Side-by-side photos of two Portuguese towns — on the left, the colorful and ornate Pena Palace in Sintra with turrets and gothic details; on the right, the medieval stone walls and whitewashed buildings of Óbidos under a clear blue sky.
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Sintra vs Óbidos: Which Portuguese Town Should You Visit?

ByMelissa Byron

Sintra and Óbidos are two amazing spots to check out in Portugal. I’m guessing you’re here because you’re trying to determine which one deserves a spot on your itinerary. If you’ve got time for both, go for it. They offer totally different vibes and are both worth seeing. But if you’re working with limited time,…

Nighttime view of Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal, during the Christmas season. The square is illuminated by a towering Christmas tree adorned with white lights and a glowing star on top.
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2025 Christmas Markets in Lisbon & Nearby Areas You Won’t Want to Miss

ByMelissa Byron

It’s that magical time of year again, and I know what you might be thinking… Does Lisbon, Portugal, even have Christmas markets? Well, the answer is yes! I was pleasantly surprised to discover after moving to Lisbon in 2023 that Lisbon hosts Christmas markets, and festive markets are scattered throughout other towns in Portugal. Although…