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Lisbon, Portugal
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Ericeira, Portugal
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Lisbon, Portugal
We stayed in the heart of Lisbon, close to Rossio square, and the location was perfect for dining and sightseeing.
We focused on the city center, Alfama district, and did a sailing cruise on the Tagus River.
Make sure you also visit the Belém District as well. The main highlights here are the Jeronimos Monastery (book tickets in advance!), Belem Tower (also best to book in advance), and the Discoveries Monument. Count at least half a day for this part of town – that’s if you buy tickets in advance. Otherwise, you’ll probably need even more time.
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Sintra, Portugal
The buildings are playfully colourful and the small cafe-lined streets are a great excuse to people-watch.Hans Christian Andersen once lived in a house in Sintra’s woods, and pleasantly-surprised visitors still stumble across the house while trekking downhill from the city’s many palaces and fortresses. makes a great day trip, though you may prefer two or three days to see everything in detail. From the romantic 19th-century Pena Palace to the exquisite Monserrate Palace and medieval Castle of the Moors. Perched within the Sintra Mountains, this region has some of the prettiest castles in all of Europe. Make sure to visit; Pena Palace, Monserrate Palace, Castle of the Moors and the Palace of Sintra. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are just too beautiful to miss.
If you make your way to Sintra (which I highly suggest you do), you absolutely cannot miss Pena Palace, located high on the hill overlooking the surrounding region. The colourful castle is one of Europe’s most beautiful – the photo is proof!
Sintra is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site area, just outside of Lisbon. It has a lot to offer, but most visitors only come for one day. We had a day and a half, but it still felt rushed.
On the first day we visited the Pena Palace (see the featured image all the way on top) and the Gardens of Pena. We then walked to the nearby Moorish Castle. Palacio Nacional right in the town center of Sintra is also worth a visit.
On our second day in Sintra, we visited Quinta de Regaleira and the Park and Place of Monserrate.
Tip: If you have more time in Sintra and have a car, you can drive to the nearby Cabo da Roca or the coastal town Azenhas do Mar.
Practical information for visiting Sintra:
Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, but if you are coming by car anyway, I would recommend spending at least two days here.
Without the car, the best way to reach Sintra is by train from Lisbon. It takes about 45 minutes. Or you can take an organized tour. Some tours visit the places outside of Sintra too – places you can’t see if you don’t have a car.
For more information about the parks, gardens, and monuments of Sintra, take a look at the official website of Parques de Sintra.
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Cascais, Portugal
historic fishing town is the perfect place to chill out, explore the quaint town and explore the dramatic Atlantic coast.
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Óbidos, Portugal
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Nazaré, Portugal
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Monastery of Batalha, Portugal
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Tomar, Portugal
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Aveiro, Portugal
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Porto, Portugal
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Guimaraes, Portugal
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Braga, Portugal
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Amarante, Portugal
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Lamego, Portugal
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Sortelha, Portugal
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Castelo de Monsanto, Portugal
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Evora, Portugal
favourite neighbourhood Alfama, favourite restaurant is Mini Bar and favourite food is the traditional Portuguese tart. try one of the many bacalhau dishes, and explore the Portuguese calçadas (traditional mosaic walkways). one of the most tranquil and affordable capitals in Europe anticipate winding, narrow roads, and phenomenal lookout points; walking around at night is also a treat. In Alfama, mouthwatering aromas and wistful melodies (known as fado) drift from cozy restaurants that line the narrow, cobblestone labyrinth of streets. Don’t miss Chiado, the trendy district with the oldest bookstore in the world, or boho-chic Bairro Alto, which comes alive at night. some of the best views in the city, t the Belém Tower, explore Bairro Alto and grab a bite to eat at Kais which is based in an old warehouse in the city. It really is unique.
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Sagres, Portugal
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Albufeira, Portugal
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Farol de Ponta da Piedade, Portugal
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Praia do Camilo, Portugal
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Lagos, Portugal
side trips to Sagres and hopefully kayaking to into the caves
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Praia da Marinha, Portugal
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Benagil Cave, Portugal
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Albufeira, Portugal
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Silves, Portugal
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Ferragudo, Portugal
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Faro, Portugal
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Tavira, Portugal
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Porto Covo, Portugal
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Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Nature Park, Portugal
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Lisbon, Portugal
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National September 11 Memorial & Museum, United States