Prazeres Cemetery and the nearby Necessidades Park offer a captivating blend of Lisbon’s history, serenity, and unexpected beauty. Wandering through Prazeres feels like stepping into an open-air museum, with its grand mausoleums, quiet avenues of cypress trees, and sweeping views over the Tejo River. Just a short walk away, Necessidades Park provides a lush, tranquil […]
Europe
A Weekend In Monsaraz
Monsaraz is a fortified medieval village in Portugal’s Alentejo region, known for its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and panoramic views over the Alqueva Lake. I spent a weekend exploring its castle, walking the narrow lanes inside the ancient walls, and visiting local shops and viewpoints around the hilltop. It’s a compact destination, easy to see […]
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Near Lisbon: Santuario de Cristo Rei
Towering over the southern bank of the Rio Tejo, with arms outstretched toward Lisbon, the Cristo Rei is one of those landmarks you simply cannot miss. The Christ stands on the cliffs in the municipality of Almada at about 133 metres above the river. The monument itself reaches roughly 110 metres in total height. The […]
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Near Lisbon: Palácio Nacional de Queluz
About Queluz Located in the Municipality of Sintra, and only 20 minutes from Lisbon, the Palácio Nacional de Queluz and its gorgeous gardens are one of the most remarkable examples of palatial architecture and landscaping in Portugal. Queluz National Palace reflects the environment and lifestyle of the Portuguese Royal Family in the late 18th and […]
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Visiting Sintra: Beyond Pena Palace
When we first visited Portugal back in 2011, our host told us we had to visit Sintra, specifically Pena Palace. As it is always wise to follow the advice of locals, we took the train to Sintra and had a fabulous day touring Pena Palace, Sintra Palace, and Castelo dos Mouros. We also did some […]
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What To Do In The Algarve With (or Without) Kids
Our family has been living in Portugal for over a year now. Our first summer in Portugal was a bit of a whirlwind as we were still in the midst of settling into our new home, didn’t have a car, and were still figuring things out. This summer, on the other hand, we had the […]
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Madeira Travel Guide With (or Without) Kids
We hadn’t planned on visiting Madeira at all. In fact, this trip started with a cancelled getaway to the Austrian Alps after the forecast promised nothing but rain. Searching for a last-minute alternative from Lisbon, Madeira popped up as the best deal—and what a lucky twist that turned out to be. With its gorgeous hiking […]
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Hiking from Cabo da Roca to Praia da Ursa
Ever since I first learned about Praia da Ursa I’ve been wanting to visit! I’ll be honest, when reading descriptions about the hiking trail leading to this beautiful beach, I was a bit hesitant about whether it’d be a good hike to do with children. The trail is described as steep, with some scrambling required […]
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Near Lisbon: Castelo de Almoural
I’ve been having a great time writing these post about what to do near Lisbon. It’s really amazing how many beautiful and historic places are just a short trip from the Portuguese capital. Most of these gems lack the crowds of the more popular sites, which is also nice! One of the most magical places […]
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Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
Nestled atop Ajuda hill in Lisbon, the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is a beautiful neoclassical palace that tells a fascinating story. After the devastating 1755 earthquake and tsunami, the royal family first lived in a temporary wooden structure here. In 1796, construction began on a grand stone palace. The palace was originally designed in Baroque‑Rococo […]
