Travel Diary: República Portuguesa- Portugal Part II

Day 3: Sintra

Take the train from Rossio Station for approx. €5

Pena National Palace

The famous, Disney-like, Pena Palace

Sintra- Home of the famously colourful Pena Palace, it is housed on the top of one of the famous National Parks. You can get a bus ticket that takes you all the way to the top of the mountain for approx 5 euros, and catch the view going up at the same time. The trek to the beautiful palace from the drop-off point is no cake, either, but the view, the air, and the architecture is incredibly worth the trip. 

The view from the top of the Palace

If you're afraid of heights, as I am, you might find some parts of the mountain a little daunting. One the day we went, the wind was incredibly strong and at some points I felt like I was going to be blown right off the palace walls. But the view! The clear skies! The picture backdrops! The municipality goes as far as the eye can see, and you can even catch glimpses of the ocean! 

Day 4: Azeitao and Lisbon

Azeitao is a well-kept secret outside Lisbon which houses most of the country's wineries. 

Main reception building of Portugal's oldest winery

Not a Tourist Trap: Jose Maria de Fonseca, Portugal's oldest winery. We took a taxi from central Lisbon, for approximately €40 (one way). The wine tour itself was booked in advance, and cost a mere €3- inclusive of a tour of the premises and a tasting; all led by a very detailed and well-informed guide. My favourite tip of the day was learning that there was a special cellar dedicated to all the wines the winery has ever produced (since the 1800s!) and whenever a foreign dignitary or VIP came to visit the premises, the door is unlocked to give the visitor a taste of a wine from their year of birth. 

We were treated to a selection of house wines in the warmly decorated gift shop

Portugal is internationally famous for its intricately designed tiles, and so we ended the day visiting the National Azulejo Museum back in Lisbon. 

Traditionally designed tiles-- similar ones can be seen all over the city

More modern/MC-Escher-type tile designs

My outfit colours happened to match with these tiles at the museum!

Day 5: Belem

Tram from Lisbon main square approx €2.75

On our last day, we visited a suburb not far from Lisbon to sample the world-famous Portuguese egg tarts and visit the national monuments in the area. We also rode the tram, and along with a tram full of tourists, learnt that sometimes in Lisbon, things get stuck in the tram tracks and there's nothing you can do about it except wait for a group of locals and tourists to work together to get it unstuck. 

View of the sea from the Tower 

We found ourselves at the Torre de Belém, a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the significance it played in the maritime adventures Portugal went on from the 15th to 18th century. While the queue to get in is long, the view and the historical significance of the site is worth it. Its also worth mentioning that there are a lot of narrow steps and, once again, high locations, so if you're afraid of heights and narrow spaces, you might want to be mentally prepared for this one!

Tower of Belem from afar

Afternoon tea idea- Pastéis de Belém . No trip to Portugal would be complete without the famous Portuguese "nata." I will admit that I personally felt these were a bit to sweet for my taste, but I seem to be in a very small minority. But the popularity and international recognition for these pastries is undeniable- You will have to be prepared to fight through a horde of tourists and seasoned locals to get to these delights.

Pastry shop exterior

Dinner idea- Restaurante Tavares! Here's one for the foodies- enjoy a decadent evening in one of Portugal's oldest restaurants. Savour European style cuisine along with heavy gold decor and a glass of Portugal's famous vinho verde. Let the flavours and food dance along your tongue while you enjoy personalised and dedicated service. Its a true treat, and it was a memorable way to end our trip.

The interior of Restaurant Tavares

We made our way to our 7 o'clock reservation and were greeted by our friendly Portuguese hosts in a beautifully lit and grand dining room.

Cork-bound menu presented by Tavares

Aside from sweet pastries, Portugal is famous of its cork production. Tavares continues that legacy by binding its menu in cork, with the restaurant symbol printed onto the cover. 

Food at Tavares 

Moscatel on the house

Pictures are from a shared photo album

Travel Diary: República Portuguesa- Portugal Part I

Hi friends, 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful June! As its holiday/travel season again, I thought I'd share about my last few trips and some tips/tricks and advice about some interesting, but maybe not as popular holiday destinations.

Last September, I went to Portugal with a few friends and we spent 5 days, flying into Lisbon from London. I've split this Travel Diary into two parts so I can share some pictures and information without it being too incredibly long. This post will cover Day 1 and 2, and I'll link information where I can!

General Information 

Mid to late September- warm, and can swing between humid and somewhat dry depending on which part of the country you're in. In Lisbon and by the beach, in Caiscais, it was very warm and extremely hot during lunch time and even until late afternoon. But in certain areas, like up in the mountains where Sintra is, it can be cooling and slightly chilly, especially when there's rain. Most tickets prices listed will be with a student discount

Food

A meal in Portugal is relatively cheap, considering the size and the price ratio. Its generally easy to order and most restaurants speak English or have other language menus available. Seafood here is fresh and most restaurants have variations of the Portugese Seafood Rice dish (Arroz de Marisco), which is very filling and extremely tasty. Pair the seafood with Vinho Verde- Portugal's take on white wine which has a green tint as a result of the grapes and climate. 

Transport

Portugal, especially Lisbon, is a generally accessible city- taxis, trams and tuktuks (if you want to have some fun) are found throughout the city, and most places of interest are accessible by train and trams. There is generally a minimum spend of €5 for around a 7-8 minute trip, and many taxi drivers and locals speak some English. 

Various forms of tile art on display at a shop on the way to the Castle

Day 1- Lisbon

Location: Alfama District

Located in the heart of Lisbon, there is a lot to see and experience that is merely walking distance. In September, it pays to walk and have a stroll through the cobblestone streets. The main square, Praça do Comércio, is full of storefronts that are both internationally and locally famous. Have some snacks outside and enjoy the streets and architecture, like the tiles on the pavements, buildings, and scattered around the city. 

Lisbon central square 

Lunch idea: Maria Catita Restaurante- while not necessarily the cheapest lunch option (probably as a result of its Tripadvisor fame, 3 dishes may cost around €20)- it is still well looked upon by locals and tourists alike. 

Look out for: The Santa Justa Elevator- in the middle of the city- its just fun to spot whenever you're walking around.

Fountain in central Lisbon

Day 2: Lisbon & Cascais

Take the train from Cais do Sodre station- approx. €5

Lisbon- "Hike" up a picturesque hill to get to the Castello São Jorge (entrance approx €5). It overlooks the whole city and beyond. 

Casicais- Famously home to the infamous "Boca do Inferno"- Hell's Mouth- a majestic crashing water and cave structure that can be found in Caiscais' seaside cliffs. Take a walk around Caiscais and the seaside and enjoy the backdrop of the colourful summer houses and buildings. 

Boca do Inferno from the side

Dinner idea: Casa Velha- If you're not necessarily on a budget, this is a place with pretty decor and good service, located in an easily walkable location back to the train station and surrounding bus and taxi stations. Try the lobster dishes, you won't regret it. 

Lobster dish at Casa Velha. Pair with Vinho Verde -muralhas de monção vinho verde

Pictures are from a shared photo album