Portugal lies along the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula in south Western Europe. It shares a border with Spain in the east and north, while the Atlantic dominates the coastline in the west and south. Despite its relatively small size, the country boasts a great diversity of geographical features, from golden plains to mountainous zones. Lisbon is the Capital of Portugal. Official language is Portuguese, population is 10,400,000.
Portugal Flag
Our first stop in Portugal was Lisbon. Lisbon charm has much to do with its easy going people, glorious custard tarts great affordable food and wine, wonderful beaches and amazing castles. We stayed very close to the centre of town, it is a great mix of old and new buildings and has lots of character. The number 28 Lisbon tram is a great cheap and interesting way to see Lisbon as it connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ourique, and passes through the popular tourist districts of Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. It screeches and rattles through the narrow streets, with tourist loving every min of the ride. Well worth a trip.
Tram 28
Lisbon
On our first night in Lisbon we met up with Carol and Chris, friends from Ireland, we had a great night catching up, eating and drinking the Gypsy kings were playing in the town square that night which was a real bonus.
Lisbon has a real mix of old and new. The views from Castle De St Jorge over the city are amazing the Castle itself is worth a visit.
If you like Castles, Palaces and history, you could easily spend two days in Sintra, there you can see. Palacio Nacional de Sintra is a present-day historic house museum, Palacio de Seteals is a neoclassical palace. It is now a luxury hotel and restaurant. Palacio de Monserrate is an exotic palatial , Quinta da Regaleria is an estate, Palacio da Pena is a Romanticist castle, and Castelo dos Mouros is a hilltop medieval castle . They are all beautiful and worth a visit. From Lisbon it is a 30min train journey to Sintra.
Palacio de Monserrate
Palacio da Pena
Quinta da Regaleria
Castelo dos Mouros
We went to see the place that St Anthony was born a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. St. Anthony
is one of the most popular saints in the Church. He is the patron of lost things and numerous other causes. It is a very peaceful place.
The beaches are very nice and only a short train trip from Lisbon we had a lovely relaxing day on Carcavelos.
Our favorite restaurant was San Telmo it has great food, service was excellent and very reasonable priced. Rua do Poco dos Negros 188, Lisbon 1200-342, Portugal
From Lisbon we took a train down to Olhao. Olhao is a major port and actually the largest fishing port in the Algarve. It is full of character with Moorish-style houses, an influence from the commercial links with Africa. From the dock area the road runs along the water front and there is a long, very pleasant, paved promenade with cool gardens (Jardim Pescador do Olhanense) to escape the heat of the sun. There are two market buildings side by side along the water front, which are a ‘must visit’ for the huge variety of extremely fresh fish and sea food straight from the port and the vast array of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables. It was the best tasting fish we ever had. The town has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and the people very friendly.
There is no beach in Olhao you must get a ferry to the nearest beach which takes about 30 min, it is a very pleasant trip and only cost 4 euro return. The nearest beach is on Armona island the island has a very sweet village with some very nice cottages and holiday homes on it. It also has a few restaurants and bars. The beach is very beautiful but be careful as the current can be strong.
From Olhao we took a day trip to Faro the Capital of the Algarve. It has an attractive marina, well-maintained parks and plazas, and a historic old town full of pedestrian lanes and outdoor cafes. Marvellously preserved medieval quarters harbour curious museums, churches and a bone chapel. It has a large student population. We had a very nice day here.
The gate of the old city of Faro
We loved our time in Portugal and hope to come back one day.