Sunny Portugal
A Journey of Flavours, Culture & Discovery
– By Karen Park
This past July, I was fortunate to be able to travel with Collette Tours on their SUNNY PORTUGAL 10 days immersive tour.
With a direct overnight flight from Toronto Pearson to Lisbon, Portugal, with Air Transat, we arrived early in Lisbon for a free day to wander about and take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful. Lison is best known for its historic yellow trams, soulful Fado music which we experienced with an authentic Portuguese dinner, and delicious pastéis de nata (custard tarts), freshly baked!
Portugal offers something for everyone and if you’re a walker, you will be in your glory. Walking in Lisbon and most other cities/town is not for the mobility challenged.
Portugal is home to steep cobbled lanes, challenging steps up steep hilled streets, colourful tiled buildings, tiny cafés, and laundry hanging above quiet staircases. It’s important to note that comfortable footwear is important if you plan on walking the beautifully tiles streets and sidewalks and rubber soled shoes are your best bet, just in case it rains as the tiles can be slick.
Our hotel was the Turim Marques, centrally located in the heart of the walking district and very close to what is referred to as “the city centre” – meaning lots of boutique shops and outdoor cafes. I made it my personal mission DAILY to sample one Pasteis de nata from every town I visited. There was no disappointment experienced on my end!
I choose the Calcadas Walking tour (Calcadas is a traditional-style pavement used for many pedestrian areas in Portugal colonies). It consists of small pieces of stone arranged in a pattern or image, like a mosaic.
The afternoon was spent in Belem visiting the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém): a 16th-century fortification on the Tagus River built in the ornate Manueline style. Jerónimos Monastery was a grand 16th-century building and UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing intricate Manueline architecture.
The original bakery where the famous Pastéis de Belém the famous historic bakery operating since 1837 , home to the original Portuguese custard tarts (pastel de nata) and lastly the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a massive riverside marble monument shaped like a ship’s prow honoring Portuguese explorers like Vasco da Gama.
The third day took us to the south of Portugal, to the Alentego Region. Azaruja and Evora are not to be missed. Azaruja was home to the Cork factory visit (with shopping for a multitude of cork made products). There is very little that can’t be made from cork – quite a surprise for me!
EVERYTHING CORK! Portugal’s Alentejo is a special place, unique and inviting. It is also Portugal’s Cork Country, as this ancient land produces more than half of the world’s total cork.
Extending from the southern banks of the River Tejo to the mountains that frame the Algarve, the Alentejo is met by the Atlantic to the West, and the River Guadiana and Spain on the East. The name means “Beyond the Tejo.”
The cork oak is native to the Alentejo and is one of the most common tree species in Portugal. And yes, it is grown from acorns, just like our oak trees. The process of removal, done once every 9 years, involves removing the outer bark. You can see the stripping of the bark in the Alentejo, and a red tee indicates it has had its bark recently removed. The hardy cork oak then grows a new layer of bark. The protection of cork tree by law has resulted in thousands of acres of protected forests.
Cork is one of the most balanced and natural materials — and not only does its existence protect thousands of acres of land in Portugal, a cork is 100% biodegradable.
To produce cork, a cork oak must be at least 25 years old. A cork oak can live as long as two centuries. Portugal’s cork industry is truly sustainable.
From chairs, to purses; sneakers to wine bottle corks, there are so many products made from cork. Here are a few photos of cork products.
EVORA! Évora is the capital of Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region and is referred to as a Medieval walled city. In the city’s center stands the ancient Roman Temple of Évora (also called the Temple of Diana). Nearby, whitewashed houses surround the Cathedral of Évora, a massive Gothic structure begun in the 12th century. The Igreja de São Francisco features Gothic and baroque architecture along with the skeleton-adorned Chapel of Bones. The bone chapel should definitely be on your bucket list to visit.
An Evening of FADO: What is it?
The evening was spent dining in an authentic Portuguese Restaurant and being treated to an evening of FADO. Local artists performed traditional Fado music, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage highlight.
Our home for the next two days was in Lagos, at the Hotel Vila Gale Lagos – great location to walk the walk the many shops along the canal and to the downtown area as well. A five minute walk to us right to the beach area…well worth the walk.
Day trips from Lagos showed us the stunning coastline of the Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal. We visited the original local gin distillery “Sharish” and was treated to not just a tour but to a somewhat large sampling of their premium gin followed by a visit to a local winery called “Herdade do Rocim Winery” for a tour and lunch in the Alentejo district.
We were able to explore the historic resort town of Lagos, where Moorish and Renaissance influences, combined with towering seaside cliffs, gave us the change to explore this bustling port city.
The next day we were fortunate to spend the morning on a sailboat – The Dom Dia – Lagos with a fantastic crew on board, catering to our every need!
Portimao, part of the Algarve coast is known all over the world for its paradisiacal beaches, crystal clear waters and impressive golden cliffs that cut the horizon. My photos just don’t do these rock formations justice.
There are hidden caves, and arches carved by the tides, secret beaches, the blue/green waters and natural viewpoints offer unforgettable experiences. As well we viewed Benagil, one of the most famous rock formations in the Algarve, where the well-known cave with opening in the ceiling (locally referred to as “the toilet” due to the formation). The cruise in and out of the grottos proved to be one of the highlights of my tour along the coast of Algar Seco.
We were treated to a tour of the sardine canning industry in the Algarve where sardining is a major industry in the region. The museum showed sardining over the years and I was shocked to discover that it was such a “hands on” technique even back in the early 1930’s and 40’s.
Sardines are a staple in Portugal and we had the opportunity to visit the original Sardine Factory (now a Musuem) to learn the ins and outs Long before the first fish-preserving factories were established, Portugal’s coastline was already home to a range of industries closely connected to the sea.
Monchique:
The afternoon was spent traveling to the highest mountain peak outside to quaint village of Monchique. We were allowed to make our own sourdough bread and feasted on a local picnic lunch, freshly prepared from regional break, meats and fruits. What an awesome view to enjoy great food with new friends. The next two nights we were guest of Hotel Baia, across the street from an amazing beach on the Atlantic.
The next day took up to Setubal, Azeitao and ended up for the next two days in Cascais.
Known as the Portuguese Riviera, it is home to excellent wines, and centuries-old tile artistry. We traveled to nearby Azeitao to visit a family run tile factory to learn about this ancient art.
Our Hotel Baia treated us to not only excellent food and service, but also to a stunning ocean front presence as well.
Cascais is a haven for European royals and nobility and we spent the afternoon walking the beautiful waterfront, their art district, while watching the many rich and famous wander through the many Historically, Cascais was the summer retreat of the Portuguese nobility, and today the town displays an elegant fusion of its regal and fishing heritage, combined with the facilities expected by modern tourists. The beaches are glorious and the town is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and some of the best beaches in Portugal.
Portugal’s “Golden Gate Bridge” is the 25 de April Bridge, a red steel suspension landmark sharing a builder, color, and style with the famous San Francisco span. It connects Lisbon to Almada across the Tagus River.
Portimao and Monchique
Rural Algarve was an agricultural thing of beauty. From olive trees, to cork plantations; from museums to top of the mountain picnics where we made sourdough bread from scratch, it was a relaxing day and the views from the highest peak in Portugal, did not disappoint.
Azeitao and Cascais
“Home to the rich and maybe famous”, it was day spent visiting Setubal for their local market and the highlight was a hands on demonstration at a local tile factory to watch Artisans at work.
Cascais and Obidos:
On our final day we were provided with a tour of the picture perfect city of Obidos. The houses sit tightly within the medieval city walls of the castle. The multiple steps (without railings I might add) made for a vigorous workout for sure and the narrow walk down on an open ledge was a bit terrifying as well. I did however, complete the task and was then treated to strolling down the main vibrant lane filled with whitewashed houses, artisan shops, and colorful flowers and 18th century blue and white azulejo tiles. While in Obidos, you have to treat yourself to Ginjinha, a local cherry liquor, served up in a solid dark chocolate edible cup.
Overall impressions of Portugal:
Portugal is not to be missed. You will require good mobility and for the most part, physical endurance, in order to navigate the stunning streets throughout the cities and towns. Portugal is generally affordable and ranks as one of the least expensive countries to visit in Western Europe, offering great value for food, wine, and public transit, souvenirs and clothing.
The food and drink choices in Portugal will not disappoint. The variety of fish, pork, Salted cod, Pastel de Galinha (chicken filled pastries), Secretos de porco Iberico – a Delicious plate of Iberian Pork Lion delicacies; Francesinha – a sandwich with different meats of beef and port, covered in melted cheese!; Octopus, Sea Bass, roasted cod filet and Squid or Calamari.
The wines vary from wine region to wine region, from dry to sweet Port wines and Roses.
One thing to keep in mind….dinner is normally served in local restaurants from 7:30 p.m. The numbers of dining spots open earlier are often cafes.
Ready to turn inspiration into your next unforgettable journey? Connect with Karen today and start planning!
