In the middle of March 2019, we’ve paid a short visit to Portugal, visiting Lisbon, Porto, and some places along the way. This photo story is a short memory of this travel.
Note that this entry was published in 2020 during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Since it isn’t the best time to travel and we’ve canceled all our plans for this year, I’m digging through archives to uncover some memories of photos from past trips.
Lisbon
We’ve arrived in Lisbon on Saturday evening and planned to stay there for 3 days and travel to Porto later for the rest of the trip. We unpacked in our Airbnb apartment located in Penha França (west part of the city).
![A view from our apartment - A dome of National Pantheon can be seen above the roofs.](/_astro/lisbon-view.B9gkTk_e_2lgMKV.jpeg)
The next day, on Sunday we went for a sightseeing walk around the city.
Lisbon is The City on Seven Hills, so there is a lot of walking up and downs, but also offers beautiful views from many viewpoints.
![The view from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Lisbon, Portugal](/_astro/lisbon-rooftops-1.BpS8eSR6_Z12c3ab.jpeg)
![The view from Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Lisbon, Portugal](/_astro/lisbon-rooftops-2.C0MXp3Jx_ZNIxYu.jpeg)
The architecture of the city wasn’t very appealing to us. On the one side, you cannot call it dull or boring - red roofs, colorful house fronts, and narrow streets are attractive.
![A colorful building in Lisbon, Portugal](/_astro/lisbon-old-buildings.DlToW8jg_2w7Api.jpeg)
But on the other hand, there are plenty of buildings that could use some refresh. Many antennas, wires, and tractions always find a way to get into the picture to ruin it.
Trams
One of the most known attractions of the city are the trams. They are quite old but still in service for the city infrastructure.
Obviously, we also went for a ride on the famous Tram 28, but the queue was crazy! I think it took more than 2 hours waiting in line to board it.
Around Lisbon
The next day we went for a small ride along the Atlantic coast to see the beautiful beach of Costa da Caparica.
![Praia da Costa da Caparica, Portugal](/_astro/praia-da-costa-da-caparica.DupOdPh-_Y6FrB.jpeg)
This was a really idyllic place. Clear sky, navy blue water, and warm sand made us stay there for a couple hours just enjoying the time without rush to do something else.
We’ve returned in the evening, admiring the sunset from the ferry towards Setúbal.
![Sunset over Parque Natural da Arrábida near Setúbal, Portugal](/_astro/sunset-over-setubal-coast.ChcuuvYx_Z16YMFp.jpeg)
Nazaré and Leiria
After a couple days in Lisbon, we went for the next part of the travel. The first step was Nazaré, a small town on the Atlantic coast, famous for its colossal surfing waves in the winter.
But also looks impressive in the sun!
![This is Nazaré, Portugal seen from Miradouro do Suberco](/_astro/nazare.BUIiydty_Z1JCGXq.jpeg)
The cliffs overlooking the north side of the city are more than 100m height, so the view from there is fantastic!
Since the Atlantic coast faces west, you can admire the golden sunset on the beach!
![Golden Sunset at the Beach in Nazaré, Portugal](/_astro/golden-sunset-at-nazare.BbxuRCJG_ZzQvGs.jpeg)
Castelo de Leiria
Less than 1-hour drive from Nazar, in Leiria, there are ruins of the castle, which is worth seeing just for the views from its walls.
![Panoramic view of Leiria town, seen from Castelo de Leiria, Portugal](/_astro/leiria-panorama.CXjkEoNd_ZNwoSv.jpeg)
But we’ve enjoyed a walk around its walls then the interiors.
![View from Castelo de Leiria, Portugal](/_astro/leiria-castle-ruins-view.BC5u8Uw5_1fju2g.jpeg)
Porto
After Nazaré, we went further north for the last chapter of our travel - Porto - and it found its place into our hearts since the first sight.
![Livraria Lello - a famous, old book store in Porto, Portugal](/_astro/livraria-lello-porto.DxfdzogX_Zo7dHj.jpeg)
We’ve enjoyed every minute of our say there. Our lovely apartment in the old town, cafes, shops and restaurants, beautiful city views and of course the Wineries and the Port wine!
Below you’ll find a few fantastic moments from Porto. Enjoy.
![View over Porto from Luís I Bridge, Portugal](/_astro/porto-panorama-2.BUEJeMB1_27Xuj5.jpeg)
![View over Porto from Teleférico de Gaia, Portugal](/_astro/porto-panorama-3.BAjcOWLB_S1jFM.jpeg)
![View of North bank of Douro River, Porto, Portugal](/_astro/porto-panorama-4.EjVX6vI6_Z15wkmu.jpeg)
![Night view over Douro River and Porto, Portugal](/_astro/porto-panorama-1.BxqMSlGE_1nIYdz.jpeg)