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 […]
portugal travel
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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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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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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Near Lisbon: Palácio Nacional de Mafra
If you are looking for a hidden gem near Lisbon, then you should definitely visit the Palácio Nacional de Mafra! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this palace is one of Europe’s largest palaces, with an area of about 38,000m2. This baroque beauty is just a half hour drive from Lisbon and it’s so worth the […]
