Lisbon & Algarve– 15 to 21 October

A few hiccups finalising our booking in Lisbon but finally got sorted. It’s a beautifully renovated apartment in a fairly ordinary street in the old Mouraria district but close to the centre of things. Had to lug our bags up steep cobblestone streets as our car was parked down under the square. We are right in the maze of back streets.

Our Lisbon apartment (grey door)

Had a wander around town centre where they were just finishing off the Lisbon Marathon we watched a few 6 hour plus runners getting to the line to great cheers.

Today we jumped on the hop on - hop off bus to see the sights of Lisbon. Certainly an interesting city! We travelled through the typical old narrow cobble stoned streets with many beautiful old buildings. In some areas there were many run-down buildings covered in graffiti but 2 doors down was a newly renovated apartment & across the street a crane working on a new development – there are cranes all across the skyline. Then we entered the newer part of town which was built following the World Expo in 1998 – this part of town was new and shiny and interesting with lots of modern architecture, sculptures etc. Then back to the waterfront which is mostly very neat & on an organised grid of roads (not the usual maze) due to an earth quake in 1755 which required a complete rebuild of the centre of the city.

One of many statues in the squares in Lisbon

Beer o'clock

Top of lamp posts

Lisbon scene

Had a short ride on the tram (like a small version of our old W Class). The tram travels along steep narrow streets barely squeezing between buildings & parked cars. Hopped off in the Alfama district which is full of traditional restaurants and Fado houses.

Lisbon tram

Lisbon street

Lisbon street

In the arvo we took a “free” walking tour – you just pay a tip to the guide - recommended at Eur10? Our guide, Pedro, was really entertaining & gave us many insights into the history of Lisbon & Portugal.

Lisbon street

Next morning back on the bus to Belem, a western suburb of Lisbon close to the Tagus River mouth. A very pleasant area with beautiful homes including many embassies, a spectacular monastery, the Belem Tower & the famous ‘Pasteis de Belem’ (a café selling beautiful custard tarts since 1837 – they sell 10,000 per day – we had just 4 - delicious). Another ride on an old tram specially designed for the steep hill – low front wheels, high back wheels. Had lunch at the top including sea bass & coffee steak (steak cooked in a coffee, milk, garlic & wine sauce – very interesting).

From our street at night

Belem

We then joined another walking tour – this time to the Alfama district for a night of Fado entertainment. A really great night where we learned a lot about the history of Fado. There were two traditional guitarists & various singers apart from the main guy including the hostess, one of the guitarists, the waitress, the chef & a guy who seemed to just wander in. We also sang along with some choruses & the hostess was a crazy lady who kept us entertained. A good fun night but too much vinho? Walked back in the rain – very welcome given the horrible bush fires over here.

The drive from Lisbon to Falesia Beach in the Algarve (south coast of Portugal) was interesting. After escaping the city we passed through some very flat terrain dotted with farms. Gradually the land became undulating with a mix of farms, plantations of eucalypts, cork trees & bush land. Towns were few & far between along this stretch. The hills grew as we approached the Algarve but not huge.  Once we reached the coast we were back into the crowds with large towns running in to each other & heavy traffic & heaps of roadworks to slow us down. Staying at a semi resort hotel for the next few days for a bit of a rest from all this tough holidaying!!

Falesia Beach

Two rest days - big buffet breakfasts, some planning, walks around town, two swim in the sea (beautiful) & the pool, pre-dinner drinks with Canadian scots – yummy dinners.

All rested so headed off to Sagres & Cabo de Sao Vicente, the south west corner of Portugal. A fairly barren & bleak area but with spectacular cliffs & a fascinating fort. Had a walk around the cliff tops with great views. Then back for a dinner of swordfish & monk fish.

Cabo de Sao Vicente