PORTUGAL-DAY 7

Part of our “Latergram ” series. This trip took place June 2022.

Today we will explore the area of Cascais.

Boca do Inferno, also known as Devil’s Mouth is a chasm located in the seaside cliffs close to the Portuguese city of Cascais, in the District of Lisbon. The seawater has access to the deep bottom of the chasm and vigorously strikes its rocky walls, making it a popular tourist attraction.

The weather was perfect that day. Sunny, slight breeze, and gorgeous clear blue skies. Here are some pictures from our quick stop there.

Cascais, located just 30 kilometers west of Lisbon, evolved from a humble Roman fishing and fish-salting settlement into a bustling medieval port. It gained prominence as a royal summer retreat in the 1870s and served as a crucial, neutral haven for exiled European royalty during World War II.

This quaint seaside town reminded me of Southern California beach towns like, Manhattan Beach, Redondo and parts of Malibu. It was great to great out and stretch out legs a bit.

Lots of small shops, some really cool large scale wall murals, historic street placards and even a merry-go-round for the kids.

There was no shortage of delicious, fresh seafood and other local entrees and this seaside restaurant  had some amazing views as well.

Just when you think the day couldn’t get an better, we were back on the bus and headed back to Lisbon for our Hippotrip bay excursion.

What a blast to travel through town and then down to the Tagus River where our amphibious boat would take to various historical landmarks that we could view from the river like the Belém Tower, The Sanctuary of Christ the King, Ponte 25 de Abril.

One thing I really noticed in Lisbon was a lot of color that adorned the buildings along its streets. It felt refreshing and vibrant to say the least.

What a great relaxing and fun way to to spend an afternoon and we’re not even done yet.

Due to some tardiness by some of those on our tour, we didn’t really have time to see and experience the Jerónimos Monastery which is massive when standing across the street trying to take it all in. Here is a little brief history puled from the link above:

“A masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belém, commonly known as Jerónimos Monastery as it was intended for the Order of São Jerome, was classified National Monument in 1907 and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. The church, with religious service and visiting hours, and the cloister, secularized in the nineteenth century, form the most visited heritage complex in the country.”

These two images are from the Jerónimos Monastery website. We will make this part of our day on our next trip back there.

Pastéis de Belém are the original and iconic Portuguese custard tarts, created in 1837 by Catholic monks from the nearby Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district of Lisbon. Handcrafted daily using a closely guarded secret recipe, they are best enjoyed warm, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

This place was so packed that afternoon and there was the typical line out the door but it was quite delicious.

It’s fun to do research beforehand regarding local traditions, foods and what places are known for AND then get to taste the real thing. Be sure to carve out some time to taste some the next time you are in Lisbon.

For the late afternoon pre dinner activities, we bussed back to the city area and caught the famous Number 24 trolley, also know as the Elevador da Glória (Glória Funicular) and rode it up to this amazing look area known as the Bairro Alto neighborhood. This dropped us off at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a spectacular lookout offering panoramic views of the city.

There was plenty of cool street art and the funicular cars were decorated with a lot of graffiti which I really enjoyed. Put this on your list too if you haven’t already done so.

From the narrow winding streets, there’s noting quite like being in a walkable foreign city to rejuvenate one’s soul.

Well, today did not disappoint. So much to see, do and experience. Tonight’s dinner was no exception.

Our dinner and evening entertainment was an experience everyone should do at least once while in Portugal.

Café Luso occupies the old cellars and stables of the Britó Freire Palace which date back to the 17th century, in the heart of Bairro Alto. Every detail of the space preserves the history and tradition of Lisbon, creating a unique atmosphere that combines old-world charm, perfect acoustics, and contemporary comfort, ideal for enjoying music, gastronomy, and culture.

Neither of us had any idea what Fado music was like or had even heard of it.

Fado is the national music genre of Portugal, characterized by deeply emotional, melancholic vocals and poetic lyrics about fate, the sea, and longing (a feeling known as saudade). Originating in 1820s Lisbon, this UNESCO-recognized art form is typically performed in intimate bars by a solo singer accompanied by acoustic guitars and the 12-string Portuguese guitar.

From the Café Luso website: “In our home, fado is not just music: it is soul, it is emotion, and it is connection. Within walls that breathe history, voices echo with intensity, accompanied by the Portuguese guitar and the viola that cradle each word. Here, every chord is lived with sincerity, and every silence is respected as part of the song.

As the dim light softly illuminates the room, we create an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, where each guest stops being a spectator and becomes part of the experience. Fado, born from the heart of Lisbon, is shared here in all its authenticity, transporting those who visit us to the deepest roots of Portuguese culture.”

Well, that wraps up another day! Time to head back to the hotel and get some rest.

Thanks for taking the time to read about our journeys.