Portugal wasn't on my list until I'd already been traveling a few years, but after my first visit I realized that it was one of my favorites in Western Europe. The buildings in all of the cities are covered in colorful ceramic tiles, the skies are almost always blue and the weather is perfect. The best way I can express my love for this country, which I've traveled to three times, is through photos.
One of the castles at Quinta de Regaleira
Make sure nobody else is coming up, as the staircases are narrow!
One of my favorite trees inside Quinta da Regaleira, a real-life fairy tale land filled with castles, gardens, and labyrinths.
We took a detour down a dirt road to get to the lighthouse. I don't think our little Opel Astra was meant to go off-roading!
Cabo da Roca lighthouse.
Stunning Atlantic coastline. If I didn't know better, I'd think I was on the California Pacific coast.
Sweeping views from the lighthouse
It's a long way down...
As we drove down the road on this misty day to Praia da Adraga, a massive group of school kids ran down beside us on what seemed to be a class trip. The waves were enormous, and therefore not suitable to swim in, but just watching them crash onto the shore was a sight in its own.
Somewhere in the hills, between sleepy little villages we found this abandoned windmill on the side of the road.
Ready for some photos shot on film?
Lisbon is a labryinth of alleyways
And buildings covered in colorful tiles
My favorite beach, Praia do Magoito. The trek down is absolutely worth it.
I asked the waiter at the cafe above the beach if I could take a photo of him, but he declined. I took a photo of the delectable apple pastry instead.
Streets of Ericeira, the perfect sized beach town.
Sometimes sun isn't always necessary to enjoy a beach. Praia da Adraga was stunning to sit at with it's eerie fog and rough waves.
During one of our days in Lisbon, we ventured out on the commuter ferry to the south bay. There wasn't much in this town, but I got some good photos.
Old lady, probably bored, in Seixal.
Lots of decaying buildings.
Almoçageme was the perfect place to experience a taste of Portugese village life.
Our trip started in Lisbon where we stayed at an Airbnb for two nights. We then rented a car and continued on to visit Quinta de Regaliera in Sintra for a few hours. Then we drove through Sintra-Cascais National Park, stopping wherever our hearts desired, including Praia do Magoito, and stayed the night in Ericeira, a photogenic surf town with blue doors and narrow, cobblestone streets. From here we drove down the coast to a quiet village called Almoçageme and checked into our lovely guesthouse called Restaurante Pensão Sisudo, where we ate the most savory meal. From here we drove down the road to (the foggy) Praia da Adraga and later to Cabo de Roca. We had the joy of getting hit in the middle of a busy traffic circle in Cascais on our way back to the airport, so I can't recommend that city. Everything else in Portugal was a joy, and I would definitely return for a fourth time!
