Trip to Benagil

Trip to Benagil

Algarve offers many places to be explored!

This week we decided to visit Benagil. The Benagil caves are some of the most impressive sea caves in Europe.

Camping in Faro

Camping in Faro 

On the first week of September, we had the last camping days in Faro to say goodbye to the summer.

We build our camping tents in the Scouts’ field…

…where we also did a lot of games and activities, we even saw the moon with a telescope at night!

We also spent one day at the beach to relax and take in some sun rays before school starts.

The kids helped us to prepare lunches and dinners.

Best way to finish the summer!

Centro Náutico da Praia de Faro

Centro Náutico da Praia de Faro

Living near to the ocean allows us to practice water sports.

This Sunday, we practiced our kayaking skills! They gave us a little class so that we knew how to row, what to do if the kayak overturned, etc.

We were ready and we were happy to spend a hot Sunday in this place!

Trip to Porto

Trip to Porto

One of the must see places in Portugal is Porto. The city is one of the oldest European centres, and its historical core was proclaimed a World Heritage Site.

The city is full of magical and beautiful spots to visit. The Livraria Lello is one of them, the bookstore was frequented by JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, when she taught English in Porto and is reported to be an inspiration for her writing. 

You can find nice little streets as well as big busy commercial ones.

It also has some great places to try traditional pastry and different dishes.

The city has a lot of touristic sights, perfect to wonder around it with friends and get to know its history and its culture.

Beach time

Beach time

During the summer holidays, we go with the kids to the beach once a week…

… to enjoy the perfect clear water.

To play games on the beach is better than anywhere else!

Trip to Morocco

Trip to Morocco

Living in the South of Portugal also gives you the opportunity to go to Northern Africa, since it is so close!

We spent some days travelling around Morocco, exploring different cities...

… different traditions and aromas, through the markets and the busy streets.

We also had the chance to see this country’s landscapes…

… and we can all agree that being on the desert was as amazing as everyone that has been there says it is.

Trip to Sintra

Trip to Sintra

Sintra is known for its many 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments. Although its heritage in buildings and nature is the most visible face of the historic individuality of Sintra, a whole literary heritage has made the area a legendary reference in Portuguese culture.

You can spend a whole day visiting and discovering different castles, cathedrals and streets.

The Quinta da Regaleira is one of the most surprising of all Sintra’s monuments. Located on the outskirts of the town, it was built 1904 e 1910, in the last days of the Portuguese monarchy.

This romantic property formerly belonging to the Viscondessa da Regaleira, was acquired and enlarged by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920) as his favourite country estate. His vast fortune earned him the nickname of Monteiro dos Milhões, (Moneybags Monteiro). He commissioned this unique project of house and landscape from the Italian set-designer and architect Luigi Manini (1848-1936) whose genius, along with the mastery of sculptors, stonemasons, craftsmen who had formerly Palace Hotel do Buçaco, created this magical place.

Initiation Well at Quinta da Regaleira. The well is divided in nine platforms reminiscent of the Divine Comedy by Dante and the nine circles of Hell, the nine sections of Purgatory and the nine skies which constitute Paradise. At the base of the well you will find a Rosicrucian Cross, which also happened to be the coat of arms of Carvalho Monteiro.

You can also enjoy walking through the nature, surrounded by history.

Trip to Lisboa

Trip to Lisboa

The capital of Portugal is the place which must be visited!

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and one of the oldest in Western Europe, predating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome by centuries.

The city of Lisbon is rich in architecture; Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern constructions can be found all over Lisbon.

To know more about the history of this amazing city, it is easy to take some of the walking tours in  different languages. 

To feel the spirit of the city you should climb or take a tram to one of the many Miradouros. 

A few days surrounded by beauty, warm atmosphere, kind people from all over the world are the things you can see in Lisbon!

“Cidade branca

semeada

de pedras

Cidade azul

semeada

de céu….

Cidade que se degrada

cidade que acaba.”  Adília Lopes

Trip to Lagos

Trip to Lagos

Lagos is a municipality at the mouth of Bensafrim River and along the Atlantic Ocean, in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, in southern Portugal. The main town of Lagos has a population of approximately 22,000.Typically, these numbers increase during the summer months, with the influx of visiting tourists and seasonal residents. Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve and Portugal, due to its variety of tourist-friendly beaches, rock formations , bars, restaurants and hotels, renowned for its vibrant summer nightlife and parties.

Two incredible days in Lagos and the sourrandings (Benagil, Marinha…), swimming and enjoying the sun.

We met a lot of people from all around the world who also came to discover this beautiful part of south Portugal. 

Tour around Faro

Tour around Faro

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays there are tours around Faro. We joined Take Algarve, which is a local company that aims to show you the authentic Algarve with our great Free Tours and amazing local guides.

The tour started from the Marina…

… and continued through the historical city center.

While we discovered Faro, our guide explained a lot historic details, tails and legends.

Nice way to spend a couple hours learning about our neighbour city in really good company.

Trip to Odemira and São Luís

Trip to Odemira and São Luís

In Portugal there are many places to visit... 

…we specially like small charming villages like Odemira and São Luís.

Next to these villages, on the coast, is Vila Nova de Milfontes. One of the oldest parishes in the municipality, it was founded in 1485 by King John II, the area was constituted to serve an economic and defensive role in the Alentejo, at the confluence of the Mira River, and benefitted from its strategic importance as a safe harbour.

There are lots of corners to take in the peaceful air of the natural park.

Excellent place to meet with some friends and have a relaxing weekend in the nature.