Portugal on the road
- Martina Cottafava
- Dec 7, 2021
- 5 min read
An itinerant journey on the road, from South to North, along this beautiful and underrated country waiting to be discovered. Lisbon It ranks first as the most beautiful European capital I've seen so far. Accommodation: Lisbon Chillout Hostel (9.50 euros per night) Booked on www.hostelworld.it
To get around the city, I recommend getting a transport card (metro and bus) valid for 24 hours at a cost of 6 euros.
What to see: Alfama district It is a very colorful neighborhood full of panoramic points. I recommend getting lost in its alleys.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Miradouro Porta del Sol This viewpoint offers a truly beautiful glimpse. In addition, the small tunnel is decorated and shows pieces of the history of the city.
Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) It is one of the most emblematic places in the city, as the Ribeira Royal Palace stood, later destroyed by the earthquake that hit Lisbon in 1755. I recommend visiting it both during the day and at night.
Miradouro of Santa Caterina The view from this vantage point is magnificent and the setting is unique, with live music and chats until late in the evening.
Elevador da Bica The famous funicular built at the end of the 19th century.
LX Factory
It is a small neighborhood under the 25th April bridge full of street art and restaurants. It is possible to find the Ler Devagar bookshop, the most famous in the whole city. It is the neighborhood that I loved the most, really very beautiful.
Ler Devagar bookshop
Jeronimos Monastery Easily accessible from the center of Lisbon by tram 15, it is a truly impressive monastery located in the Belem district. It is possible to visit it for free.
Belem Tower Heritage of UNESCO, it is one of the most representative monuments of Lisbon. Tram n15 leads in front of the tower.
In Belem it is mandatory to stop at the most famous and ancient pastry shop to taste the very famous Pastel de Nata (attention: they can be addictive!)
From Belem, I recommend walking back to the city center. The walk along the Tagus River offers truly beautiful views of the 25th April Bridge and the National Sanctuary of Christ the King.
Marquez de Pombal square and the miradouro A little moved from the city center, it is a really nice square to spend an afternoon. From the miradouro you have a truly spectacular view of Lisbon.
Time Out market
The products offered are a bit expensive compared to the prices in Lisbon, but the quality is excellent.
Famous tram 28 The ride takes about 40 minutes and passes through the most beautiful districts of the city. I highly recommend it!
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) Famous for bars and clubs.
What to eat in Lisbon:
Sardines Undisputed symbol of Portuguese gastronomy.
Bitoque
It is the combined dish, that is, made up of different parts, preferred by the Portuguese. It consists of a piece of beef, a fried egg, vegetables, baked potatoes and rice. Cost: 6.50 euros
Bacalhau
Dried and salted cod. Cost: 5.50 euros
Sintra
Easily accessible from Lisbon by train (you can take the train at Rossio Station) for10 euros round trip, it is, in my opinion, an essential destination.
I recommend wearing comfortable clothes because there are various trekking paths that you can do.
Sintra's map
Sintra is a town north-east of Lisbon. It is characterized by a historic center and various castles that can be reached by trekking. I recommend staying one night if you want to visit it all. I took a day trip and only selected two castles. Quinta da Regaleira Cost of entry: 10 euros It is an estate with a palace, gardens and caves. Impressive is an understatement!
Parque da Pena It is the most famous of Sintra. From the Palacio de Pena, in good weather conditions, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lisbon. Cost of entry to the park: 7.50 euros To enter the building you have to pay a supplement. I arrived at the park by trekking for an hour and a half, passing through woods and paths surrounded by greener. The weather was not the best and I was unable to enjoy the view I dreamed of so much.
Cabo de Roça and Cascais Cabo de Roça is the most western point in Europe. To reach it, you have to take the train from Lisbon (towards Cascais) which arrives at the terminus in 40 minutes. From there you have to take a bus that takes you directly to Cabo da Roça in 30 minutes.
Cascais is a tourist resort. The beach is beautiful, perfect for a relaxing day.
Lagos (Algarve region) Lagos can be reached from Lisbon by bus for only 21 euros (one way) on this website Rede Expressos | Viajar de Autocarro com Conforto e Segurança (rede-expressos.pt)
Accommodation: Hutch Hostel (15 euros per night) Booked on www.hostelworld.it Lagos is the most famous city in the Algarve and, for this reason, it is extremely touristy and the prices are very high for the Portuguese average.
Cash is essential, they don't use credit cards even in hostels and restaurants! What see: Praia do Camilo It is a spectacular beach easily accessible by feet from the center of Lagos.
Punta da Piedade
Panoramic point from which to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is the most famous and spectacular in the whole of the Algarve. Unfortunately, however, it is really difficult to reach it by public transport. From Lagos you have to take a bus to Lagoa (at a cost of 4.50 euros) and from Lagoa an Uber to Praia do Cavalo (Uber shared with three other people at a cost of 3 euros each). Be careful because the last bus connecting Lagos with Lagoa is at 6:30pm.
Praia do Cavalo
From Praia do Camilo I walked to Praia de Benagil and, from there, I rented a kayak for an hour and a half for the modest sum of 15 euros (divisible if there are two). It was my first time kayaking and I must say it was one of the best experiences of the whole trip.
Absolutely unmissable! One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen
Sagres
Accessible from Lagos by bus for only 4 euros.
Accommodation: Sagres Sun Stay (30 euros per night) Booked on Hostels Worldwide - Online Hostel Bookings, Ratings and Reviews (hostelworld.com)
I only stayed in Sagres for one day because I wanted to surf again. The hostel offers a package which, for 55 euros, includes 4 hours of sruf, lunch, insurance, transport, instructor, surfboard and wetsuit.
Coimbra
It is a beautiful city, full of panoramic points and many corners to discover. Accommodation: Room in a private apartment (13 euros per night) Booked on www.airbnb.it
Coimbra can be reached from Lisbon by bus for only 15 euros.
Botanical gardens
Monastery de Santa Cruz
What to eat in Coimbra:
Pastel de Tentugal
It is a typical dessert of these areas, really good.
Fish soup It is the best I have ever eaten. I found it in this tavern the locals go to.
A Tasquinha
Aveiro
Day trip from Coimbra. Called the "little Venice", it is a small town built on canals. It was quite disappointing.
Porto
Porto is a beautiful city in the north of Portugal that can be reached from Coimbra with the Flixbus for only € 6.50 (Viaggi in autobus low-cost in Italia ed Europa | FlixBus)
Accommodation: PILOT Design Hostel (12 euros per night) Booked on Hostels Worldwide - Online Hostel Bookings, Ratings and Reviews (hostelworld.com) What see: Livraria Lello The cost of entry is 5 euros. You have to book the ticket on the website -> Livraria Lello - Online Store
Victoria viewpoint
Sè cathedral
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