Time for an escape to the country… in Portugal! Although Lisbon is one of the loveliest cities in Europe, in my opinion, after a couple of days in the buzzing city centre you might be in need of a little bit of peace. Just a half an hour drive outside of Portugal’s capital awaits a beautiful forest full of gorgeous spots; from Wes Anderson look-a-like scenes to a natural tide pool. Here’s where to go during a getaway!
Day 1
Sintra Palace
Between rocky mountains and a glittering sea, there’s a small town in the middle of a forest that has a lot to offer when it comes to history and architecture. Pride of the area would be the Sintra Palace. This former hotspot of the Portuguese royal family is decorated from top to bottom with tiles, painted ceilings, swans (yes swans!) furniture and art. While walking around you’re able to step in time. Well, you’d need a little bit of imagination, but that’s all. Use it while strolling the gorgeous Swan room, the Galleon room, the Blazons Hall or the Magpie room. Especially the kitchen features some bizarre selling points.
It’s not just so much the palace that needs your attention, but basically the entire setting of it. For exploring the rooms you’d need some two hours. But I’d count a day for visiting this site due to the forest around the palace. It exudes a romantic aura with wonderful views on the palace too and one can understand why it inspired many poets and novelists. Take a full day for the area, to let it all sink in.
Day 2
Park and Palace of Monserrate
Did you love the Sintra palace? Yes? If you’re up for more, something else that’s pretty pretty is just around the corner from here: the palace of Monserrate.
Although this place is slightly hidden and it usually doesn’t attract the big crowds that the Sintra Palace does, it might be worth it to drive early in the morning to the palace. You’ll probably have the romantic gardens, ancient trees, ruins (many parts of the area are in poor condition but somehow it adds to the charm) and the little pond to yourself.
Not just the gardens are worth the visit. The little pavilion (the palace) upon the hill stars a beautiful interior with amazing architecture and artwork with moorish influences. The whole area works together perfectly. Due to its hidden vibe I think I was even more fond of it than the Sintra Palace.
Convento dos Capuchos
The Convento dos Capuchos was created as a harsh and isolated Franciscan monastery. That doesn’t sound to lovely now does it? Great thing about the convent is that it’s set amidst the dense forests and giant granite boulders of the Sintra National Park.
The monastery was constructed to have minimal impact of natural surroundings. The simplistic design reminds you of some Japanese religious site. The simplistic design of the whole thing was meant as an antidote to the grandeur of the Sintra Palace. It does take a bit of an effort to go there; but it might be well worth the tour if you want to see something peaceful and extraordinary.
Praia da Adraga
Surrounded by high cliffs and rocks, this cute little beach is one of the prettier ones we encountered during our tour through Portugal. Apart from a restaurant (see your next stop) you won’t find anyone or any place to buy stuff from or at; so it’s a secluded bring your own kind of beach. With few people, huge waves and little to do it’s a wonderful and calm beach to come and let the tranquil vibes settle in.
Restaurante D’Adraga
Right at the beach you’ll find a smashing restaurant. D’Adraga is unpretentious (as its name) and the fish cooking basically does the talking: it’s delicious. The food is fresh and reasonably priced (and so are the wines) especially if you consider the location. So never judge a book by its cover; go here and you won’t be disappointed if you’re into seafood and sunset dinners at the beach!
Day 3
Cabo da Roca
For the ultimate European ‘Big Sur kind of experience’ drive all the way to the west to the Cabo da Roca. The cliff is the most western place of Europe and it does give you a walking on the end of the earth feeling. Well, at least I felt that way.
Apart from the views, there’s not a lot to do except for experiencing this place. Take a short hike, sit on the beach if you manage to walk all the way down and watch the huge waves sweep by. It’s a place for the simple things in life. Just enjoy it and soak up the nature and the panoramic views around you.
If the schedule allows you to (nope, not this one), come here at sunset on a clear weekday and I’m pretty sure you’ll have an even more magical time over there. I just loved it.
Praia da Azenhas do mar
A 20 minutes drive from Cabo da Roca you find the quaint little town of Azenhas do Mar. Even if you have little time, stopping here is a must. White houses of this fishing village are perched on the side of a cliff all the way down to the sea that ends in a natural ocean pool. It’s like; seriously people live here? Way to perfect to grasp.
The place has been an inspiration for painters and I really understand why. Just have a look below. And enjoy the view!
