By Carter | Last updated August 2026 Coimbra has enough medieval streets, university traditions and hillside staircases to keep travelers busy for several days. However, one of the best reasons to use Coimbra as a base is what lies beyond the city. The surrounding region contains Roman mosaics, ruined cave systems, schist villages, enormous forests, […]
Week of July 29, 2026 This week, I learned that building a travel website is not terribly different from maintaining an old European city. The beautiful streets get all the attention. Meanwhile, someone still has to repair the pipes, replace the broken signs, clear the blocked roads, and figure out why one alley suddenly redirects […]
Madeira is one of Europe’s most spectacular island destinations, combining volcanic mountains, dramatic coastlines, world-class hiking, charming villages, and year-round mild weather. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a week-long adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know—from where to stay and what to do to the best time to visit and how […]
Portugal does not end when you leave Lisbon, and it certainly does not become less interesting. Head east or south from the capital, and the buildings begin to thin out. Apartment blocks give way to cork trees, vineyards, olive groves, fortified villages, and roads that disappear toward the horizon. Welcome to the Alentejo. The Alentejo […]
Wondering what to eat in Portugal? This Portuguese food guide covers traditional dishes, regional specialties, desserts, coffee, and practical restaurant tips for first-time visitors.
SEO Title: Getting Around Portugal: Trains, Buses, Cars & More Getting around Portugal can appear wonderfully simple when you first look at the map. Lisbon is down there. Porto is up there. Coimbra sits conveniently between them. The Algarve stretches across the south, and everything else looks close enough to reach before lunch. Then you […]
Week of July 22, 2026 A Letter from Carter Last week, I wrote about rebuilding the road ahead for Atypical Vagabond. This week, I spent a ridiculous amount of time making sure that road actually leads somewhere. The website and SEO rebuild has continued, and I have now reached the stage where the separate pieces […]
Does travel change who we are, or does who we are determine whether we travel? After moving to Portugal and walking the Camino de Santiago, I have learned that transformation begins with choosing to step outside.
I’m rebuilding Atypical Vagabond around the Camino, living in Portugal, digital nomad life, and more honest stories from the road.
Central Portugal · Firsthand Guide Coimbra Travel Guide What to see, where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and how to experience Portugal’s former capital without rushing through it. Medieval streets, black academic capes, centuries-old university traditions and the Mondego River—all from the perspective of someone who actually lives in Coimbra. By […]
