Latest Articles

From Russia to Portugal: How Tatiana Bogomazova Mastered the Portuguese Language

James Cave
June 4, 2024

Tatiana Bogomazova grew up in Siberia in Russia, but a chance Erasmus trip led her to the Algarve and then onto Lisbon. Discovering a passion for the Portuguese language, she soon mastered the language, eventually sitting the C2 exam and …

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Portugal, a Nation of Desenrascados?

A cute cartoon illustration of a hanging light bulb with a surprised face. The bulb has small eyes, an open mouth, and is radiating yellow light. It has arms, one of which is holding onto the cord from which it is suspended. The background is blue.
James Cave
June 4, 2024

There are a few words that help explain Portuguese culture. One of them is saudade, a word that’s considered to be untranslatable but the closest interpretation is a feeling of longing. You can feel saudade for anything: a different time, …

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The Algarve VS The Silver Coast: Finding Your Paradise in Portugal

James Cave
June 4, 2024

When dreaming of moving to Portugal, the sunny Algarve and the charming Silver Coast often top the list of potential new places to live. Each has its own unique appeal, from climate to community, making the choice between them a …

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Olivenza: The Portuguese Town That’s in Spain

A European Union border sign with the word "España" in the center, surrounded by yellow stars on a blue background. Graffiti at the bottom reads "OLIVENÇA É NOSSA, É PORTUGAL" in white paint. The sign is positioned in a rural area with trees and grass.
James Cave
June 4, 2024

Drive over the bridge that crosses the Guadiana River, the river that separates Portugal and Spain, and you’ll be greeted with a sign welcoming you to Spain. Like the hundreds of other signs that are dotted along the Spanish border, …

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What’s an Atestado De Residência?

A close-up of a hand holding a black and gold pen, signing a document on a wooden surface. The document has text and a signature line visible.
James Cave
June 4, 2024

While many companies and government departments will accept a utility bill or rental contract as proof of address, that’s not enough for some and they make ask for an Atestado De Residência. It may also be required if you don’t …

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Alentejo Food: 9 Regional Dishes That You Have to Eat

A white plate contains a creamy beige dish garnished with several prawns arranged in a circle. In the center, there is a raw egg yolk. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled throughout the dish, adding a touch of color.

Migas

James Cave
June 4, 2024

Welcome to the culinary world of the Alentejo, a region in Portugal renowned for its rich gastronomic heritage. Alentejo food reflects the region’s rustic charm, so expect hearty and satisfying dishes that are characterised by bread and meat. Ready? Let’s …

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Is Lisbon Noisy? Where Are the Noisiest & Quietest Neighbourhoods

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair is wearing a gray tank top and holding two white pillows over both of her ears. Her facial expression appears frustrated or annoyed. She is indoors, with a neutral-colored background.
James Cave
June 4, 2024

Lisbon, with its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, can sometimes be a noisy place, posing a challenge for light sleepers. It’s crucial to do your homework before settling on a rental space, whether it’s an apartment rental or an Airbnb, …

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24 Must-Read Books Set in Portugal

A woman with sunglasses and a braid is lying on a striped blanket at the beach, reading a magazine. She is wearing a white sweater and appears to be relaxed, with the sea and sky in the background.
James Cave
June 4, 2024

Portugal has been the setting for numerous captivating novels that bring its essence to life. These books, especially those written by Portuguese authors, offer an immersive experience into the country’s soul, perfect for those wishing to learn more about its …

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Can You Learn European Portuguese with Duolingo?

James Cave
June 4, 2024

Duolingo is one of the most popular language learning apps and so it isn’t surprising that many people download it when they decide to learn Portuguese. But after a while, some people end up realising that Duolingo teaches Brazilian Portuguese …

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31 Weird & Funny Portuguese Phrases

Four friends sit on a sandy beach, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Two women and two men are dressed casually in striped shirts and jeans, with one man wearing a denim shirt. The background is bright and sunny, indicating a warm, cheerful day.
James Cave
June 4, 2024

One of the most challenging (but also most fun) parts of learning a new language is learning the unique cultural expressions, idioms, and colloquialisms that are used in the language. Learning European Portuguese is no different: you’ll find lots and …

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