Portugal; Lisbon and the Golden Algarve

Photography - IRJALIINA PAAVONPERA

“Arriving in Lisbon is a step back in time, and especially satisfying for those with a passion to experience rich European history. ”

Arriving in Lisbon is a step back in time, and especially satisfying for those with a passion to experience rich European history.

Arrive to the heart of the old city, known as Alfama. There you will be awestruck exploring neighborhoods with hilly and winding streets adorned with buildings hundreds and thousands of years old – some such as the Lisbon Cathedral dating back to the 1100’s. Your first impressions will satisfy any wanderlust for exploring landmarks bathed in sunlight, while close to shining sea.

Winding through the slopes of Alfama, you might like to dip into a lovely café or wine bar, then perhaps navigate more of the interesting and crooked streets of the old city on one of the famed Lisbon trolleys.

Depending on the season, most all the restaurants offer outdoor seating where typical Portuguese cuisine, including some of the finest local seafood and locally grown produce, are served under beautiful blue skies.

No evening in Lisbon is complete without the experience of Fado. This traditional Portuguese singing is found in many hidden places after hours, and with quiet respect you will listen intently to strong melodious tunes of life’s trials and tribulations.

After a few days spent exploring the city, a brilliant choice is to head south by car to explore the southern Algarve region world renown for its golden hues.

Arriving in the region between mountains and sea, you will find breathtaking landscape where many internationally acclaimed vineyards offer a wide variety of superb wine and food experiences.

If you are intent on an unforgettable holiday with sunshine, swimming, reading and relaxing time, you may want to land in one of the fishing villages that line the coast, such as Faro or Burgau. There you will have easy access to many of the notable places not to be missed, including divine golden beaches bordered by craggy rock cliffs, coves and caves. More than 40 coves are cut into honeycomb cliffs. The Algarve is known for more than 300 days of sunshine each year, and the southern exposure to beaches lends itself to a golden hour like no other.

For a truly heavenly experience, make your way to Praia da Marinha in Lagoa, one of the Algarve’s most loved beaches. Take the cliff top walk that starts at Praia do Vale de Centeanes in Carvoeiro, a few miles away. A must visit is Praia do Vale de Centeanes in Carvoeiro, where you can view the sun setting over the Atlantic. No matter the village you land in, you will fall head over heels with some stretch of golden sand, hidden caves, private coves, and lapping shore.

Ferragudo, another village known as an artists’ retreat is abundantly decorated with traditional tile covered Algarve houses and bougainvillea. Resident sculptors have created beautiful pieces that speak to the village and its history. Other ‘must visit’ villages include Ferrindha and Albufiera. There you will find abundant Algarvian grown dishes, fresh sea air and yet again, amazing Portuguese wine.

Perhaps one of the most memorable visits will be to Sagres, the most south westerly town in Europe and home to Prince Henry's fort on Ponta de Sagres. The views are spectacular of the neighboring headland of Cabo de São Vicente, and the iconic lighthouse. You are likely to find locals fishing on the cliff faces around Sagres – a rather difficult and craggy coast to navigate on foot, this is not recommended for selfies, however plenty of stunning photo opportunities will greet you at Sagres, as with all the Algarve.

A trip back to Lisbon might include a stop in beautiful Cascais, a small city or large village depending on your perspective. Cascais offers beautiful beaches, plenty of night life, and the famed Citadel Palace, a former royal retreat. If time allows, climb high to the village of Sintra, a renown royal sanctuary with forested terrain and pastel-colored villas and palaces.

Long after you return home, wherever you roam the world over, Portugal will be long and pleasantly remembered.