Lisbon

Lisbon, located at the Tagus River, is a legendary town, carying a history of more than 20 centuries. From the Tower of Belém, a Manueline stonghold in the middle of the Tagus, Portugese maritime expeditions sailed off into the unknown.

... Lisbon

Mentor of the Portugese exploratory expeditions was Henry the Navigator. On the occasion of his 500th anniversary he got honored with the newly erected monument of the 'Padrão dos Descobrimentos'.

... Lisbon

Without a shadow of a doubt the most picturesque quarter in Lisbon is Alfama. Small alleyways upstairs downstairs make up a labyrinth in which one willingly loses his way.

After hours the melancholic Fado-music is heard in the eating houses.

... Lisbon

In a straightforward humble restaurant we enjoy drinking the delicious Viño Verde. Over there our fishing meal is already being prepared. Lovely!

We still remember this day as one of the most beautiful we ever experienced in our lives.

... Lisbon

The Jeronimous Monastery, among other architectural monuments, forms a masterpiece of Manueline style, enormously rich in sculptures.

The Manueline style emerged during the late-gothic and became known for it's luxurious extravagant ornamentations.

Serra de Sintra

Because of its outstanding natural scenery, the UNESCO proclaimed Sintra a world heritage for mankind. The enitre landscape is under high protection because it grows an extraordinary wealth in exotic trees.

Sintra

The Royal Palace of Sintra went trough many alterations and offers therefore a multitude of different styles. In particular the enormous kitchen, the gigantic chimneys, the Moorish room and the hall of escutcheons are certainly worth a visit.

Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is the most westerly situated tip of land on the European continent. The Atlantic ocean raises hell against the cliffs.

Palácio da Pena

On the highest mountain peak is the Pena Palace, built by king Fernando II. It's an amalgame of gothic, Moorish, renaissancistic, Manueline and baroque elements.

... Palácio da Pena

Not so long ago the palace served as a summer residence for the consort Ferdinand of Saksen-Coburg.

Cascais

Cascais is a renowned resort along the Portuguese Riviera. It breaths a warm and pleasant atmosphere. Bathing, strolling around, having a nice drink on a terrace and admiring the cultural heritage are among the things you might consider.

Portimão

Here the river Arade flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The unloading of fishing boats is a spectacle you cannot afford to miss. In a tearing rush the fishermen throw their baskets, full of fish, towards helpers on the quay.

We made our choice from this fine assortment of shellfish.

Ferragudo

Within a stone's throw of Portimão lies picturesque Ferragudo. This pretty white village is dedicated to tourism.

A nice camping site, where we pitched our tent, is just a little further on. It's an ideal starting place to explore the Algarve.

Ponte da Piedade

The rocky coast of Lagos holds a surprise. Ponte da Piedade is a region of surpassing delight. Cliffs, rich in color, contrast fiercely with the green-blueish sea.

... Ponte da Piedade

On an excursion boat you need not to miss any part of this natural spectacle.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a former African stonghold. Traces of the past are still apparent. Alleyways are covered with mosaic tiles. Moorish arcs and lanterns embellish the market square.

... Albufeira

Fiercely colored rock formations decorate the São Rafael beach at Albufeira.

Beach of Alvor

The beach of Alvor is typified by a series of rocky bays, surrounded by ocher colored cliffs.