portugal
Lisbon (2018, 2023).
- Time Out Market.
- Black Sheep Lisboa. A wine bar. Take your glasses into the park.
- Castelo de São Jorge.
- Senhor Uva: great vegetarian restaurant.
- Jardim Botânico de Lisboa.
- Two mid-range, small hotels in good locations:
- Casa Das Janelas Com Vista is charming with great views from Room 7; I’ve stayed twice.
- Casa Do Jasmim is in a slightly more convenient location (a couple blocks away), but is not quite as perfect inside.
- Get a public transit pass and ride everywhere. Buses, trams, and trains are all easy, including to Cascais and Sintra.
- Bird in the Tagus estuary with Birds and Nature Tours in Portugal.
Cascais (2018).
- Beach by the train.
- Then, take a cab or bike to Praia do Guincho to see the transition to the Atlantic.
Sintra (2023).
- Castelo dos Mouros.
- Jardins do Parque da Pena.
Faro (2023).
- Bird in Ria Formosa.
- Rent bikes from Formosamar and bike to Gigi’s beach.
- Ferry to Faro beach.
- Airbnb apartment is a 2-minute walk outside the main hustle and bustle.
- Drive4Miles, my new favorite rental car company. There’s an airport office and one by the train station.
Sagres (2023).
- The best place.
- Laundry Lounge Sagres. Food, drinks, laundry.
- Mar Ilimitado for pelagic birding and cetaceans.
- Rota Vicentina, amazing backpacking trail along Western coast. We hiked from Aljezur down to swim at Praia de Amoreira.
- FERMENTO. Excellent mediteranean restaurant.
- Three Little Birds, a burger bar.
- Nemmo Sagres, a fairly fancy hotel which was worth it, at least from Room 324.