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My last trip for 2016 took place in November and as it often happens in life – when you don’t expect a lot, the best things happen – Portugal! This time I travelled with my aunt and we spent four beautiful and (overall) sunny days in Lisbon, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. This was my first time in Portugal and each time visiting a new country is kind of exciting – the new culture, nature, language, local cuisine, and weather are waiting to be explored!
In the first day of our stay in Portugal, we decided to make a daily trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais as the weather was absolutely perfect to explore the mountain and coastal region near Lisbon. The easiest way when having not that much time (in order to rent a car e.g.) is to book a private tour (I’m really keen on booking with “Get Your Guide” online).
Cabo da Roca
Today we will stop at Cabo da Roca which is a rugged headland located in Portugal, specifically in the municipality of Sintra, which is part of the Lisbon District. It is situated on the westernmost point of mainland Europe and is known for its stunning coastal cliffs, breathtaking views, and its significance as a landmark. Cabo da Roca is considered the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Standing atop the cliffs, visitors can admire the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a dreamy place, to be honest… Contemplating the beauty of Cabo da Roca makes me yearn to explore the enchanting Portuguese islands like Madeira and Azores someday. Discover a comprehensive blog filled with captivating insights on things to do in Madeira.
Cabo da Roca is an important point for sailing lovers since you can pick up your certificate of being here as a souvenir. What I really enjoyed was the crystal clear panoramic view over the Atlantic Ocean from ca 150m above the sea! Behind this scenery is another one – the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. In the summertime, this place would be perfect for long walking tours and hike the green hills!
Cascais
Next stop – Cascais! The charming Cascais is located 30km from Lisbon and it used to be a fishing village during the years. Nowadays you can find a lot of historical houses and free museums here, as well as my favourite bakeries and pastry shops (And yes!!! The traditional pastries are more than delicious!). In the historic centre, there are plenty of restaurants and stylish bars where you could relax a bit and enjoy the sun. What I absolutely loved was the glorious sandy beaches! I could easily imagine the summer time here … Cascais is a famous tourist spot because it offers wonderful beaches, culture and natural areas and I think it is even a bit cheaper than Lisbon!
Next time we are going to visit the magnificent town and castle of Sintra and I could already tell – you will love it!
Enjoy the day!
