A Day Full of Discoveries: From the Algarve to Sintra

Today, we said goodbye to our cozy apartment in the Algarve, near Albufeira. With a wistful glance at the sea, we began our journey north.

As we drove on the highway toward Lisbon, we noticed how the landscape gradually changed.

The typical Mediterranean vegetation of the Algarve, with its olive trees, cork oaks, and vibrant orange groves, gave way to an increasingly greener and hillier environment.

Particularly fascinating were the vast plains of Alentejo, where we could observe numerous storks. The majestic birds had built their nests high up on the power poles, an impressive sight that continually amazed us.

The closer we got to Lisbon, the denser the traffic became. The hustle and bustle of the capital was a stark contrast to the tranquility of the rural areas we had previously driven through. Particularly impressive was the moment we passed the towering Cristo Rei statue, which overlooks the Tejo river. This monumental statue, inspired by the famous Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro, was inaugurated in 1959 and symbolizes Portugal's gratitude for the preservation of the country during World War II. It looked majestic and powerful even from a distance.

Shortly thereafter, we crossed the Ponte 25 de Abril, one of the most iconic structures in Portugal. The red-painted steel construction strongly resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – no coincidence, as both bridges were built by the same company. During the drive, we were treated to a fantastic view of the Tejo and the city of Lisbon with its characteristic pastel-colored houses.

After these urban impressions, we continued our drive north and reached our first destination: the breathtaking Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. The rugged cliffs and the endless expanse of the Atlantic were impressive.

The wind carried a refreshing sea breeze, and we enjoyed a small treat of roasted chestnuts – a delight that made the moment perfect.

Next, we headed to Praia das Maçãs, a charming coastal town where time seems to stand still. The nostalgic old train that travels from Sintra here and the historic houses exuded an almost melancholic atmosphere.

On the beach, the wild waves crashed, and we lingered briefly to admire this powerful natural scenery.

In the afternoon, we reached our day's destination, Sintra. Our accommodation, Casa Holstein, immediately captivated us. This historic house with its well-kept garden radiates an elegant tranquility – perfect for relaxing after an eventful day.

A stroll through the historic center of Sintra was an absolute highlight. The narrow streets, historic buildings, and splendid Christmas decorations bathed the town in a magical light. Especially the lovingly decorated windows and streets showed how much the region celebrates the Christmas season.

We ended the evening with a wonderful meal at the restaurant Regional Sintra. We opted for meat, and the restaurant exceeded our expectations. I ordered a Châteaubriand with Béarnaise sauce, while my husband chose a pepper rump steak. Both cuts of meat were perfectly cooked, with an impressive size of at least 200 grams. And the price? A dream: just 17 €! This price-to-value ratio is simply unbeatable and rounded off the culinary experience.

Today, we covered a total of about 280 kilometers, and each and every one was worth it. The continuously changing landscape, the fascinating encounters with nature, and the vibrant impressions in the cities once again showed us how diverse and captivating Portugal is.