If you’re heading to Lisbon and looking for attractions nearby, you’ll definitely come across Sintra. I know many tourists wonder whether to visit Sintra, mainly because of its numerous palaces but also its incredibly beautiful surroundings. Sintra rightfully earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Surrounding the town is the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, which encompasses the picturesque Sintra Mountains, so besides the historic sites, you can also expect numerous hiking trails.

Welcome to my guide to Sintra and its surroundings. However, I’d like to point out that this place holds many more attractions that are less known but equally interesting.

Sintra – Old Town

The Old Town in Sintra has an extraordinary atmosphere. I know, you could use that phrase for thousands of other cities, so let me explain what makes Sintra special. Sintra’s Old Town, also known as Vila Velha, is the historical center of the city. The Sintra Town Hall is a beautiful neo-Gothic building with a clock tower adorned with the Portuguese coat of arms. Here, you can admire sculptures by local artists and find numerous cafes and restaurants. But Sintra is not just about stunning architecture; it’s about the atmosphere. In autumn, the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, and life flows slowly. No one is rushing anywhere. You feel like you’ve stepped back in time, as if nothing has changed on this old square for hundreds of years. It may not be much, but for me, it’s reason enough to go back there.

Sintra National Palace

The Sintra Palace is now a historic museum in Sintra. It was restored in the 1940s by the architect Raul Lino. Today, it is considered the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal. It’s no wonder it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Royal Chapel, dating back to the 14th century, is the oldest surviving part of the palace. Its richly decorated interiors feature many elements of Arabic design, and the cones you can admire from the outside are kitchen chimneys.

The palace is located in the Old Town, so you definitely won’t miss it.

Pena Palace

This is the most recognizable palace in Portugal, known for its vibrant colors, and it has been recognized as one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Pena Palace is incredibly rich, blending a variety of styles, which perfectly fits the exotic tastes of romanticism. The deliberate mix of styles includes neo-Gothic, neo-Moorish, and neo-Renaissance. It also features references to other Portuguese buildings, such as the Belém Tower.

Quinta da Regaleira

It’s not the most popular palace-park complex in Sintra, but it’s definitely worth a visit. I mean, Quinta da Regaleira is known, but it’s less recognized than Pena Palace. In my opinion, this place is magical, especially on cloudy or slightly rainy days. The place is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The palace was designed by Luigi Manini, a renowned Italian architect. It’s amazing, but it’s just the icing on the cake. There’s also a chapel, and what amazed me the most was the park, where you can feel like you’re in an enchanted world, although some consider it kitschy. You’ll find artificial grottos with mysterious, even underground passages, wells that are like inverted towers (you can descend into them), fountains, lakes. Everything is decorated and maintained in a romantic style.

Moorish Castle

As the name suggests, the construction of this castle was started by the Moors. Built on two rocky ridges of the Serra de Sintra mountains, the castle dates back to the 8th century. It was a strategic point during the Reconquista. Today, the castle, in its preserved ruinous form, is also a national monument and part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, inscribed on the UNESCO list. Its picturesque ruins attract tourists from all over the world.

Other Attractions in Sintra

These are not all the attractions of Sintra, so if you’re planning to visit, one day will definitely not be enough. We visited only a part of the attractions, and there’s also the surrounding area, which is incredibly picturesque. I’ll list a few interesting places below.

Not everyone knows that Madonna has a residence in Sintra. She bought it for 7.5 million euros, and today its value is much higher. Quinta do Relógio is located in the center of Sintra. The property has seven bedrooms, three living rooms, and a large garden, but of course, you can’t enter its grounds.

Other Castles and Palaces in Sintra:

• Monserrate Palace
• Seteais Palace
• Quinta do Relógio
• Queluz Royal Palace

Nossa Senhora da Peninha Chapel

There are plenty of attractions around Sintra. And if you want to see something extraordinary, mark this place on your map. Nossa Senhora da Peninha Chapel is a place of worship that continues not only religious but also magical traditions. It’s worth reading about the legend associated with this place, about the poor shepherd who saved the local community from famine. The chapel also serves as a picturesque viewpoint offering the most extensive panoramas of Cascais and the ocean.

Quinta do Pisão Farm

This place covers an area of about 380 hectares within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. A visit to Quinta do Pisão farm is an unforgettable experience. The farm specializes in agriculture and animal husbandry. We have the opportunity to explore vast areas, following designated paths, and also to meet animals: farm animals like donkeys, but also wild ones, described on individual informational signs.

Barreira Megalithic Complex

Located on a wooded hill, this complex consists of about twenty menhirs and other monumental stones. The central menhir reaches about four meters in height, while the other stones gradually decrease in height. Although no carved or painted symbols were found, several small round indentations, probably representing eyes, were discovered.

Cabo da Roca

If you’re in Sintra, it’s worth heading to the coast to see Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Here is also the second oldest lighthouse on the Portuguese coast, dating back to 1772.

Where to Eat in Sintra?

For lunch, we went to Café Paris restaurant, right next to Sintra National Palace. It’s the most famous restaurant in Sintra, operating since 1945. It has hosted members of royal families from various European countries, heads of states, writers, artists, and now it can host us, tourists. The dining room retains the French palace style from the 18th century.

Prices here are, of course, higher; it’s a tourist spot, but everything was really delicious.

For appetizers, I recommend crispy shrimp and olives. For the main course, I recommend the cod with roasted potatoes. And for dessert, I don’t remember what I had, but it was delicious! Plus, verde wine (my favorite type in Portugal).

Where to Stay in Sintra?

In Sintra and its surroundings, you’ll find a variety of accommodations: hotels, guesthouses, or apartments. There are plenty of them, but in the summer season, it’s better to book in advance, especially if you want a good quality-to-price ratio.

You’ll find the best accommodations in Sintra here:

Planning a trip to Portugal? Check out the following blog posts:

• Cascais – What to See on the Portuguese Riviera?
• Best Things to Do in Porto. Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing
• Exploring Lisbon: A Colorful Guide to Portugal’s Capital
• Sanctuary of Fatima – Idea for a One-Day Trip

The post 10 Best Things To Do In Sintra appeared first on Where Is Evelyn.

Portuguese Fatima is one of the most well-known pilgrimage destinations for pilgrims from around the world. Annually, their number can reach up to eight million! What happened in Fatima? In this famous town, several Church-recognized Marian apparitions took place.

One of the most famous apparitions occurred in 1917. Three children, who were shepherds, claimed that the Virgin Mary appeared to them and revealed three secrets of Fatima. Two of them were disclosed in 1941, while the third was revealed only in 2000.

What is worth seeing in Fatima? There are several places you shouldn’t miss, so take advantage of my list of the most interesting and well-known attractions!

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was built in 1928 in the village of Cova Da Iria. It features a neo-baroque style and stands exactly where the shepherd children were playing when they saw a flash in the sky on May 13, 1917. The children, thinking it was a storm, gathered their flock of sheep and headed home. That’s when the Virgin Mary appeared to them.

The first stone for the construction of the basilica was blessed by Archbishop Évora, Manuel da Conceição Santos, in 1928, and its consecration took place on October 7, 1953. In 1954, Pope Pius XII conferred the title of a minor basilica on the church.

A few years later, a large statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was inaugurated, sculpted by Father Thomas McGlynn at the request of one of the Fatima Children, namely Sister Lucia, who did not die in childhood like the other two. The statue is 4.73 meters tall and weighs 13 tons! The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary is worth visiting for its impressive architecture and beautiful reliefs. It also houses charming stained glass windows depicting the history of the Marian apparitions in Fatima, as well as a painting in the sanctuary.

Tombs of the Fatima Children

 The graves of the Fatima children are located in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. This place is exceptionally crowded with pilgrims. The tombs of Blessed Jacinta, Blessed Francisco, and Sister Lucia are simple but adorned with colorful flowers brought by visitors. Inside, you can see sculptures depicting the Fatima Children. Entrance to the chapel area is free.

Chapel of the Apparitions

The Chapel of the Apparitions is a small chapel located in Cova da Iria in Fatima, within the Sanctuary of Fatima. It is small and modest, built in a rectangular plan and covered with a gabled roof. Its facade and walls are whitewashed. Inside, a simple, arched portal leads to the altar, pulpit, and benches.

The pedestal on which the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima stands marks the exact spot where on May 13, June, July, September, and October 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to the Fatima Children.

The golden crown of the statue was offered by a group of Portuguese women in 1942 as a thanksgiving gesture for Portugal not participating in World War II. The crown was crafted for free by 12 craftsmen from Leitão and Irmão in Lisbon over three months. It weighs 1200 grams and contains 313 pearls and 2679 precious stones!

Basilica of the Holy Trinity

 The Basilica of the Holy Trinity is a Roman Catholic church located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, built between 2004 and 2007. It is the fourth largest church in the world, and its construction cost a whopping 80 million euros! Every cent of this amount was collected from pilgrim donations.

Interestingly, Pope John Paul II offered and blessed the first stone for the church’s construction in 2004 – it was a fragment of the marble tomb of St. Peter, located in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This was a symbolic gesture, and visitors to Fatima can still see this stone in a showcase during their tour.

The church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and is so large that it can accommodate 9000 people. The interiors combine simplicity with golden, ornate elements. The church has three separate chapels.

Museum of the Sanctuary of Fatima

The Museum of the Sanctuary of Fatima was opened to the public in 1955 and features two permanent exhibitions. The first one is called “Fatima Light and Peace” (Fátima Luz e Paz) and presents the most important exhibits related to the Fatima apparitions and pilgrimages.

Among them, you can see a 17th-century figure of Christ, liturgical robes of popes, and golden jewelry donated by pilgrims. The museum also houses a sphere that was used by the assailant Ali Agca to wound Pope John Paul II in 1981. The second exhibition is the house-museum in Aljustrel, described below!

The museum with the main exhibition is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. On Sundays, church holidays, and public holidays, it can be visited from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

More information on the museum’s official website

Houses of the Fatima Children

The houses where the children of Fatima were born and lived are located in the village of Aljustrel, two kilometers away from the Sanctuary of Fatima. In one of them, the youngest children in the Marto family, Francisco and Jacinta, lived, while in the other, just two hundred meters away, lived Lucia from the dos Santos family.

In 1981, Sister Lucia donated the house to the Sanctuary of Fatima, which finally took it over in 1986. The area surrounding the building was arranged, and in 1994, an Information Point for Pilgrims was established. Near the houses, there is also a historic well – a place of one of the visions – and a small museum where you can see how life looked in those years.

Accommodations in Fatima

In Fatima you can find a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Numerous hotels and guesthouses offer rooms in attractive locations close to the Sanctuary. Due to Fatima’s popularity as a pilgrimage site, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the summer season.

Whether you go to Fatima alone or on a pilgrimage, it is undoubtedly a place where you can feel extraordinary peace of mind and, at the same time, see locations that have forever marked the pages of history. Have you been to Fatima? Are you interested in places related to religious worship, or is it not often the goal of your travels? Let me know in the comments!

See also:

Best Things to Do in Porto. Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

Exploring Lisbon: A Colorful Guide to Portugal’s Capital

Cascais – What to See on the Portuguese Riviera?

The post Sanctuary of Fatima – Idea for a One-Day Trip appeared first on Where Is Evelyn.

Porto is a city that ranks as the second most visited city after Lisbon. Some say that Porto captivates much more than the capital of Portugal. As for me, it’s hard to say which city I liked more. Instead, I’ll use a proverb that characterizes the main cities of Portugal: Braga prays, Coimbra studies, Porto works, and Lisbon has fun.

Porto is a lively city that is constantly evolving but is also full of history. When visiting Porto, be prepared for colorful streets, houses adorned with azulejos, and a large number of monuments. All of this makes strolling through Porto incredibly enjoyable.

If you’re here, you’re probably planning a trip. Below is my guide to Porto, which I hope will make your exploration of this picturesque city easier and more enjoyable.

What to Know About Porto?

Before coming to Portugal I heard that walking in Lisbon can be quite tiring. It’s always up and down, much like San Francisco. Porto isn’t as hilly, but I found it much more exhausting, so I’d like to prepare you for that. ?

Map of Porto attractions:

São Bento Railway Station

São Bento Railway Station is one of the iconic places in Porto. Built in 1915, the station’s hall is adorned with over 20,000 tiles (azulejos) depicting scenes from important moments in Portugal’s history. For anyone arriving in Porto by train, Campana station is usually the first stop. Those coming to Porto in other ways also come to see São Bento Station. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful azulejos in the city.

D. Luís I Bridge

One of the most recognizable places in Porto, the bridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro River. Vehicles pass on the lower level, while pedestrians have access to the upper part, offering a unique panorama. It’s worth visiting, especially before sunset when the city shines in golden hues. This bridge and its surroundings are an excellent place for photography, and best of all, using it is completely free!

Bolhão Market: Mercado do Bolhão

This historic market, in existence for over a hundred years, offers fruits, vegetables, fish, sausages, cheeses, and all other products typical of markets. It’s a great place to deepen your knowledge of local cuisine and traditions, and, of course, to buy souvenirs.

Chapel of Souls: Capela das Almas

While walking through Porto, you’ll come across a beautiful chapel on the corner of Rua de Santa Catarina, covered with over 16,000 blue tiles depicting mainly Saint Francis and Saint Catherine. This is Capela das Almas, undoubtedly one of the most precious places in Porto. The chapel is not only for azulejos enthusiasts; it’s worth stepping inside.

Church of Saint Ildefonsus

Another charming temple adorned with blue azulejos in Porto. Visiting the interior of the church is recommended, but just walking around the area can be fascinating, as artists often gather in front of the church, and sometimes you can see dance performances.

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is a famous bookstore, one of the most popular attractions in Porto. It’s characterized by long queues at the entrance, but you can also schedule a specific time in advance. Lello’s popularity among tourists is mainly due to rumors suggesting that the place inspired some settings in the Harry Potter film series (the stairs indeed resemble those known from Hogwarts!). Although the author, JK Rowling, did live in Porto, she announced during the pandemic that she had never visited this particular bookstore! Nevertheless, Livraria Lello still attracts tourists.

Miradouro da Vitoria – Viewpoint

While strolling through Porto, be sure to visit this viewpoint. In my opinion, it’s one of the best in the city: panoramic and free. From this place, you’ll have a picturesque view of the city, red roofs, and the aforementioned bridge. There’s not much to say; just look.

Porto Cathedral: Sé

The Porto Cathedral, known as Sé, is located in one of the highest points of the city, near the D. Luís I Bridge. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral looks impressive against the backdrop of a spacious square. It’s a great viewpoint, but don’t forget to enter the cathedral to admire the church’s architecture and cloister.

Praça da Liberdade – Liberty Square

It’s said that in the middle of Avenida dos Aliados, the heart of Porto is located, creating one of the largest and busiest places: Praça da Liberdade. Built in 1916, the square served as the headquarters for banks, newspaper editorial offices, and important political associations of that period. To this day, among the most charming buildings, you’ll find the Town Hall and… a McDonald’s restaurant located in the building where the famous Imperia café used to operate.

Praça de Gomes Teixeira

There are many beautiful squares in Porto, and this one, for some reason, is rarely mentioned in guidebooks. In my opinion, it’s incredibly photogenic and beautiful, thanks to the Fountain of Lions, perhaps the most beautiful fountain in all of Porto. Interestingly, this fountain, as one of the few, was built outside Portugal.

Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos

This tower, or rather the church, is another distinctive point in the city. It has 6 floors, or more precisely, 75.6 meters, and you can climb to the top. I didn’t do it myself, but I know that to reach the very top, you have to conquer 225 steps.

Where to Eat in Porto?

During your stay in Porto, be sure to try francesinhas, the city’s most famous delicacy. It’s a special sandwich with ham, sausage, sometimes other types of meat, covered with melted cheese. The whole thing is complemented by tomato sauce, beer, and piri-piri pepper.

• For salads, fish, and sandwiches, I visited O Forno dos Clérigos. However, in my opinion, it’s a rather expensive place for ordinary food.
• For coffee and Portuguese sweets, I recommend Pastelaria Mengos – also worth trying their freshly squeezed juices.
• Locals recommend: Café Santiago, Barcarola Café, Bufete Pós, Brasão Cervejaria, Cervejaria Galiza, and O Afonso.

Porto – Wine

I think you can’t talk about Porto without mentioning Port wine. Porto is a fortified Portuguese wine with exceptional strength and, of course, it comes from Portugal. More specifically, the wine comes from the picturesque Douro River valley in the north of the country. The aging and bottling process of this drink takes place in the charming city of Vila Nova de Gaia, right next to Porto.

Of course, you can embark on a Porto wine trail and even visit a special museum, the World of Wine (WOW) in Vila Nova de Gaia. This museum complex is the perfect place for wine enthusiasts and those who want to delve into the history of northern Portugal. Here, you’ll find seven fascinating museums dedicated to wine, cork, fashion, and chocolate, as well as twelve bars and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Porto?

Most popular places in Porto are located in the historic center, close to Cais da Ribeira, Mercado do Bolhão, Avenida dos Aliados, and Rua de Santa Catarina. Moving between tourist attractions is exceptionally convenient, and choosing accommodation in this area is a favorable solution.

For those looking for modern hotels with comprehensive infrastructure and available parking, it’s worth paying attention to the Avenida Boavista region.

Selected, well-rated accommodations can be found here:

Porto – What to See?

Porto is a lively city that is constantly evolving, offering numerous designer shops, museums, and award-winning restaurants. Porto is a place where you can savor seafood or traditional dishes from northern Portugal, accompanied by excellent wine.

I wish you an unforgettable trip to Porto. And if you plan to visit other places in Portugal (I recommend a longer journey through this country), check out the following entries:

Exploring Lisbon: A Colorful Guide to Portugal’s Capital

Cascais – What to See on the Portuguese Riviera?

The post Best Things to Do in Porto. Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing appeared first on Where Is Evelyn.

Lisbon offers a multitude of attractions, from picturesque azulejos and colorful houses to beautiful viewpoints, spectacular bridges, and, of course, historical landmarks and excellent cuisine (typical of all Portugal). This guide to Lisbon includes essential information to plan your trip to the capital of Portugal, along with accommodation suggestions and practical tips. I haven’t forgotten to mention interesting excursions in the surrounding area, which I’ll suggest at the end.

And if you don’t have tickets to Portugal yet, check the website for the best prices, for example, here.

What do you need to know about Lisbon?

Unfortunately, a significant part of Lisbon, as well as its surroundings, was destroyed due to the earthquake in 1755. At that time, most buildings were destroyed.

Tourist Map of Lisbon:

25th of April Bridge

It is one of the most recognizable points in Lisbon. At the same time, its appearance evokes associations with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It’s worth admiring it from numerous viewpoints, but also crossing it at least once. ?

Christ the King Monument

This Catholic monument and sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not only a religious site but also an excellent viewpoint, in my opinion, offering the best panorama of Lisbon. More precisely, the monument towers just in front of Lisbon in the town of Almada. The gigantic figure was erected as an expression of gratitude because Portugal avoided the direct consequences of World War II (maintaining neutrality).

Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço or Commerce Square, will undoubtedly be a place you visit multiple times during your stay in Lisbon. The buildings around the square served as royal residences for many years, and now they house offices, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The Arch of Augusta, one of the more famous viewpoints in Lisbon, is located here.

São Jorge Castle

From São Jorge Castle, a fortress built in the 11th century, you can admire numerous tourist attractions in Lisbon, such as squares and churches. The view at sunset is particularly enchanting. However, this Lisbon attraction offers visitors much more: exploring walls, and towers, and discovering local archaeological sites.

Santa Justa Lift

Opened in 1902 to facilitate communication between the Baixa Lisbon district and Bairro Alto, the Santa Justa Lift has become over the years one of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon. This iron construction is 45 meters high and was designed by the Portuguese architect Raoul Mesnier, a student of Gustave Eiffel. Above, there is an observation deck with a beautiful view of the entire Baixa district and the impressive landscape with São Jorge Castle.

Tip: During the season, there are a lot of tourists there, so if you don’t like crowds, you might want to skip this attraction.

Carmo Convent

Decorated arches and a Gothic facade are remnants of the earthquake in 1755. This church, located atop one of Lisbon’s hills, currently houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which collects tombs sculpted in stone, mummies, and a collection of ceramics and azulejos.

Se Cathedral

Built around 1150, the Sé Cathedral is one of the oldest medieval monuments in Lisbon. Legend has it that it was erected on the site of an old mosque as a symbol of Christian triumph after the expulsion of the Moors. The interior of this church presents various architectural styles that the cathedral adopted over the years.

National Pantheon

Santa Engrácia Church, originally known as the National Pantheon, stands out with its impressive white dome. The National Pantheon is the final resting place for prominent figures in Portugal, such as the poet Almeida Garrett and fado singer Amália Rodrigues.

Fun fact: In this area, Campo de Santa Clara hosts the oldest and most recognizable flea market in Lisbon, Feira da Ladra, which takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It’s a place where antique dealers and craftsmen showcase their goods.

Rossio Square

This square is one of the liveliest places in Lisbon, located at the end (or according to some, at the beginning) of Rua Augusta Street. Surrounding the square are the National Theatre Dona Maria II, Rossio Railway Station (from where trains to Sintra depart), the monument of D. Pedro IV, and the iconic Nicola café, known as one of the most renowned places in Lisbon.

Avenida da Liberdade

This is one of the most important and beautiful avenues in Lisbon, connecting Restauradores Square (near Rossio Square) to Marquesa de Pombal Square. The entire Liberdade Avenue is densely lined with trees, with numerous restaurants, hotels, and exclusive shops.

Eduardo VII Park

This is the largest park in central Lisbon, located near Marquesa de Pombal Square, at the end of Liberty Avenue.

Bica Funicular

While strolling through the main streets of Lisbon, you will see colorful trams – the means of transportation for city residents and tourists from lower areas to higher neighborhoods. One of the most famous is undoubtedly Ascensor da Bica, which runs between Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto, traversing a very narrow street. If you don’t want to use the funicular, it’s worth visiting Bairro Alto to photograph the yellow tram, which is one of the characteristic elements of Lisbon’s landscape. Two other famous funiculars in the capital of Portugal are Lavra and Glória funiculars.

Belém Tower

Built-in 1520 to defend the mouth of the Lisbon River from potential invaders, Belém Tower served various functions, such as a prison, customs office, and lighthouse, before becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of Lisbon. Due to the limited number of visitors, the queue may extend on the bridge leading to Belém Tower. However, the view from the top compensates for the wait!

Padrão dos Descobrimentos – Monument to the Discoveries

This monument honors Portuguese explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and poet Luís Vaz de Camões.

Lisbon Cable Car

One of the best places to admire Lisbon is to visit the former industrial district, which has been completely modernized for Expo 1998. Take a cable car ride there; the journey takes only a few minutes and also offers a beautiful view of the Tagus River.

Vasco da Gama Bridge

Portugal is undoubtedly associated with incredible bridges. Vasco da Gama Bridge is impressive: its length is 17.2 km, and traveling on it is an amazing experience. Opened in 1998, the bridge is named after Vasco da Gama to commemorate the five-hundredth anniversary of his discovery of the maritime route from Europe to India.

Azulejos in Lisbon

Walking the streets of Lisbon, you can come across azulejos in practically every neighborhood.

Azulejos are ceramic tiles, hand-painted and fired, decorating the facades of famous buildings, public institutions, and some houses. Their patterns tell stories of Portugal, from religious scenes to maritime and floral motifs.

Where to admire Azulejos in Lisbon?

• Azulejo Museum
• Igreja e Convento da Graça
• Medeiros e Almeida Museum

Accommodation in Lisbon

Where to stay in Lisbon? Much depends on your budget and whether you want to stay in the center. Hotels and guesthouses offer different standards, and on the outskirts, you will usually find cheaper options.

Interestingly, breakfasts in Portuguese hotels are an opportunity to try local delicacies, but very rarely will you find vegetables or eggs there. The reason is not the health department, as some may wonder, but simply Portuguese people don’t eat these products for breakfast.

You can find a selection of interesting accommodations here:

Parking in Lisbon

There are plenty of parking lots in Lisbon; we used:

Campo das Cebolas Parking – EMEL.

Good location, card payment is only at the security window.

Attractions in Lisbon and the Surroundings

Are these all the attractions of Lisbon? Of course not! The city has many museums, interesting places, cafes, and restaurants. Moreover, the Lisbon area is incredibly interesting.

See also:

Cascais – What to See on the Portuguese Riviera?

Best Things to Do in Porto. Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

The post Exploring Lisbon: A Colorful Guide to Portugal’s Capital appeared first on Where Is Evelyn.

If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, especially Lisbon, make sure to include this place on your list: Cascais. It’s located just 25 kilometers from the Portuguese capital, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful seaside town in the area, perhaps even in the whole country. Not only is it charming in itself, but there are plenty of interesting places and attractions in the area. It’s a gem of the Portuguese Riviera.

Cascais was the first place seen by ships entering the Tagus River and the last image of Portugal on the way to Africa, India, and Brazil. During World War II, this region became extremely important for diplomacy and espionage. European stars, royal families, and artists found a hospitable haven in the city of Cascais. Interestingly, the atmosphere of those times inspired Ian Fleming, a British secret agent, to write his first novel, creating the most famous spy of all time, James Bond 007.

What to see in Cascais? Where to stay? Which restaurants serve really good food? I’ll tell you about that in this post.

Cascais – Boca de Inferno

One of the first stops on your journey through Cascais should be the breathtaking viewpoint known as Boca do Inferno, which translates to “Hell’s Mouth.” This natural wonder, perched on the ocean’s edge, earned its name due to the stunning view it offers. Here, the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash into a chasm, with water energetically striking the rocky cliffs, making this place a must-visit when you’re in Cascais.

Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum

After visiting the viewpoint, explore the town. In the Museum District of Cascais, there are fourteen cultural spaces and two public parks. Let’s start with the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, one of the most beautiful places in the city, not only for those who appreciate art and culture. The Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum is housed in a historic building from 1897-1900, overlooking the picturesque Santa Marta Beach. The museum was established thanks to the vision of Jorge O’Neill, an aristocrat and Irish-born financier. Apart from visiting the museum, it’s worth taking a walk in the park where, besides peacocks, you’ll come across hens and roosters.

Casa de Santa Maria

Another attraction in Cascais is Casa de Santa Maria, an elegant 19th-century house located right on the coast. This house, once the private residence of an Irish tobacco tycoon, is a testament to both luxury and history. Casa de Santa Maria is now open to visitors who want to see its beautiful azulejos while enjoying panoramic views of Baia de Cascais.

Cascais Lighthouse

Next to it is the lighthouse, and you can explore its prepared exhibition (during my visit, it was free).

Fortaleza Nossa Senhora da Luz

This fortress has stood in Cascais since 1580. It’s not just a historical site; it also houses a restaurant, bookstore, royal residence, and art exhibition space.

What to See in Cascais?

Take a walk along the promenade, where you’ll see Palacete Seixas, visit the port, see Palacio de Cidadela, or explore other museums: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Museu da Vila. I highly recommend the Museum of the Sea. It’s a great attraction for both adults and children. Don’t forget that the Cascais bay is the heart and soul of this charming town. Its picturesque coastline provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and romantic sunsets.

Beaches in Cascais

Whether you’re a fan of lounging or water sports, you’ll surely find your beach. Most of the beaches in Cascais also feature the famous blue flag, a symbol of environmental quality. Some of the beaches in Cascais include:

• Abano Beach
• Guincho Beach
• Cresmina Beach
• Rainha Beach
• Duquesa/Conceição Beach
• Moitas Beach
• Tamariz Beach
• Azarujinha Beach
• São Pedro Beach
• Avencas Beach
• Parede Beach
• Carcavelos Beach

Guincho Beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, stretching over 10 kilometers. It’s also a hub for water sports enthusiasts, making it a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Additionally, Guincho and its surrounding dunes are protected areas, preserving the natural beauty of this coastal area.

Cabo de Roca

What to do outside of Cascais? There are plenty of attractions, so I’ll mention just a few. Cabo da Roca, often called the “End of the World,” is the westernmost point of continental Europe. This geographical landmark also offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Serra de Sintra and an incredibly beautiful coastline. The relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs make a stunning impression.

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha

For those intrigued by mystery, a visit to Capela de Nossa Senhora da Peninha is a must. This sacred place has served as a site of worship for generations and is home to countless legends passed down by pilgrims over the centuries. The chapel also boasts the most extensive viewpoint in Cascais and its surroundings. In this area, with a bit of luck, you may even spot wild horses.

Sintra

I’ll start by saying that the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park offers numerous hiking trails and opportunities for hiking. However, most people visit Sintra for its history and numerous palaces. I only visited Quinta da Regaleira, a mysterious and magical place that I highly recommend.

Where to Stay?

There are plenty of accommodations in Cascais. It’s an absolutely fantastic place to stay, offering a wide range of comfortable hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. We chose a boutique, small hotel called Embaixada da Vila and had a room with a private terrace, free and reliable Wi-Fi, a garden, and a lounge area. The rooms are immaculately clean, beautifully decorated, and the beds are comfortable. The location is in a quiet area yet close to the center and bars.

Where to Eat in Cascais?

Cascais offers many excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars. More precisely, there are so many restaurants that it’s hard to decide where to sit. So, I’ve prepared a few recommended options that I’ve personally tried:

• Marisco na Praça in the Marina: This place is all about seafood. I highly recommend the mini fried squid and the sweet “doce ovos” for dessert. The octopus is also good, but the squid was so good that I would return just for that. I also recommend Casal Mendes Verde, a very good, light wine.
• Rubro Restaurant: This place is primarily about wine, grill, and tapas. Rubro Restaurant is perfect for those who appreciate tasty meals made from top-quality ingredients. I personally recommend the fish (perch and cod) as they are truly delicious.
• Cantina Clandestina: This is a place where you should make a reservation on weekends. It’s a charming, traditional Portuguese tavern where you can try local specialties. I recommend the shrimp with mango sauce (absolutely fantastic) and the cod is also very good.

Cascais – Is It Worth It?

As you can expect, definitely yes. It’s a place I would eagerly return to. Cascais, with its landscapes, beaches, historical treasures, architecture, and rich cuisine, is in my opinion a perfect holiday destination.

You’ll read more about Portugal on the blog soon.

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