PORTUGAL TRAVEL TIPS

PORTUGAL - LISBON, CASCAIS, ESTORIL, SINTRA, ALGARVE

LOVELY little Portugal, snuck behind Spain is a super European destination as there is so much to see. It's not expensive, the people are lovely only on the western coast, the most western part of Europe it is not as hot as the Spanish Mediterranean side. Lisbon is a must for its architecture, plenty of massive monuments and the Geronimo Cathedral and Monastery are spectacular! As is the Belem Tower. Lisbon and coastal cities all have a buzz. I stayed outside Lisbon and did day trips. Estoril and Cascais are close by and charming coastal small towns which are lovely to stay in and anywhere you want to go is easily accessible. You can drive or take a 48 hour hop on hop off bus pass to Lisbon and there's free wifi on board.

 ESTORIL BEACH FRONT MONUMENT

 

 

GERONIMO'S CATHEDRAL

From Estoril there are super day trips to natural scenery and rocks.  About a 30 min drive is Quincho, a paradise beach with high mountain rocks around it and it's an adventurous walk to the bottom. It's spotless and well serviced without any commercial hub so it's perfectly peaceful. Another day trip is to Cabo da Roca, an amazing mountainous coastal walk where you feel as if you are top of the world! Words don't do it justice. I went twice :) and I was lucky enough to meet a bus full of Navy Marines all in white while I was there. It's a nature's paradise with a museum. Another trip is to The Boca do Inferno, which is a rock formation chasm. Try to go when the tide is in.

 

 QUINCHO

 Cabo da Roca

 The Boca do Inferno

SINTRA

 This place is something else! Just exquisite, the palace in the mountains, is like Gorilla's in the mist, even in summer and the city is gorgeous! Beautiful palaces, countryside and just a place where you immediately feel royal the beauty around you is so breathtaking. Take a train from the station as it too is adorably cute! Best to take the bus up to the Palace mountain top and to walk down through beautiful nature. The pictures do't do it justice.

 

 

THE ALGARVE

The south of Portugal with its beautiful coastline of high high sandy colour cliffs, breathtaking ocean views and restaurants with anchovy paste on fresh bread and grilled fish are memorable. Take shoes for the beach as there are sharp rocks in the water though. It's a must to hire a car and visit local food markets and drive along the southern coast for again, mountain coatal views and wild seas. Really enchanting! Hire a villa with a view to die for and overday go kayaking through the rock formations or fishing. My pictures are not digital so with thanks to the Portuguese Travel Board....

 So... what are you waiting for?