The way to Portugal’s heart: Part 1

Summer lovin’ has never happened so fast… and yes, summer lovin’ had me a serious blast. I’ve had a beautiful, charming and sexy summer fling. Free of drama, full of fun and a tad sinful, move over Danny and Sandy. Tell me more you say? Well, I have fallen into a lustful love with Portugal and it is about time you acquainted yourself intimately with Portugal too.
Portugal is a small country with a big heart and an impressive landscape; its medieval castles, picturesque villages, magnificent grottos and elaborate gardens are sprinkled over its roving jagged coastline. Whether you are a surfer – or like me, an avid watcher of (male) surfers – a foodie, yogi, party enthusiast and/or shopper, you can indulge any excuse to visit this land of pleasure and leisure.
One big reason to visit is the fantastic accommodation that won’t empty your purse. My key tip? Follow the coastline and my Portugal itinerary of the essential places to visit, and you will be forever under Portugal’s enchanting spell.
Destination 1 – Lagos, The Algarve

Situated in the southernmost region of Portugal, The Algarve is the country’s number one holiday destination and it is also my first stop. Who said you have to leave the best until last?
This quaint town of stunning scenery covers all the bases. With its rich history, buffet of restaurants, vibrant nightlife, mystical beaches and a personality to rival Dame Edna, that’s definitely enough for a home run by my standards.

For those who consider the beach a lifeblood of their existence, you will naturally find attraction in Lagos’ praia lifestyle (‘praia’ = ‘beach’). Mornings can be whittled away by working on the serious project of sun kissed skin, relaxing in the icy blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean or exploring the beaches divided by jutting cliffs with small cave passages.

Check out Praia de Batata, Praia da Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. There’s even a small drinks bar, punctured through the rock face at Praia de Batata, to quench your thirst after an exhausting day of sunbaking.

Nothing better than a mango nectar to quench a thirst after a long day of tanning

If you are up for tad more adventure, try hiring a kayak or a boat tour through the magical grottos. For a day on a boat with a twist, you can let your hair down on a party cruise, with an endless supply of drinks whilst you float around the sea (heed warning: party cruises aren’t for the faint-party-hearted).

One praia in Lagos… N.B the kayakers off to check out the grottos!

Marina of Lagos: Sunshine, sailing and sea… what more does a girl need (a sexy sailor maybe)?

When sunshine turns into a crisp clear night, the fete vibes lead into Lagos town and then, eventually, Grand Cafe – one of the best places to end your night in Lagos. Night after night dancing shoes stay on into the early hours of the following morning, so if there is one thing Lagos really knows how to do, it’s party (even on a school night).

View over the town of Lagos at night… hint: there are plenty of roof tops bars to check out!

Lagos hits a serious home run in ways to get the party started

Yet of course Lagos is multi-talented. As a coastal town that has been linked to fishing since ancient times, Lagos, like much of Portugal, also really knows how to cook and produces some unbelievable seafood cuisine. An inside tip I learnt from the locals was to dine at Casinha do Petisco. After settling into the homely restaurant and eyeing other table’s (believe you me, you will be eyeing), you will begin to truly understand the term “foodporn”. After an order of the house prawns spaghetti (I recommend that or the house prawns), I was transported to food heaven. Casinha do Petisco creates the most delectable dishes with big portions and even bigger foodgasms.

In shock at the amazing portion of the house prawn spaghetti… bring on the food coma!

Other places to wine or dine include International Cafe (a great menu), Joe’s Garage and Casa Rosa (go for the power hour). Lagos lovers beware… if you want to make sure you see the rest of Portugal set a date to leave, because like many before, you may fall in love with Lagos so intensely, you will never leave. No joke, I actually know people who were stuck under the Lagos spell.

Destination 2 – Lisbon (Lisboa)

After letting go in Lagos, it’s refreshing to get back into some city life organisation. I always keep my mind open with the principle the best way of seeing a place is to walk around and lose myself (of course I would never actually get lost). This holds true in Lisbon, particularly as it has such a fantastic public transport system which means you can get from district to district with ease (hot tip: buy a Via Viagem card).
Stroll around the neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto or Alfama to revel in the beauty of the city’s seriously old architecture contrasted by its thriving modern culture or check out Belem for a historical and monumental binge.

There are endless ways to keep occupied in Lisbon. You can take contemplative refuge in one of many museums (even the National Tile Museum), see one of many landmarks such as the Cristo Rei Statue (high up on the Lisboa hills overlooking the whole city) or take a tram tour around the cobbled streets.

One of my favourites is to get active and hop on a bike or put on your running shoes then follow the Tagus River to the Ponte 25 de Abril, a bridge named after the revolution but scarily similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Also take time to stroll around Praça do Comércio, a beautiful, vast square which was formerly the location of the Royal Ribeira Palace (hot tip: see it early in the morning when it’s peaceful).

I promised my mum one thing when I was in Lisbon: try a sweet queijadas tart. With bakeries poking out of every street corner filled with a candy store worth of baked goods, it’s hard to settle for just the tart. I couldn’t help but have another treat too that consisted of a whole pear wrapped in sweet pastry with a cinnamon stick stuck down the middle. Talk about decadent. Bakeries in Portugal seriously tantalised my tastebuds.

For food and entertainment wander the backstreets of Biarro Alto. Lisbon really hits the hunger spot with food, no matter the cuisine. I managed to find a Sushi/Japanese restaurant (couldn’t be any further from Japan) that was out of this world and the next day tried out a genuine Portuguese restaurant that was only metres from the previous.
Tip newsflash! When in a Portuguese restaurant, if the waiter brings you unrequested started dishes (usually cheese and bread), don’t touch it unless you want to pay for it. They are charged to your bill at the end if you decide to have a little nibble.
If you’re still craving the beach after Lagos, head to Costa Caparica on the southern side of Lisbon. This long stretch of beach provides a great day or half day of amusement for chilling out by the ocean. You’re also bound to see some crazy characters roaming around so it’s perfect for people watching.

Lisbon also provides a great base for seeing other regions just outside of Lisbon including two must-see areas; Cascais and Sintra.

Cascais: Make like the Portuguese rich and famous and hang out in Cascais. The French Riveria of Portugal, Cascais has it all with medieval ruins, museums and parks, beaches, a charming town centre, seafood restaurants to rival Lagos and copious flavours of ice-cream. Festivals seem to run continuously in Cascais so you won’t be bored for entertainment and during summer this place is happening 24/7 whether you are up for chillaxing or revelling.
Sintra: This spot can be summed up in one word… Wow. Weave through the winding passages of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by intriguing houses, lush gardens, fountains streaming with fresh water and views extending as far as the eye can see. This is what fairytales are made of. The cobblestone streets of the village centre are buzzing full of Portuguese life and you can wander in and out of the small shops. These shops offer traditional fare and goods, so I tried about five different types of Port (why not?), ate plenty of cheese and jam (even pumpkin jam!), and was serenaded by the tunes of a local musician. Casanova eat your heart out.

Now fairytales aren’t complete without castles, so whilst in Sintra it goes without saying that you see one of the amazing palaces or mansions, whether it be Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Castelo dos Mouros or The Monserrate Palace.

I only time managed time for one (if you’re tight on time I would suggest visiting one to see it well), Quinta da Regaleira and I will forever be gobsmacked. Amazingly and intricately designed, this estate comes complete with hidden cave passages, spiral staircases, towers, wells, secret doors and beautiful gardens… it’s a playground for all ages.

Make sure you allocate at least two hours to see the place well. When you go inside the residence, head to the library and walk to the edges of the room – you will get the fright of your life (in a good way). For all those who once wished they were a Cinderella (I still do), Quinta da Regaleira is spot on with satisfying your inner Princess and will no doubt provide some very unique inspiration for the design of your future home.

Stay tuned for part 2 of Gen’s summer fling in Portugal.