The Pre-historic & Medieval town of Monsaraz, Alentejo
Why, we are asking, does everyone want to go to Portugal?! Well…for a start, I found it nearly impossible to choose a mere handful of photos for this post about a country that offers such a variety of: architecture, color, scenery, history and outdoor experiences. Portugal truly has something for any and every traveler.
This montage can only begin to highlight the delights of this small European country which one can easily cross in just a few hours. I have never been able to see and experience so much in such a short amount of time without feeling the least bit rushed for bogged down with an overpacked itinerary.
In Portugal one cannot help but relax. Lifestyle and ease is embedded into their mindset. They drive slowly, take their time at meals ( which by the way BLEW me away). Italy don't be angry with me, but I had the best Cacio e Pepe of my life in Evora Portugal, not Rome! The sardines, the cured meats, the fresh caught seafood, lamb, the produce. It was the highest level culinary experience in a country that has been underated and unrecognized for its level of cuisine for many years. The Portuguese stop on the street to listen to musicians strumming their guitars or singing Fado as they grab their partner to dance. The wines from the Duoro to Alentejo and Dao regions are not only reasonably priced, but rival the quality of those in California.
This is not the Portugal I visited twenty-five years ago. Strolling the streets of Lisbon, I felt a sense of culture, sophistication, history and beauty that rivals Europe’s most coveted metropoli. The country is a delight of tiles, colors, design and artistic details that are unparalleled perhaps in any other country. I adore blue and white and there is plenty of that, along with shades of pastel that pop against the bluest of skies, bright shades of yellow, terra cotta, lime and mint green adorning the most charming buildings. The Portugese are masters of color.
The countryside offers up gorgeous rolling hills, incredibly well-preserved Medieval towns, the most stunning churches I have seen anywhere in Europe and a spectacular coastline. One can find world class surf up north in Ericeira and Nazare or more mellow, family-friendly waters in the swank little town of Comporta, where rice fields abound that for a moment would make one think they were in South East Asia.
Portugal is an easy flight even for those on the West Coast. Pick up a car (as it is imperative to have one if you wish to experience all of the treasures this country) in Porto or Lisbon and off you can go on one of many different itineraries we would be delighted to share with our clients.
Obrigada Portugal,
Alexis
Lisbon, Comporta, Obidos, Ericeira, Evora
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