Nikedun Blog

I took a long time to decide where to feature for my first post of 2017. A new year, a new start....so how about a new destination for a city break, and one that's perfect for those who love their food and their culture. For some reason, Porto is still a bit under the radar when it comes to European destinations, which surprises me because it's both affordable and fun. It's Portugal's second-largest city behind Lisbon, known for it's beautiful bridges and the production of port wine, which is still stored in vast cellars that stretch along the Douro river.  The medieval Ribeira district is the oldest district of the city - a beautiful warren of narrow cobbled streets and plenty of wonderful family owned restaurants and bars. Top tip: If you're looking for a belly busting dish to try, the francesinha sandwich is a Porto institution.  It's a huge doorstep layered with pork, bacon, smoked sausage, beefsteak all topped off with a fried e...

With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to flashback to an eerie place to visit. If you're going to the Algarve, then head to Alcantarilha for a spooky experience in the 15th century chapel which dominates the village.  If you want to find out more, then read my original post by clicking here .

Those of you who know me well will be well aware of just how much I love Portugal. I've been holidaying in the country since I was a little girl, and am now lucky enough to have a little hideaway there. It came as no surprise to me that Portugal has been named Best European Destination for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Europe - the travel equivalent of the Oscars.  All in all, Portugal won an incredible 26 awards, with Lisbon being named the best city break destination, and the Algarve as Europe's Leading Beach Destination. So many people I meet have yet to visit the country and I have to say they're missing out! It's easy to get off the beaten track; avoid the tourist hotspots and find your own piece of paradise - even in the busier summer months. If it's not on your list, it should be.

This cleverly titled giant sculpture is called 'Waste of a Dolphin', and is on display at marinas throughout the Portuguese Algarve this summer, and for the next five weeks it's on display in the outdoor space at the Portimão Museum by the riverside. The dolphin is about eight feet long, and is by Algarve artist BJ Boulter, and is completely made out of discarded plastic.  It's safe to say we're all becoming more and more aware that the oceans desperately need our help, and the idea for this project came from a voyage into South Africa by boat years ago. BJ sailed into the harbour in Durban, and the water was glittering like diamonds - but it was actually a sea of plastic bottles. So sad, and very shocking.  The work is part of a show entitled 'Listen to the Ocean', and is part of a winder initiative powered by Marlagos and CIMA, the centre for marine investigation at the University of the Algarve. We can all do our bit to make the world a be...