BRIM

Lisbon  

Colourful streets, lively talking, sounds of Fado music from local restaurants and streets full of youths is picture of today Lisbon. Of course, there is the city’s iconic unique yellow Tram 28. Originally from 1930s, it was perfect to handle Lisbon’s hilly terrain. Today it is symbol of Lisbon and its 4.3 mile- route starts at Campo de Ourique and finish at Praca Martim Moniz and it is always crowded. Come to Lisbon and miss Tram 28 is unforgivable. Other vehicle everybody wants to try is tuk-tuk trolley. Tuk tuk tours are the best way to explore narrow and hight streets of Lisbon. It is not traditional Portuguese vehicle, but today is also one of Lisbon’s symbols. It is specific small vehicle, today mostly electric. Portuguese organise sightseeing by tuk tuk for tourists, it is very individual, and driver will wait for you while taking the photos. Prices for one-hour trip are between 45-70 euro up to six people. Tuk tuk are making Lisbon very busy and noisy, but it is charming to see the Portuguese temperament.

 

When we came, it was very busy day in Lisbon. But it was summer… it is always like that. In Lisbon must see attractions are: Carmo Convent, Cristo Rei Monument, the Fado museum or museum of Ancient art, monasteries and churches. Everybody will find something for their interests. But don’t miss local charming restaurants with amazing sea food and great selections of vines.  

Sao Jorge Castle it situated on the city’s highest hill. That is the place offer you the best view over the city. Great for relaxing and spend some time in the shadow under the trees. One charming peacock will make you company and interesting poses for make the photos. Castle dates to the 10th and 11th centuries. At that time Lisbon was an important Moorish port. Dom Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, captured the castle in 1147 from the Moors. It is interesting to mention that the first Portuguese theatre play was performed in Sao Jorge Castle. It became National Monument in 1910. Today, inside the walls is museum where you can learn more about history of the Lisbon.

One of the most popular tourist locations in Portugal is Cabo da Roca. It is the westernmost point of continental Europe and the place you must visit ones in life. There you will enjoy beautiful cliffs, open sea and very strong wind. Cabo da Roca is situated in municipality of Sintra and to access it you will drive through beautiful landscapes without villages. At Cabo da Roca it is always crowded, tourist’s busses and cars are everywhere. It is not easy to find a car parking space. At Cabo da Roca is a lighthouse where you can buy souvenirs or certificate that you visit it. As well, there is small restaurant where you can escape and warm up when wind outside became too strong. 

 

The Pena National Palace is a revival Romanticist (neo-Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic and neo-Renaissance style) castle in Sao Pedro de Penaferrim. The castle is located on the top of a hill in the Sintra mountains and it is often under the vail of the fog what it makes very mystic. The palace was built on the site of an St. Jerome’s Order monastery. King Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha bought the convent and surrounding land. He built the summer palace for the royal family. The interior of the palace is very impressive as well. The taste of the kings and queens can be recognised by luxury you will see in furniture, painted walls, chapel, and amazing alabasters. It will take you in the past of kings and queens.

 

 

The same impression visitors will have when walking in surrounding area of Palace Pena. Around the Palace is woodland park in the English style with a variety of exotic trees. The colourful palace is major work of Romanticism in Portugal. It is idyllic, romantic and mystic. 

Most of the time in Portugal we spend in our holyday destination Albufeira. Albufeira is situated in the region Algarve, fame for the beautiful beaches: Praia da Falésia, Praia de Sao Rafael, Praia de Galé, Praia dos Salgados.

Algarve region offers a range of tourist attractions for active tourism: dolphin watching trip, winery tour, paragliding experience, Jeep safari, or playing golf.  Northwest of the Albufeira lies Pera, place you must see. It is home of International Send Sculpture Festival. Spectacular sculptures you can see there from March to October each year.  

Albufeira is home of unique and intricate caves, they are must see attractions.  Boat trips start in Portimao. We took 2 hours boat trip to see the caves. Our boat had special crew member, parrot Manquito, who made the trip exotic and turn it into small adventure. 

Some of boats will stop for swimming and look out for dolphins along the way. It was very interesting that some of the cave are totally in dark.  So, your boat guide will park the boat in the cave and turn off boats light. It is natural view of what cave is. 

Our boat trip was scheduled for late afternoon. So, the ocean, sun and rocks made amazing pallet of colours. Just before sunset we enjoyed amazing symbiose between rocks and the ocean. 

The most famous is Benagil cave, one of the most stunning caves in the world. Benagil cave has “skylight” in the cave’s ceiling (roof) and that makes it spectacular and unique experience.   Cave has own beach you can get in only by boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The Benagil cave is natural cave. It is astonishing and unforgettable.