Port and Pastel De Nata; Portugal! LISBON

Lisbon (10th - 13th May)

Lisbon is a large city filled with character, steep streets and history and we had a great time exploring all that the city had to offer. From cosy looking eateries to amazing wall art, there is always something to look at while walking the city and viewing from lookouts.

 

Praca do Comercio (commerce square) is a large, open square with a central monument of King Jose the first. Opposite the square, a large arch – Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta is standing, to commemorate the rebuilding of the city after the devastating earthquake in 1755.

The square has a beautiful view out to the Tejo river, with many people here enjoying the view and sunny weather we had on the day.

 

We took a trip out to Belem while in Lisbon and saw the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (monument to the discoveries) and Belem Tower (The tower of St Vincent). While here, we had a lovely view out over the Tejo River and to the Cristo Rei statue (Christ the King), a Catholic monument and shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ which overlooks the city.

 
 

 
 

 
 

We wandered the historic city of Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon, spreading on the slope between the São Jorge Castle and the Tejo river. There are still working fountains throughout the streets, locals doing what they may have done hundreds of years ago and traditional buildings and paths.

We took the number 28 tram through Lisbon, up and down the narrow, windy streets and taking in the sights and sounds of Lisbon.

 

 

 

We wandered down the beautiful Avenida da Liberdade, a lovely paved strip which is lined with high end shops, restaurants and cafe's.

 
 

Here are some other monuments/buildings we saw and learnt about while on our free walking tour in Lisbon.

 

 

The Luís de Camões monument – devoted to the highly regarded Portuguese poet

The lucky lottery man (situated right next to a lottery stand, rub your lottery ticket on his golden ticket for luck!)

The famous poet's monument who often put himself in his book's characters shoes

Casa dos Bicos (the house of spikes) built in 1523 by Brás de Albuquerque

 

The church with no roof - Carmo Church which all but the roof stayed standing through the earthquake in 1755.

We also got to try some traditional Portuguese dishes in Lisbon...

 

The 'Pastel De Nata' – a delicious custard tart – flaky buttery pastry filled with smooth, eggy custard

 

The 'Bifana' – a beautiful Portuguese bread roll, filled with thin pork meat and a lovely garlic butter

 

Port and Pastel De Nata; Portugal! The Algarve - Albufeira and Lagos

 

Albufeira and Lagos (6th - 9th May)

 

Albufeira (6th - 7^th May)
 

Albufeira was a beautiful spot to spend a couple of days enjoying the beach and sunshine. The beach was very long, and a beautiful light blue.

 

 

 

 

The beach has restaurants and beach chairs for rent, and a promenade which runs a level above it (you get to it by going up steps or by a lift in summer) with many restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

 

 
 

 

In the backstreets of Albufeira town, many buildings are full of Portuguese character and charm.

 

 

The port here was fairly quiet, however it looked like they were using fishing boxes for something – maybe crabs? The boat ramp was qutie large too.

 

 

The beautiful white apartments/houses were a lovely contrast against the blue ocean.
 

 

Lagos (8^th - 9^th May)

 

Our hotel in Lagos was very well equipped and had a large balcony and overlooked both the pool area and beautiful Atlantic ocean.

 

 

The beach, which was only a 5 minute walk down some steps was very nice and had beautiful clear water and fine, light sand.

 

Towards the main city centre, there were other beaches which were equally as beautiful and less crowded.

The city centre had a lot of character and many restaurants, cafe's and shops. The bus station was also here which was handy for arriving and departing.

 

 

 

The Lagos marina was very picturesque and many daily activities and tours depart from here, to visit the grottos etc... A shopping centre was just behind the marina also.

 

 

 

We had a lovely relaxing time in Albufeira and Lagos and would definitely come back again.  The weather was amazing for us while we were here.