Showing posts with label Portugal. Show all posts

National And Nature Parks Of Portugal

Portugal is an exciting and popular tourist destination known for its historic cities like Lisbon and Porto, but did you know that it has several national and natural parks that are stunningly beautiful too? So, whether you are looking to do a self-guided tour or looking for one of the many organised Portugal tours, here is some information about what you can see in the national and nature parks of Portugal. This is an advertorial.

How Many National Parks Does Portugal Have?


Portugal has only one National Park, the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês but it has several natural or nature parks too, thirteen to be precise, where you can see abundant flora and fauna in a protected area of natural beauty.  These include Parque Natural do Alvão, Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, Parque Natural do Litoral Norte and Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, amongst others.

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

otter

In the very north-east of the country, the Serra da Peneda and Serra do Gerês combine to make the only official national park in Portugal. It is over 695 square KM in size and its two highest peaks are Serra Amarela and the Serra do Soajo. The valleys in this national park have lots of lush green land, streams and forests of pine and oak. There are many animals to look out for in the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês including the gold-stripe salamander, the Iberian frog, wolves, boars, otters, buzzards, golden eagles and red kites amongst others. 

Parque Natural do Alvão

fisgas de ermelo

Parque Natural do Alvão is a protected area in the Tâmega and Douro Subregions of northern Portugal. This park is the smallest of all the natural parks in Portugal. The area is mountainous and is approximately 72 sq KMs in size. Trees in this area include oak, hazel, holly and chestnut. Animals that populate the area include wild boars, roe deer, rabbits and hares, and reptiles include the Iberian emerald lizard and the Latastei viper. It is also home to Fisgas de Ermelo, one of several waterfalls in the park

Parque Natural do Litoral Norte 

Esposende

Parque Natural do Litoral Norte is located in the northern area of Portugal on the coast. This park was created to preserve the sand dunes and wildlife of the area. It has over 140 species of birds in this area, and other animals include hedgehogs, squirrels and boars as well as lizards and snakes. It is an area of intense agricultural activity too. 

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is situated in the largest mountain range in Portugal and also has the highest peak in Mainland Portugal, making it a popular destination for skiing in winter. It is over 100 KM2 in size and is home to the wall lizard, otters, badgers, and wild cats as well as large flocks of sheep. The flora of the area includes black oak, juniper and the gentian, a plant in danger of extinction.

Parque Natural de Sintra Cascais

pena palace

Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais is a natural park of 145 km2. Being close to Lisbon, it is a popular area and has many points of historical interest. This area is very rich in flora and fauna and animals found here include badgers, wild rabbits, weasels, kestrels and the Peregrine falcon. There are many beaches on the edge of the park and a visit to UNESCO Sintra and the Pena Palace, one of the most beautiful municipalities in Portugal, is worth visiting. 

So here is information about the national parks and nature parks of Portugal. There are more nature parks to discover, too. Enjoy your visit to Portugal, and don't forget to get your Portugal visa before you go.

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What To Do In Lisbon Portugal in 48 Hours

Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital has much to entertain locals and tourists alike. Sitting on seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus river where it meets the Atlantic, it is continental Europe’s westernmost capital and one of the world's oldest cities. 

Lisbon is fairly compact for a city and you can get around by foot or on the local trams - a very good idea when you have to climb one of the steep hills.  If you only have 48 hours to spare, here is what to do in Lisbon, when time is of the essence. 

Visit Baxia and Chiado 


Baxia and Chido are the areas you need to go to shop. The historic centre – the Baixa Pombalina, has traditional shops and museums, and the lively streets of Chiado, has an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional stores. Most of this area was rebuilt in the 18th century after the Great Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

Take the Santa Justa Lift


Connecting Baixa to the Bairro Alto is the Santa Justa Lift, Elevador de Santa Justa. This lift was designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, and you can really see his influence in the design. Take the lift up for a view of the city.  However, if there is a queue, take the steps and save your money, it's not worth queuing for longer than 10 minutes.

Visit the Time Out Market



The Time Out Market is a great place to stop for food and drink. This cool food hall is located in the Mercado Da Ribeira at Cais do Sodre. Choose your dishes from the independent eateries, grab a cocktail, beer or soft drink and then sit enjoying the freshest produce on long communal tables. There is even a section run by well-known Michelin-starred chefs.  

Exploring the winding streets of Alfama


Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, Alfama, is an interesting area of winding narrow streets and steep staircases which lead you up to São Jorge castle which overlooks the city. It's a beautiful neighbourhood full of colourful houses. Ride on the number 28 tram which connects Graça with Baixa and passes through the streets and hills of Alfama for an authentic experience. 

Take in a Fado show


Alfama is home of Fado music. This melancholy music about the realities of life is soulful and mournful and beautiful to listen to as the singers have real depth in their singing. We saw a girl in her early 20's singing and a man in his 90's both equally good, the old man had an edge to him from all the years he has lived.

Explore Belem



Explore Belém, the cultural district of Lisbon. Many of Lisbon’s landmarks are here such as the Torre de Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries as well as the Praça do Império, a city square and park. A UNESCO heritage site, the Jerónimos Monastery is also worth a visit.

Book a tour with local guides


To get a real depth of knowledge about this city, book a tour with local guides.  It's a great way to find those hidden gems only a local knows. There are a number of paid and free tours in Lisbon, and a quick search of the internet will bring up the prices and reviews. Don't forget to tip if you find the guide excellent.

Take an afternoon to discover Sintra


Only a thirty-minute drive from Lisbon is the lush green mountains, medieval castles and romantic 19th-century palaces of Sintra - a UNESCO world heritage. I would highly recommend a visit to the Pena Palace, its grandiose design and the mix of architectural styles makes it a must-see inside and out.

Eat the local food




Finally, don't forget to eat the local cuisine. from fresh sardines eaten with local bread to Caldo Verde, a kale soup, to Carne de Porco Alentejana a dish of pork and clams. My favourites were the Portuguese tarts or Pastel de Nata. Drunk with a little of the local port, these egg custard tarts with a crisp pastry base are simply moreish. 
pin for later

So here is what to do in Lisbon Portugal in 48 hours. For more information especially for a first-timer check out this post - 25 tips for your first trip to Lisbon and check out my post on Natural and Nature parks of Portugal. 

 Tell me, have you been to Lisbon? 
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How To Spend 48 hours In Tavira Portugal

Today I have a guest post from Cath from the blog Passports and Adventures. Cath is a family, lifestyle and travel blogger that now lives in Portugal. 

Tavira is a town located in the eastern Algarve, Portugal, approximately 30 minutes from Faro, the region’s airport. A very traditional town, Tavira is popular with tourists seeking to escape the western Algarve towns synonymous with younger British tourists such as Albufeira and Vilamoura. Lying on the Gilão River, it’s a beautiful little town to visit, and here’s how to spend 48 hours in Tavira.

 48 hours in Tavira - Arrival

Upon arrival in Tavira, check into your accommodation at 3pm after arriving either by car, taxi or public transport. After freshening up, I would suggest making your way to the Roman Bridge where you can start exploring the town.

During peak seasons a small guided tour of Tavira can be accessed via the Delgaturis Train. This small train takes you around Tavira town, stopping at the castle for a few minutes for you to visit inside. There is a narrative guide in English, as well as other languages, to tell you about some of the points of interest around the town. The full tour takes approximately 50 minutes and is worth it.

Should the train not be running, I would suggest following the signs for the castle from the main square of Tavira. It is a short 10 to 15-minute walk to the castle, but it is mostly uphill. The castle is not very big but has some beautiful gardens, especially in the springtime or summer. And the views of Tavira rooftops from the balcony to the side of the castle are lovely. Close to the castle are excavations which can be viewed street-side. Just a little further up from the castle is an old water tower, from which you get a better view of Tavira.

After visiting the castle, walk back down towards to the Praça da República, the main square and, if it is open, pop into the Igreja da Misericórdia Church. It is a beautiful old church, one of over 30 in Tavira town alone. There is a small museum off a side door of the church if you like history.


Head back to your accommodation and get ready to head out for dinner. There are numerous places within Tavira to eat, ranging from traditional Portuguese restaurants to French, Indian and Pizza. But if you are in the Algarve you should at least try Piri Piri chicken, which is an Algarve speciality. Most general-type restaurants will serve it but for the best, you need to head out of town, along the EN-125, to Xhicken Piri Piri. You can drive your car or get a taxi. The chicken is our favourite dish alongside pork ribs and the bacalhau, a traditional Portuguese dish of dried, salted cod. Sounds a bit strange but the cod is soaked for 24 hours before being cooked. Each chef has his own take on bacalhau and you should try it at least once.

48 hours in Tavira – A full day



After, hopefully, a restful night’s sleep, you can opt for breakfast at your hotel. Or alternatively, why not head down to the Praça da República square and visit the Pastelaria Veneza for a croissant and coffee or a Tosta Mista (ham and cheese toasty). According to my husband, nothing beats Portuguese coffee. I’m not a fan and always have a black tea (chá preto in Portuguese). If you’d like an Americano coffee, impress the waiter or waitress by saying “Um abatanado por favour”. It will come black, so remember to ask for “um pouco de leite”.

Once you are suitably fuelled, why not take one of the ferries over to Ilha de Tavira, the beaches of Tavira which are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The summer service runs from the centre of Tavira, not far from the municipal market, which you should try and visit while in the town. The all-year service runs from the Cais das Quatro Águas pier, located 2km from the centre of town. The ferry is not expensive, a return journey will cost around €2 per person. There are also water taxis which can take you across, but these cost considerably more.

You can enjoy a walk along the beach or sunbathe. There is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months, during which time the beach is popular with holidaymakers. Be warned though, you need to catch an early ferry as the later you leave it, the longer the queues will be to make the trip across. There are a few restaurants located on Ilha de Tavira should you wish to have lunch before heading back to town.

After making your way back to Tavira, and with time to kill before dinner, why enjoy a walk through the cobbled streets or enjoy some time in the small park off the Praça da República. There is a band-stand in the centre which is surrounded by water in which you will see a small family of terrapins.

You could also try and catch a fado, a traditional Portuguese concert, in the Fado Com História, which is located beside the Misericórdia Church. There is one female fado singer, Sara Gonçalves, who has the most amazing voice, and she often sings at the Fado Com História. If you are lucky enough to catch a concert with her, you won’t be disappointed.



The perfect way to end a busy day is to have dinner at O Castelo, an outdoor restaurant just up the road from the Praça da República. This restaurant can get busy, especially at weekends and during the summer, so if you plan to try and visit it, ask your hotel to book the evening before. It is not a cheap eat compared to some other restaurants, but the food and service is excellent, and the ambience on warmer evenings is worth it.

48 hours in Tavira – Departure

Before leaving Tavira, you should take a walk across the Roman Bridge and wander through some of the smaller streets. The houses are very traditional in Tavira and you’ll find many with Instagram-worthy tiled fronts and doors. And why not return to Pastelaria Veneza for one last coffee and a pastel de nata, the traditional Portuguese egg tart. They have become somewhat of an addiction for me since moving to Portugal.

How to get to Tavira

The nearest airport to Tavira is Faro. All the major budget airlines fly from the UK and Ireland to Faro including EasyJet, Ryanair and Aer Lingus. Many of the holiday carriers also fly to Faro. If you’d like to combine a visit to Tavira with Lisbon, the Portuguese airline TAP have at least four daily flights direct from Faro to Lisbon.

To reach Tavira from Faro Airport you have a number of options. You can hire a car from one of the many companies located just outside the arrivals hall and across the short stay car park. Companies like Hertz, Avis and Europcar are available to hire cars from. There is also a large taxi rank at the arrivals hall should you wish to hop in a taxi. It takes approximately 30 minutes to Tavira and can cost anywhere between €50-60. Uber is also an option and is slightly cheaper than the taxis.

If you don’t mind public transport you can get a bus from Faro Airport to Faro Train station and then a train to Tavira. The train you will need will be heading towards Vila Real de Santo Antonio. But be warned, the Portuguese public transport system isn’t the most reliable or frequent, and connections don’t work as efficiently as it does in mainland Europe.

Where to stay in Tavira


There are a number of hotels in Tavira to choose from, depending on your budget. Two higher-end hotels to choose from are the Hotel Vila Galé Albacora, which lies a short distance from Tavira town itself, overlooking the Ria Formosa. You will need transport in order to stay in this hotel. However, the Hotel Vila Galé Tavira is located right in the centre of Tavira, across the road from the Municipal Market and has two swimming pools. There are other hotels in and around Tavira and there is a good self-catering option in Tavira Gardens, located on the edge of town. These are a mixture of residential and holiday apartments.

Cath is an Irish expat who now lives in Portugal with her husband and son. A former scientist, she gave up working when they emigrated south from the UK. She is a family travel and lifestyle blogger and hopes that, through her blog, they will inspire more families to travel, especially with young kids in tow. As a family, they love travelling and have started working their way through their family travel bucket list. Cath writes about their family travels and experiences on her blog Passports and Adventures. Catch Cath on Instagram too. 
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Portuguese Heart Jewellery

Portuguese Heart are a jewellery company that sells beautiful unique filigree jewellery. Here I speak to the owner of the company Catarina Araújo about her passion for beautiful Portuguese jewellery.



When did you start Portuguese Heart?

The website for Portuguese Heart went live in December 2012, but the ideas and preparation work for it began long before that. 

What is the idea behind the company?

I wanted to really promote this beautiful and unique art form, which isn't well-known outside of Portugal. I had bought filigree jewellery for friends in the past as gifts; they were always so well-received that it made me want to give others the chance to buy original gifts for their own family and friends. I hope that people will not only love the jewellery they see but find some inspiration to go to Portugal and discover the myriad other things we have to offer.

What are the price points?

I wanted to have a price range that would be affordable to everyone. Prices range from £14 to £250. These correspond to what you'll find in the jewellery streets in downtown Lisbon. 



What makes the jewellery special?

There's so much that makes it special. Firstly, I make sure to only buy very low numbers of each piece (usually 2 or 3) to guarantee that you won't meet someone wearing the same thing at a party (what woman doesn't hate that?). Another way it's special is that it's hand-made by artisans whose families have been in the business for generations. It's a dying art form - and one that I hope we can preserve by introducing others to it. Finally, the versatility of the jewellery is unrivalled: you can wear it with denim shorts on the beach sipping a caipirinha, or to a ball at Buckingham Palace... and everything in between. It's traditional to wear filigree at weddings in Portugal, but I've seen it at Indian weddings and it looks amazing! 



What are your favourite pieces of jewellery that you own?

For me, my favourites are always the ones that have sentimental value to you. Some of my favourites include pieces that belonged to my great-grandmother (I'm fairly sure I inherited my passion for jewellery from her), a ring my grandparents gave me on my graduation, and earrings that my boyfriend got me on our first Christmas living together.



How do you see the company progressing in the future?

The next step, which is due to take place in the next couple of months, is to start selling solid gold jewellery. And whilst I'd be happy to continue focussing on the filigree jewellery, it would be really exciting to expand to other traditional products - anything from luxury soaps to quality hats. 

What do you think of the jewellery above? I love the beautiful gold plated heart necklace. The filigree looks so delicate and intricate and you know that it would be extremely unlikely for anyone else to have something similar to this unique necklace.  

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