Visita Maravilhosa

Categories: Accommodations · Architecture · Food · Lisbon · Portugal · TravelTags: · · ·

Church of São Roque (Igreja de São Roque) is a 16th-century Jesuit church known for its plain facade and stunning Baroque interior. My third visit to Lisbon – and its dining scene continues to evolve. Mix of iconic seafood institutions, modern interpretations of Portuguese classics, and an increasing number of Michelin-recognized contemporary concepts. From the historic “tascas” in Alfama to upscale rooftops with river views, the city offers high-quality gastronomy that remains relatively affordable compared to other Western European capitals.  First dinner was at Mercearia do Século – a charming mom and pop serving very good traditional dishes. Make a…

Óbidos & Nazaré

Categories: Architecture · Portugal · TravelTags: · ·

The mediaeval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal with a well preserved castle within the walls, and a maze of streets and white houses. Nazaré is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the Costa de Prata. It is famous for its huge waves and surfing competitions. As of 2025, the record for the tallest wave ever ridden was at Nazaré, a wave measured at 26.2 m (86 ft) in 2020. The Nazaré Canyon submarine geomorphological phenomenon allows the formation of the giant waves.

Fatima & Batalha

Categories: Portugal · TravelTags: · ·

Fátima is a central Portuguese town that’s home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917. Other sacred sites include the Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern church of Igreja da Santíssima Trindade.  The Monastery of Batalha is a Dominican convent erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota and would serve as the burial church of the 15th-century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty. It is one of the best and original examples of Late Gothic architecture in Portugal, intermingled…

Obrigado

Categories: Accommodations · Douro Valley · Food · Lisbon · Porto · PortugalTags: · · · ·

Within the first few hours of my arrival, I was reminded of the friendliness and hospitality of the Portugese people. And this would be the case for my whole 10-day visit. Obrigado – Thank you! Upon arrival in Lisbon, I went straight to the Oriente train station to catch the high speed three hour Alfa Pendular train to Porto Campanha station. I only had one night to spend in Porto and I stayed at the Intercontinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas. The hotel is well located (beside the famous São Bento Station) and service was very friendly and professional. An…

Lisbon 2.0

Categories: Art · Lisbon · Portugal · TravelTags: · · · ·

Almost to the date four years later, I am back in Lisbon. The beauty of not getting to see all sights on the first visit is that there are more new things to see upon one’s return. Convento do Cormo (or the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) was built between 1389 and 1423 in the Gothic style. Considered by many to be Lisbon’s loveliest church, this convent has not had a roof since it fell in during the 1755 earthquake. A lawn now covers what was once the main nave.  Mannerist and baroque architecture dominate the São Roque Church,…

Douro Valley

Categories: Douro Valley · Portugal · TravelTags: · ·

Located in North Portugal, Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site approximately 100 kms east of Porto. The Douro Wine Region Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world known for producing its cultural treasure – the strong and sweet Port wine. The region has been attracting international wine aficionados since the 18th century and the terraced fields on either side of the Douro River is a wonder to look at. The Douro River is the highest-flow river of the Iberian Peninsula. It rises in Soria Province, central Spain, meanders south briefly then flows generally west through the…

Comendo e Dormindo

Categories: Accommodations · Food · Lisbon · Porto · Portugal · SintraTags: · · · ·

  Plenty of good food options in Portugal, particularly for fish and shellfish. Menus in top restaurants are on par with other major European cities, where one will encounter Portuguese cooking mixed with continental classics. Moreover, prices are quite reasonable compared to other major cities. In Porto, the first restaurant I tried, which was simply delicious, was Terreiro. Excellent seafood and friendly service.   Also in Porto, the charming Belle Epoque Majestic Cafe is considered the oldest cafe in the city (circa 1921).  Lots of tourists come to take photos of the place. I would not recommend dining here though, as…

Manueline Style

Categories: Architecture · Lisbon · Portugal · Sintra · TravelTags: · ·

Manueline architectural style combines Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic elements. The style developed during the reign of Manuel I of Portugal. This coincided with the Age of Discovery and the peak of Portuguese maritime power. The Moisteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém in Lisbon, and the Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra are three exceptional examples of this style. The Manueline style was considered the most authentic Portuguese architectural style.  

Lisbon

Categories: Europe · Lisbon · Portugal · TravelTags: · ·

One of Europe’s most visually striking capitals, Lisbon‘s appeal is more than the friendliness of the locals and her laid back pace. In its golden age, Lisbon was one of the greatest maritime centres in history – with hoards of treasures from around the world. Today, continental Europe’s westernmost capital is a cosmopolitan city that continues to grow and evolve.

Sintra

Categories: Europe · Portugal · Sintra · TravelTags: · · ·

Sintra was famously referred to as a “glorious Eden” by Lord Byron. One of the oldest hillside town in Portugal, Sintra is a forty-five minute train ride and 29 kilometres northwest from Lisbon. With its mountains, forests, exotic gardens and palaces, Sintra is like a fairy tale land. Sintra-Vila, with its pastel-hued manors in hills that roll to the Atlantic, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.