Can any Portuguese people introduce Portugal to me?
Sunday, May 30th, 2010What’s famous in Portugal, maybe some landmarks and great sight-seeing stuff, and most importantly, your CULTURE!!! I’d like to know all about you!
Archive for May, 2010
Discover Sintra with ARTEH: Romance Lives in Portugal
Friday, May 21st, 2010Lisbon, 23rd of September 2006
Can there be a more romantic destination than a place called “Mount Moon”? The Sintra mountain range was so called, due to the sun and moon cults that were practiced there during past eras. On an exuberant strong green mountain, peeking over the Atlantic ocean, lays the village of Sintra, named Cynthia by the Romans and a poet and writer’s preferred destination, like Lord Byron who even dedicated a couple of verses.
Sintra is a distinctive tourism region, one of the most notable in Portugal. The strong green landscapes, the mountains and the ocean, the Castle, the Palaces, the Houses and local gastronomy make of Sintra one of the most pleasurable locations of the country.
Named world patrimony by UNESCO due to the cultural landscape of the mountain range and the village, Sintra is a locality where you can easily confuse the symbiosis between Man and Nature, in a romantic environment of great mysticism.
Sintra has been favored by elitists for many eras, and all cultural attitudes have marked the region. Full of interesting houses, surrounded by luxurious gardens, its isolation attracted monks and hermits, who gave Sintra its religious and cultural dimension. It was also the elected place, for a number dynasties to set up their houses (permanent or for leisure), which have been conserves over the years. At the top of the mountain range we can observe the Castle of the Mouros, conquered from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques in 1147.
Sintra has some of the most beautiful and romantic constructions of the country that coexist perfectly with nature. Perhaps the maximum exponent is the Palacio da Pena, built 500 meters up the mountain range, by King D. Fernando in 1839. The rooms are decorated according to the time, there are mysterious hiding place, all decorative details are beautifully put together and the view is indescribably breath taking. This is what you can expect from this architectural jewel.
Another place to visit is Quinta da Regaleira, an eccentric building, constructed at the beginning of the 20th Century Inspired by Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles, it emanates an impressive and mysterious atmosphere. The Iniciatico Well, an intimidating spiral stair case inside the house, invokes esoteric rituals that were repeatedly practiced in the place. Sintra’s Paco Real, with its long and conic emblematic white chimneys, marks the beginning of the Old Village of Sintra and is an un-missable monument of the patrimonial wealth, as well as the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Monserrate.
But strolls around Sintra don’t only include the Old Village and the beautiful mansions. Not far you will find beaches that are very popular. Such as Praia das Macas (Apple Beach) and Praia Grande (the Great Beach), preferred destinations of elitists of the region. Close by, Cabo da Roca marks the western most point of Europe. Also worth discovering are other villages such as Colares, where famous wines are produced, and Azenhas do Mar built on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
The visit to Sintra will not be complete without tasting and taking home some of its typical pastry, like the Travesseiros and Queijadas de Sintra, that promise to leave a sweet memory in your mouth of one of the most charming destinations in Portugal.
To complete the experience and extend sensations in an unforgettable manner, choose one of the best charming hotels of the region for an accommodation that is guaranteed to prolong the emotions.
Villa Albatroz
As you open the window, feel the sea breeze and appreciate the fascinating life of Cascais Bay.
Encrusted in the centre of Cascais, directly over its attractive bay is the relaxing Villa Albatroz. The perfect and sophisticated setting is the guarantee of a memorable stay.
Luxury and taste are omnipresent throughout the Villa. The rooms display distinct and personalised natures inspired in the D. Maria style that creates a pleasant period atmosphere, both comfortable and charming.
Senhora da Guia
Sip a drink at the panoramic bar, enjoy nature, silence and the glorious ocean view.
Located between Cascais and Guincho Beach, between the sea and the golf course, Senhora da Guia offers the perfect combination of sophisticated atmosphere and quality service.
The rooms and sitting areas, distributed throughout three buildings, are surprising due to their attractive design, the taste of the decor, and the refinement and comfort of the furniture. A number of the rooms provide direct access to the ample gardens and to the salt water pools, while the others offer snug terraces and a superb ocean view.
Quinta do Rio Touro
Rest, read, and dream, nestled in a valley between the mountain and the sea.
Close to a small creek, curiously named Rio Touro (Bull River), along a sheltered and luxuriant valley facing the ocean and in the depths of the Sintra-Cascais natural park, lays the distinguished Quinta do Rio Touro.
The interior design is personalised, the common living areas are replete with genuine antiques and classical and modern paintings, the rooms are spacey and offer superb views of the gardens and the valley with the sea in the horizon.
Hotel Albatroz
Dive into a salt water pool and relax to the sound of waves lapping on the rocks.
“Tiny Almond Box” the pet name of the ancient Palace of the Dukes of Loule, is today, the prestigious Hotel Albatroz, a luxury hotel situated by the sea in the village of Cascais.
The sumptuous and elegant decor in soft colours effuses the charm of a private residence and reveals itself to be both comfortable and warm. The rooms and ample suits benefit from the calming view of the sea, also present at the restaurant and perfectly in harmony with the unique menu of fish and seafood.
Farol Design Hotel
Settle into your designer chair and touch the sea.
The old Farol Guest House, once a XIX century mansion owned by the Count of Cabral, was carefully refurbished, becoming the current Farol Design Hotel, adjacent to the marina in the historical centre of Cascais.
The attention to design is a concern also present on the inside, starting with a balanced comfortable design of the interior space, created by renowned architects, and carries on through to the sober yet cosy rooms, some of which were designed by leading Portuguese designers.
Jose Felix is the Marketing and Communications Manager for ARTEH
Best travel book for Spain and Portugal?
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010Hi, i’m starting early on planning an anniversary trip to Spain (mostly the south) and Portugal. Do you have any recommendation for travel books, preferrably one that has both countries in one?
What credit cards are most widely accepted in Portugal?
Saturday, May 15th, 2010We are traveling from the United States and want to be prepared. Are credit cards accepted at most restaurants? Shops? Hotels?
The Online Source for Everything Lisbon and Portugal – Golisbon.com
Friday, May 14th, 2010
Online search has replaced guidebooks as the primary tool for travel information and research. With that in mind, GoLisbon.com was created as a complete source for those heading to Portugal’s historical and seductive capital.
Lisbon is one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations, as new low-cost airlines enable those with lower budgets to discover this captivating city. In addition to that, Lisbon has hosted some major international events (the world fair Expo98, the Euro2004 championships, the MTV Music Awards, the Rock in Rio-Lisboa festival, among others), which has brought it into the international spotlight.
But above all, the reason to go to Lisbon is to experience Lisbon. In the 15th century it was the departure point for many of the voyages of discovery and today visitors discover that Vasco da Gama’s or Prince Henry the Navigator’s spirit of discovery is still present in the city’s intricate World Heritage monuments, in its colorful hills and alleys, and in its breathtaking viewpoints overlooking whitewashed churches and pastel or tiled houses.
They also find a city not only proudly looking at its remarkable past, but also embracing the 21st century with futuristic architecture and an ever-growing number of attractions.
GoLisbon.com presents all of Lisbon’s facets, highlighting the city’s best sights, restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, clubs, beaches, kids and family attractions, gay and lesbian venues, monuments and museums. All the sights are illustrated by coloful photos, and there are also suggested itineraries to better help in the planning of a trip.
The site has also expanded into the rest of Portugal, showcasing all of this charming and beautiful country’s cities and villages, from fairytale Sintra to medieval Obidos, to majestic Porto, to the spectacular coast and beaches of Algarve. And to complement all of that information, there is a comprehensive section on Portuguese culture, explaining the country’s history and arts. Those looking to learn a few Portuguese words will also find a useful dictionary, as well as a food glossary.
Also outstanding is the site’s large list of hotels, hostels, and apartments, all available for booking at deep discounts. Its cheap prices are unbeatable. It is also possible to reserve tours, find maps and transportation information, or interact with other travelers by posting questions or comments in a forum.
There isn’t any other website about Lisbon or Portugal with this much information. GoLisbon.com is THE sourse for everything Lisbon and Portugal. Bookmark it now if you’re thinking of visiting.
www.GoLisbon.com – Tourist sights and hotels guide
Is Aptamil baby formula available in portugal?
Thursday, May 6th, 2010I’m taking my 8 wk old baby to Tavira in september and want to know if I’ll be able to get aptamil stage one formula in portugal. Also are huggies nappies available in portugal?
Do you know the Eastern Algarve in Portugal?
Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Eastern Algarve, Portugal – the still undiscovered part of the Algarve
The Eastern Algarve is bordered by the Atlantic to the south, the N2 Faro-Sao Bras road to the west, the Vascao stream which forms the border with the Alentejo to the north, and the Guadiana river which forms the border between Portugal and Spain to the east. It is a small area, a parallelogram about 45km south to north and west to east. Anywhere can be visited in a day trip from Tavira in the centre of the coast.
The Eastern Algarve has four distinct geophysical zones:
The Guadiana river system marking its eastern flank and the border with Spain
The coastal strip of long sand beaches and the Ria Formosa wetlands
The coastal plain of good agricultural land characterised by citrus orchards – the barrocal
The hills, sparsely populated, which account for most of the land area – the serra
Why go to the Eastern Algarve?
Miles of golden sand beaches – the best in Portugal with the warmest water.
Still un-spoilt by mass tourism.
One of the sunniest places in Europe – over 3000 hours sunshine per year.
Kind, helpful people, no hassle.
Safe – no health or security risks
Pleinty of Sports
When to visit the Eastern Algarve?
The Algarve has one of the mildest and sunniest climates in Europe. That means it makes a welcome break from most of the European countrie at any time of year: winter, spring, summer or autumn.
Winter
The Eastern Algarve doesn’t really have a winter, it just goes from a hot dry summer to an extended spring. However, temperatures are lowest and rainfall highest between November and February. But within these months, there are many days of blue skies when daytime temperatures in the sun reach mid to high 20’s centigrade and you can quiet easily sunbath. These warm ‘winter’ days are some of the nicest of the year. However, when the skies are clear, the evenings and the early mornings can be chilly, though it is very rare for temperatures to drop to zero overnight.
Advantages
Cheapest time of the year (excluding Christmas and New year weeks)
Less tourists
A welcome break from northern winter blues
Disadvantages
If you are unlucky, it could rain for a whole week (though temperatures will be mild)
Less entertainment and festivals
Too cold to swim – unless you are brave
What to do
Besttime of year for doing the cultural things
Great for walking, bird watching, golf etc
When the sun is shining, sit in it
Spring
Temperatures rise and rainfall lessens throughout March, April and May. This is the time that the plants go crazy before the summer heat – the wild flowers becoming ever more spectacular throughout these months. In the hills, the streams and rivers are flowing. You can have your first swims of the year in the sea, rivers or pool during these months.
Advantages
Good value-for-money sunshine
Countryside at its most beautiful
Like summer but without the tourists
Disadvantages
Could get a good soaking
What to do
Get into the hills
Enjoy the wild flowers
Do the cultural things (or play golf)
Summer
For four months, between the middle of May and the middle of September, it is very hot and completely dry. All ground cover has burnt away, leaving fields brown. However, many trees – especially alfaroba (carob) and olives – and other drought resistant plants are green all year round, so that even in the middle of summer there is a lot of greenery and some flowers. The citrus and other fruit orchards of the coastal plains are irrigated, ensuring green foliage and ripe fruit throughout the summer. For plants, the summer is like the winter in most of the European Countries – it is the time they die off, drop their leaves, and stop growing.
Advantages
Guaranteed sunshine
Warmest water
Most evening entertainment and festivals
Warm nights
Disadvantages
Can be very hot
Most expensive time of year
Transport, restaurants, beaches, shops – all at their busiest
What to do
Sit on the beach or by the pool
Swim
Stay in the shade
Ddrink plenty of water
What to book
Houses with pools, sea breezes, fans, air-conditioning, sun umbrellas and shaded terraces.
Cars with air-conditioning
‘Autumn’
Sometime after the middle of September, the summer will ‘break’ and a thunderstorm will usher in the first rains. The extreme heat of summer will be gone and the climate enter one of the most pleasant times of the year. For plants, this is like the start of spring in most of the European countries, the time when they all begin to come to life again. The first rains – which can begin any time from late September to November – turn the hills and fields from brown to green almost over night.
Advantages
Warmest water of the year
Lovely walking weather
Best value-for-money sunshine of the year
Still summer but without the tourists
Disadvantages
Could get a soaking
What to do
Swim in the sea or the rivers
Play golf
Walk in the hills and on the beaches
Go bird watching in the Ria Formosa
Michael Hehn is the webmaster of http://www.eastalgarve-properties.com/, a site that offers a wide range of useful and helpful information about properties in Eastern Algarve. Visit his site for more informations about the Algarve.