I change my mind. On both ideas.
I spent time in the Algarve, in the Douro and Lisbon and its surrounding areas. I have no idea how to sum up all of the great places I visited and lovely people I met, but I will do my best.
All in all, Portugal has remained a friendly and lovely place, even through the crisis and tough tough times. Smiles and beautiful tiles paint the city, delicious smells and indulgences make all meals irresistible. The beaches remain beautiful, with some tourism taking over but without the tourism Portugal would be in an even worse situation. The food is an endless list of fresh ingredients cooked in a simple way with flavours that leave you wanting more, much more. Of course the Pastel de nata/belem, bacalhao (cod) anything, octopus, piri piri chicken... so much. The wine is delicious and varied and not appreciated enough outside of Portugal. The people are incredibly friendly, hospitable and even if they do not know a word of English, they try - with a smile. I could go on and on.
A few fond memories and flavours.
ALJEZUR - ALGARVE
If you don't have a car, fear not, take the bus. EVA got me there on 20 euros, for the same amount of time and with free wireless.
This town in a valley with beaches, a few restaurants and a great health food store could provide me with all I need for a long time. Very chill, incredibly beautiful and over every hill is a completely new view and little town. The sunsets are incredible, the nights are cool - making sleeping easy, and the food is fresh. Thanks to some friendly fishermen I was staying with I tried Percebes (Barnicles) which look like claws with pumpkin seeds, had fresh octopus and cod by the ton, and ray.
REGUA - DOURO
I cannot explain my jaw dropping experience of scenery, smells and sunshine in the North. Miles of vineyards, mountains and a river make this a very easy and beautiful place to visit. I was treated to some incredible wakeboarding, port wine and amazing food - one meal being at DOC restaurant, right on the river. Beautiful food, options specializing in truffles and olives, delicious wine and a view that never gets old. I was there for 8 hours.
CASCAIS, ALCOCHETE, LISBON, SINTRA, ADRAGA, CAPARICA
These are all incredible places to visit and all within an hour of eachother. Like everywhere else, be careful of tourist traps. Do yourself a favour and check out the restaurants XXL in Cascais, Baro Alto, Pharmacy and Parc in Lisbon, La Palmeira in Alcochete and Soul Food in Sintra - of all things, a Vegetarian restaurant. For beaches, Guincho in the morning or for sunset, Caparica, the East end where there are less shops and tourists, and Adraga en route to Sintra.
As always I am hesitant to write about these spots because the last thing I want is for them to be packed out, but I also want to share and I want to help them with business. Please be respectful of the beaches, and, don't forget to tip your server. Their wage in probably a quarter of yours.
If you have the chance to be there in the summer, track down the Festas in the towns and do yourself a favour and get out to a bull fight and get a taste of a big part of the Portuguese culture. They do not kill the bull, which aids in the enjoyment of the event.
Don't forget to purchase some local cork products, wool, baskets, leather, ceramics and cotton.
Enjoy, indulge, taste, sip and smile.
Obrigada,
Pippa
