintain a consist ..read more

It is the beginning of December and it seems the fine weather is over here in the Serra da Lousã. I blame the full moon. It is raining sideways, downwards and even upwards, as column after column of cloud drifts through the valley and up over the ridge. The phenomenon is called chuva tocava do vento — rain touched by the wind. Cerdeira seems to huddle down under its trees, each house clutching onto its neighbour for shelter. Warmth and sustenance are found at the café, at the unavoidable conjunction of the two meandering paths which form a kind of chromosomal X. The back door of my cottage op ..read more