Author: Matthew Hancock

8 of the best restaurants in Portugal

Portugal has the highest concentration of cafés per head of population in the European Union. I can verify this fact after walking the entire Portuguese-Spanish border and finding that I was never more than around 10km from a place that could rustle up a decent meal. However it is not only the quantity of places…

6 reasons why you should visit Portugal in 2018

Portugal is less than three hours’ flight time from the UK, while flights from the US are generally available for under $500. Moreover, once you get there, it’s one of the cheapest destinations in the EU. But if those reasons are not enough to persuade you, here are six more why Portugal is the must-try…

Your Portugal itinerary: 4 road trip ideas to explore the country

Portugal is having a real purple patch right now. It’s one of the safest and least expensive countries in Europe with a balmy year-round sunny climate. Your dilemma might be where to head for first, as there are regular low-cost flights to Porto in the north, Lisbon in the centre and the Algarve in the…

The best restaurants in Lisbon: an area-by-area guide

Lisbon has rightly garnered a reputation as being one of Europe’s hippest cities – but Portuguese cuisine remains somewhat unknown. Rest assured, though, Lisbon’s food scene is every bit as exciting as the city’s nightlife, trams and quirky charm. Here’s our expert guide to the best restaurants in Lisbon, divided by area. (continued below…) Best restaurants…

Portugal travel tips: 10 things you need to know before you go

With its stunning beaches, friendly people, unspoilt countryside and tasty local cuisine, Portugal is, unsurprisingly, one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. If you’re planning a trip, here are 10 tips from Matthew Hancock, co-author of The Rough Guide to Portugal, to help you find the most authentic parts of the country, escape the crowds and get even more for…

Undiscovered Portugal: 7 places to get off the tourist trail

Although Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, it is surprisingly easy to get away from it all and escape the crowds. Most people head west from Lisbon airport into the bustling maelstrom of the city, but head east instead over the Vasco da Gama bridge – at 11 miles, it’s Europe’s longest…

What’s all the fuss about Lisbon?

Those in the know have been quietly enjoying Lisbon’s charms for years, but the city is currently having a bit of a moment. In recent times, it’s seen the opening of a slew of modern museums, trendy clubs, smart boutique-style accommodation and the regeneration of some of its more run-down areas – all while retaining…

Where to stay in Lisbon

Heading to the Portuguese capital this year? Lisbon‘s accommodation scene has exploded recently, so there is no shortage of places to stay, from historic buildings and palaces to excellent independent hostels. There are real bargains to be had in the off-season, but the city can get very busy from June to September. Prices are at their highest during…

West Bay: the real Broadchurch location

ITV’s Broadchurch is back for series two, so we asked Matthew Hancock to take us on a tour of the hit show’s location, West Bay in Dorset. The body is probably male, medium build and partly decomposed. There is no obvious cause of death. I’m standing in West Bay in Dorset, below the iconic landmark for…

An exhilarating ride through Lisbon’s backstreets

On a city tour with a difference, Matthew Hancock explores Portugal’s capital in an old Jeep to find the best things to do in Lisbon. I’ve always been averse to city tours. It’s the cheesy commentaries and obvious itineraries that put me off, but the prospect of taking part in a ‘safari’ in an aged Portuguese…

Taking a ride through Lisbon’s historic quarters

Just as you should arrive in Venice on a boat, it is best to arrive in Lisbon on a tram, from the point where many people leave it for good: at Prazeres, by the city’s picturesque main cemetery. Get a taxi to the suburban terminus of tram 28 for one of the most atmospheric public-transport…

Clearing your calendar for bacalhau, Portugal

On Lisbon’s Rua do Arsenal, whole window displays are lined with what looks like crinkly grey cardboard. The smell is far from alluring, but from these humble slabs of cod the Portuguese are able to conjure up an alleged 365 different recipes for bacalhau, one for each day of the year. Reassuringly, none of this mummified fish dates back…