Viewpoint at Miradouro Santa Luzia over the terra cotta colored rooftops of Lisbon

Picturesque Portugal

Rick and I dropped into Portugal on our way back to the US, and spent a delightful three days in the region.

Lisbon Delights:

Zuzabed B&B was our lodging choice right below the massive St. George Castle and across the plaza from the Rossio train station. We were right in the middle between the Alfama and Bairro Alto neighborhoods and we could walk the shopping streets straight down to the sea. Luis took great care of us while we stayed with him.
zuzabed.com

Praca do Comercio – The wide open town square overlooks the ocean and
is a lovely sunset spot sitting on the steps looking out to the sea

The picturesque Alfama neighborhood, is a small labyrinth of cobblestone streets, colorful houses and some of the best architecture of the city. It is home to the iconic jangling trams and thirty view Miradouros (view sites) with expansive overlooks to the city rooflines and ocean scenes.

Tram 28 is the classic yellow tram that date back to the 1930’s, winding you up the hilly streets of this Alfama area. Rick and I rode the tram up to the Feira da Ladra flea market one morning to hunt for treasures.

The terrace views at Miradouro Santa Luzia – look for the blue tile wall – and Miradouro da Graca are postcard worthy. And great for sunset viewing.

Se Cathedral, a 12th century church, is lovely.

We were on a treasure hunt for the street art by Bordalo II. His 3D colorful work has been placed all around the world, from Paris to the Polynesian Islands.

Tram 28 also takes you to the Basilica da Estrela, located in Praca da Estrela, to see the world famous nativity scene with 500 cork and terracotta figures. The church is open from 3-5 pm and the rooftop is accessible for views.

Right beside the Basilica is the Jardim da Estrela, a lovely garden retreat.

For Portuguese tapas, eat at the Mercado de Campo de Ourique. This market is not very large so it is frequented by the locals instead of tourists.

The gritty Bairro Alto neighborhood is a great source for fado music after sunset. We wandered in the evenings and watched people cooking in the streets and locals seated at outdoor restaurants. We dined on sea bream and salmon, as well as, octopus.

Obidos is a picture postcard medieval town with 14th century walls, narrow travessas, and flower bedecked whitewashed houses. We rode the bus that takes one hour and we were tickled by the quaint town. We even got to pet a hawk resting on our gloved hand. Check rodotejo.pt for the bus schedule. Tickets are 8 euros which you purchase from your bus driver. Busses depart from the Campo Grande bus station by the metro station.

One morning, we rode the 7:40 am train from the Rossio train station for Sintra. Walking up the hill from the train station, King Ferdinand’s Disney-esque Pena Palace is colorful and whimsical. You are just in awe of the structure as you enter the pathways through the Palace, discovering the arches and hidden towers. After enjoying our bag lunch on the terrace overlooking the green hills surrounding the Palace, we hiked down through the canopied forest to the craggy hilltop Castelo dos Mouros, the 1,000 year old moorish castle. Then we took the scenic walkway back into Sintra.