Author: Atlantic Campers

Enjoy Lisbon views from one of its gorgeous viewpoints

by Atlantic Campers, posted in Lisbon, Places to Visit
View from Sta Luzia viewpoint in Lisbon
View from Sta Luzia viewpoint

There is no doubt that Lisbon is not the easiest city to walk because of its 7 hills. Still, it may just have some of the best views any city can offer. Throughout Lisbon hills you can find viewpoints that offer a great chance to relax over breathtaking views.

Here’s just a few of them:

–          Santa Cataria viewpoint – this terrace is a great place to relax for a while either at the quiosk or at the Noobai café. With great views over the city and river, this is a popular hangout for the city’s bohemian crowd;

–          São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint – just by Bairro Alto this is one of the most popular viewpoints with a pleasant garden and great views over the Castle;

–          Santa Luzia viewpoint – this small terrace offers views of Alfama rooftops, all the way down to the river and the dome of National Pantheon;

–          Portas do Sol viewpoint – this is another popular viewpoint in Lisbon from where you can see the medieval maze and whitewashed monuments of the city’s oldest neighbourhood, Alfama, all the way down to the river;

–          Graça viewpoint – further up and now facing the west, Graça’s viewpoint trees provide shade for a snack with amazing views over city, the river and the bridge;

–          S. Jorge’s Castle – here you have the most complete view of all Lisbon, its redtile rooftops, the river all the way to the ocean and the bridge;

–          Christ Monument – on the south bank of the river, right above the bridge, the Christ monument offers another and a different view of the whole city.

Get lost in Alfamas small streets and alleys

by Atlantic Campers, posted in Lisbon, Places to Visit, Villages, World Heritage Sites
Alfama streets
Alfama streets

Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon, spreading on the slope between the Castle  and Tagus river.

Its name comes from the Arabic Al-hamma, meaning fountains or baths. This medieval district (once a Moorish and Jewish quarter before it became a fishing community) is by far Lisbon’s most emblematic quarter. A village inside the city, made of narrow streets, tiny squares, churches, and whitewashed houses that survived the 1755 earthquake thanks to its foundations on dense bedrock adorned with tile panels, pots of flowers and laundry hanging on a line from the balconies.

There is no better way to discover Alfama neighborhood than putting away your maps and getting lost in its streets, alleys and small squares, allowing your senses to be the guides. Along the way you will experience some magnificent views of the city and river, smell some of the freshest fish being grilled around the corner, hear the sounds of Fado coming out of a restaurant and visit some amazing churches.

Lisbon – 10 things not to miss

by Atlantic Campers, posted in Lisbon, Places to Visit
Chiado
Chiado

 

I will be doing a serie of posts on what to do in Lisbon.

Here’s a small list of my 10 favourite things:

  • Get lost in Alfama’s small streets and alleys
  • Enjoy Lisbon views from one of its gorgeous viewpoints while you sip from a Morito or a Caipirinha;
  • Stroll through the marvellous and trendy streets of Chiado;
  • Listen to Fado at Alfama neighbourhood;
  • Take a ride on Tram 28 that takes you through the old part of Lisbon, up and down three of the most beautiful and touristic hills;
  • Enjoy the quietness of the green quarter of Belém. This is your best spot to park the van. It’s also your THE spot for a Pastel de Nata, straight from the woven;
  • Shop and see at Feira da Ladra flee market, in Alfama neighbourhood;
  • Check the Bairro Alto, Bica and Cais do Sodré night scene;
  • Visit the Lisbon Castel, on top of Alfama hill, overlooking Lisbon and the Tagus river;
  • Take the boat from Belém to Trafaria and watch the sunset over the river; Enjoy a great dinner at the fisherman village of Trafaria;

Guimarães

by Atlantic Campers, posted in Inland, Villages, World Heritage Sites

This northern city was 2012 European Capital of Culture. Although you may not find it has the same vibes it had that year, it’s still worth a go.

Guimarães is one of the country’s most important historical cities. Its historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is often referred to as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality”.

If that wouldn’t be enough for a visit, the old city center is beautiful.

Guimarães

Monsaraz

by Atlantic Campers, posted in Inland, Villages

The medieval town of Mosaraz, located atop a hill in the middle of the interior plains of the Alentejo, is one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
A visit to Monsaraz is also a journey through time. Marked by lime and the shale becomes “Monsaraz Open Museum” every year during the month of July, opportunity to learn the habits and customs of Alentejo in handicraft, food and various cultural performances that are taking place there, including  music, theater, dance and art exhibitions.

Considered one of the oldest towns in Portugal, Monsaraz has recorded evidence of settlement since prehistoric times, and was initially a fortress fortified.

 

Monsaraz
Monsaraz

Sintra

by Atlantic Campers, posted in Lisbon, Sintra, World Heritage Sites

Sintra is a World Heritage Site and is a must see when you are in Portugal. This fairytail mountain is filled with castel, palaces and gardens scatered and hided through the lushed green tall trees. It’s no wonder that National Geographic considers Sintra as one of the world’s most beautiful places and one of the 100 most unforgettable destinations.

After visit the Pena Palace and the Castle make a stop in the village in a very well known café “Piriquita” to recharge batteries and eat traditional cakes: “Queijadas” and “Travesseiros” (means pillows in English). Travesseiros are very very very sweat, be careful if you want to go for 2nd round the stomach may complaint.

 

Sintra, Lisbon, Pena Palace, Sea
Sintra, Lisbon, Pena Palace, Sea