We are Cláudia and Jorge, the creators of Portugal Things.
We created this website to share what we love most about Portugal: the places we visit, the food we try, the recipes that are part of our culture, the hikes we do, and the stories that make the country so special.
Portugal Things is our guide for anyone who wants to discover Portugal with more context, more curiosity, and less generic advice. Here you will find practical travel tips, destination ideas, restaurant recommendations, Portuguese recipes, nature guides, and articles about Portuguese culture — always from a personal and local perspective.
Who We Are
- Cláudia Bastos
A physiotherapist by trade, born in South Africa and experienced in living in Portugal, Angola, and Belgium. I love adventures, trying new things, and I’m a big fan of coffee, cheese, spicy food, and local markets. If you need tips on cuisine or advice on stretching after a hike, I’m here to help!
- Jorge Bastos
An economist by training and a traveler at heart. I’ve worked in Portugal and Angola as a financial controller, but my passion is exploring new destinations. When I’m not planning my next trip or devouring chocolate, you can find me playing sports or simply soaking in the world around me. I put my skills to use, planning efficient trips and helping you travel smarter and more often!
How We Write About Portugal
At Portugal Things, we try to write the kind of information we would like to find when planning a trip or discovering a new place.
We prefer practical guides, honest opinions, and useful details over generic lists. When we write about a destination, hike, restaurant, dish, or recipe, we try to explain not only what it is, but also whether it is worth it, who it is for, and what is useful to know before going or trying it.
Not everything needs to be perfect to be interesting, and not every place is right for everyone. That is why we like to write with context, without exaggeration, and always from a personal perspective.
Our Story
Portugal Things was born from the desire to create a space about Portugal written from a closer, more practical, and more personal perspective.
After many years of traveling and writing about the world on Travel Drafts, it increasingly made sense to look at our own country with the same curiosity. We wanted to share the places we know, the food that is part of our culture, the hikes we do, and the details that are often left out of more generic guides.
We were also motivated by the amount of incomplete, confusing, or overly superficial information we found online about Portugal. Our goal is not to show a perfect country, but to help you discover it with more context, honesty, and attention to detail.
What You Will Find Here
At Portugal Things, we write about Portugal in different ways because the country can also be discovered in many different ways.
- Travel guides and destinations: itinerary ideas, cities, villages, regions, and practical tips to help you travel better in Portugal.
- Portuguese food and recipes: traditional dishes, local products, restaurants, and recipes that are part of our culture.
- Nature and hiking: hikes, waterfalls, river beaches, mountains, boardwalks, and places to explore outdoors.
- Culture and traditions: stories, customs, festivals, curiosities, and small details that help you better understand Portugal.
The idea is simple: to help you discover Portugal beyond the obvious, whether through a trip, a recipe, a hike, or a tradition you did not know yet.
And More…
We are also the creators of Travel Drafts, our global travel blog, where we share our trips around the world. If you also enjoy exploring other destinations beyond Portugal, you will find travel guides, practical tips, and stories from our experiences in other countries there.
We hope Portugal Things helps you discover Portugal better — with more context, more curiosity, and less generic advice.
If you would like to talk to us, suggest a collaboration, or share an idea, you can visit our Work With Us page or contact us.