We recently spent a week in Portugal, where we explored just a small part of the country's winding, cobbled streets and fell in the love with its charming architecture and delicious food.
Bathed in warm sunlight at this time of year, the country’s capital Lisbon oozes old-world charm. We were inspired by the city’s welcoming people, as well as its deep sense of history.
But, excitingly, tradition is also balanced by modernity in Lisbon, with many start-ups, creative agencies and designers starting to take up residence in its ornately tiled buildings.
The city is fast becoming a hub of innovation, and a strong sense of imagination abounds in the colors and textures of its vibrant neighborhoods.
We also ventured out of the capital into the countryside, where we visited the magnificent village of Sintra. It’s hard to describe just how breathtaking the ancient castles and palaces hidden amongst the mountains are, but here's a photo to try to give you an idea!
From the mountains to the sea, we then ventured from Sintra to the small resort village of Cascais, where we wandered its elegant beaches and sampled its amazing seafood. With its sun-kissed coves and hidden rooftop restaurants, it was the perfect setting for our Panama hats.
Our week in Portugal flew by – and we know there’s still so much more to see. Stay tuned for more Portugese posts in the future – we’ll definitely be back!
Here are our top tips (so far!) for Portugal:
Bairro do Avillez
Iconic Portugese chef José Avillez sets a high bar for delicious local food in a beautiful setting. We loved the richness and depth of flavors (don’t miss the smoky sensation of the octopus dish on the menu!), as well as the fun wall murals and ceiling decorations. http://www.joseavillez.pt/en/bairro-do-avillez
Café Galeria, House of Wonders
Set in the heart of the beach town of Cascais, this hidden rooftop café boasts a 'visual menu' of vegetarian cuisine, sangria and cocktails. Gaze out over crumbling churchyards and listen to Latin music while you soak up the sun and smell the fresh, sea air. Don’t forget your Artesano hat when the sun’s right overhead! 436, R. da Misericórdia 53, 2750 Cascais
‘Feira de Ladra’ (Lisbon Flea Market)
They say one man’s junk is another man's treasure – well, you’ll certainly have some treasure hunting to do at Lisbon’s never-ending and iconic flea market. A range of vendors from local artists, vintage clothiers and antiquarians setup shop in a diverse and bustling market area next to the stunning Santa Engracia Church. http://www.golisbon.com/sight-seeing/feira-da-ladra.html