Here’s the final batch of Pena Palace photographs. I couldn’t get enough of this magical place. Even though we had a panicked hour when we managed to lose my mother! Lesson learnt – never allow a 65 year old out of your sight, not for a second! For a pensioner she can be remarkably swiftContinue reading “Bird’s eye views”
Category Archives: portugal
Fairytale Sintra
Finally we arrive at the town that inspired the entire trip – Sintra! Sintra is known for its many 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments. One of the most eyecatching is the Pena Palace, perched high above the town it is a Disneyesque riot of colour and architectural quirks. We visited on a perfect sunny day, the blueContinue reading “Fairytale Sintra”
Views from above
Still in Belem we scale the Discoveries Monument to get a birds’s eye view of the area. We can see the boats moored in the harbour, the tiny ant folk and the impressive monastery that looks like a little scale model from up here. Even high up it’s an impressive sight and we’ll take a tourContinue reading “Views from above”
Bit of Belem
We hopped on tram 15 to head out from Lisbon centre to Belem for the day. Belem’s name comes from the Portuguese word for Bethlehem. Many of Portugal’s distinctive buildings and beautiful landmarks can be found in Belem including the Jerónimos Monastery (above and below) and the Tower of Belém Jerónimos Monastery – located in Empire Square- was originally built toContinue reading “Bit of Belem”
Lisbon colours and corners
Lisbon is alive with colour, blink and you miss it details and delights around every corner. It’s also famous for its cute little trams that whizz up and down the steep cobbled streets. Two not to miss are number 28 that takes you winding through the old Alfama district and over blood curdling hills. TheContinue reading “Lisbon colours and corners”
Eastern Algarve tour
Another day, another tour of the delights of Portugal. This time it was a day exploring the eastern Algarve. First up was a brief return to the capital of Faro before heading onto the port of Olhao. Sadly we had mere minutes to take a look at the market hall before speeding onwards. Next up weContinue reading “Eastern Algarve tour”
Albuferia old town
On the hunt for peeling paint and ornate stuff, I head to Albuferia old town. While it is quite small I still managed to find some details to snap away at. From the ornate tiles that are found on most houses, to beautiful doors and colourful paintwork. In Roman times Albufeira was known as Baltum andContinue reading “Albuferia old town”