Part of our “Latergram ” series. This trip took place June 2022.
LISBON
Today we will explore the historic city of Lisbon.
Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-colored buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays 5 centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.
Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest capitals — a city layered like geological strata, each era leaving its mark in the stone, the street plan, the music, and the light. To walk its seven hills is to move through three thousand years of history without ever checking in at a museum.
We will have two days here so lets see how much we can cover.
LUNCH AT MAR DO GUINCHO
Well, this has been renovated and updated since we were here four years ago but man was the food delicious. Hard to beat fresh seafood and a great view.
I would love to go back some day and enjoy an evening meal while the sun goes down.
PENA PALACE
After lunch we hopped back on our tour bus and headed towards Pena Palace and the city of Sintra for a few hours.
The Pena Palace (Portuguese: Palácio da Pena) is a Romanticist palace in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon and much of its metropolitan area. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It is also used for state occasions by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.
SINTRA
Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views.
We didn’t get to spend much time down here but I was able to snap enough pictures so you get a taste of Sintra’s personality. Hope you enjoy!
And that’s a wrap on day 5’s activities. Back on the bus and heading towards our next city and accommodations… LISBON!
