Category Archives: travel portugal

Promontories in Portugal

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If you take your lover to the ends of the earth, my suggestion is not to go to the seashore with several big stones. If you want your lover has strong feelings of your eternal love, then you should take her to a promontory with a tremendous momentum. In Portugal, there are three promontories like this, one is Cabo da Roca, one is Cabo Espichel, and the other is Cabo de Sao Vicente which lies in South Portugal.

If Iberian Peninsula is head and Portugal is face of Europe, then Cabo da Roca is nose, Cabo Espichel is upper lip and Cabo de Sao Vicente is chin.

In 16th century, however, a Portuguese poet said: Lisbon is the ending of mainland and the beginning of ocean. In fact, the extreme edge of mainland starts from Cabo da Roca which is 46 miles away from Lisbon. The best time go to there from Lisbon is afternoon. I looked around in Sintra at first where is 28 miles away from Lisbon, visiting cultural relics reserved areas which is identified by UNESCO. Next, drove to that promontory which lies in East Europe, where I saw sunset at the cliff with the height of 150 meters.

Sintra, Portugal – Enjoy Old World charm

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Touted as one of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe, Sintra, Portugal has something to offer history buffs, romantics, and adventurers alike. Thanks to its interesting geographical location, tucked away in a stretch of hills surrounded by wide open plains, channels and oceans, Sintra boasts dramatic landscapes bursting with inspiration. The town itself has served for many years as a source of creative stimulation for authors and poets due to not only its geographic setting, but also its displays of ornate architecture. The windy, narrow streets straight out of medieval times lead visitors through a maze of shops, cafés, and museums. Hidden behind the many tall trees and walled gardens lie some of the most exquisite palaces, many of which serve as museums, and others that are simply open for tour.

The Palácio Nacional de Sintra is a wonderful example of Manueline and Gothic architecture, although the influence of its original Arabian constructors is still visible. This palace served for many years as the summer residence for the kings of Portugal. The Palácio De Pena is an extravagant building, with a modern sort of feel. The Seteais Palace has been converted into a luxury hotel and in the summer is home to the ballet. The Quinta Regaleira, set deep within the woods and surrounded by lush gardens is an eerie sort of place. Its many turrets, nooks and crannies, in addition to its underground grottos and dry wells help to envelope it in mystery.

High atop a high overlooking Sintra stands Castelo dos Mouros, the ruins of an ancient castle. From here, one can see clear across the city and the coastline. It also affords a view of the Cintra-Cascais Natural Park, which encompasses the mountain range of Serra de Sintra, all the way to the coast and Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of the European mainland. Within the park one can enjoy many different historical and natural sites.

For visitors looking to enjoy a little bit of time on the sandy shores of Portugal, a number of beautiful beaches are only a short drive or tram ride away. One such beach, Praia das Macas, is a regular stop for the old-fashioned electronic tram year round. Surfers from all over come to this coastline to enjoy some of the best waves in the world, and many young ones flock to Praia Grande. Smaller, untouched beaches and private coves allow visitors to have a more secluded beach experience. These include Azenhas do Mar, Praia do Magoito, and Adraga. The atmosphere that Sintra exudes is intoxicating, and a visit there is a fantastic way to enjoy Old World charm, coupled with New World adventure and exploration.

Hiking in Oporto, Portugal

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The port city of Oporto or Porto, is better known for its fortified wines than its historic port, which marks the end of the 560-mile-long Duoro River. The surrounding Douro Valley not only makes for a perfect vineyard, but the hills are one of the best places in Portugal for hiking.

If you are planning a trip hiking in Portugal’s Douro Valley, then your first stop is likely to be the northern capital of Oporto. The city is an enigma, in that it is both heavily industrialised and yet in other parts sleepy and steeped in history. The historic buildings, such as the cathedral, Romanesque Church of Cedofeita and 15th century houses have caused the city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst the modern facilities such as the Metro and Dom Luis Iron Bridge, engineered by a disciple of Eiffel, have drawn comparisons with similar structures in America and Japan.

Before embarking on your Portugal hiking and whilst still in Oporto, you must visit the Cais De Gaia’s Wine Cellars. The views from Cais De Gaia are the best in the city and further enhanced by the old fashioned fishing vessels which bob surreptitiously on the water. The Cais De Gaia is where the majority of the world’s Port is brought to age in the many port wine warehouses and although not all of them are open to visitors, Taylors and Cockburn’s both offer free guided tours and tasting sessions. If you take a stroll further uphill, you will find a 19th Century Manor House where yet more port is stored.