The Algarve
Portugal with Michael Portillo - S1 - E3
Michael explores the Algarve beyond its beaches, uncovering history, visiting Silves's castle and Faro's bone chapel, meeting a fisherman who risks his life for barnacles, and enjoying fresh oysters in Olhao.
Portugal with Michael Portillo: Season 1 - 6 Episode s
1x1 - Porto
March 1, 2025
Michael explores highlights and hidden secrets of the country, starting out in the cosmopolitan second city of Porto, whose chic shopping boulevards and tourist hotspots hides a proud industrial past making it the 'Manchester of Portugal'. In Braga, he finds the awe-inspiring Bom Jesus shrine, built into the side of a mountain, visits one of Portugal's biggest festivals, the Feiras Novas, where a million revellers enjoy three days of singing and dancing, and discovers a network of busy canals in Aveiro, reminiscent of Venice.
1x2 - Braga and Ponte De Lima
March 8, 2025
Michael explores Braga and Ponte de Lima, enjoying folk music at the Feiras Novas festival. He then climbs the Bom Jesus shrine, cooks with chef Renato, and ends up with belly dancers!
1x3 - The Algarve
March 15, 2025
Michael explores the Algarve beyond its beaches, uncovering history, visiting Silves's castle and Faro's bone chapel, meeting a fisherman who risks his life for barnacles, and enjoying fresh oysters in Olhao.
1x4 - Madeira
March 22, 2025
Michael Portillo's journey through Portugal continues on the stunning island of Madeira, a subtropical paradise 500 miles off the Algarve coast as he explores its extreme landscapes, historic levadas, and unique toboggan rides. He enjoys a traditional espetada BBQ, discovers the island's water mill, learns about Madeira's British connections and wine history, and explores a local market in Funchal where he samples exotic fruits.
1x5 - Aveiro and Coimbra
March 29, 2025
Michael Portillo's journey continues in two cities. He begins in Aveiro, a city of canals and brightly decorated boats, renowned as the Portuguese Venice. He enjoys the local food and discovers a historic connection between the city's patron saint, Princess Joanna, and England's King Richard III. He then drive to one of the country's most important cities, Coimbra. Portugal's first capital in 1139, it was once the centre of a mighty Roman province.
1x6 - Episode 6
April 5, 2025