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Extended trip to Portugal
Hi
Trip report on extended trip to Portugal. A mixture of practical, logistical “stuff”, everyday living in Portugal and some tourist “stuff”. We have previously traveled extensively in Portugal and have seen most tourist attractions, this time we are focused on being “snowbirds”. Airport arrival – Lisbon airport Airplane was left on the tarmac and buses took us into the terminal building – that’s normal. The electronic passport readers didn’t work (that’s also normal) so an official manually checked our documents. It took about 15 minutes to go thru, passport, luggage and customs, faster than we expected. Getting the phone - Vodafone Still inside the airport but in the public area we obtained a SIM card (chip card) for the phone from the Vodafone store. The one we got is called Vodafone Travellers valid for 30 days, it has 10GB data, 500 minutes talk in Portugal, 30 minutes talk internationally, all for 20 euros. With this we got a local phone number but more important was the data to make video calls on WhatsApp. The store salesperson physically installed the card and activated it so we didn’t have to do anything; it was simple, convenient and quick. We later learned that this plan is NOT renewable and had to switch to a different plan – Vodafone You – which is similar but doesn’t have the international minutes. Again the Vodafone salesperson was very helpful. Tip: Vodafone and some stores in Portugal have a ticket dispenser near the entrance and customers are served in the order of the tickets - look for the display for the customers (some tickets have both numbers and letters). Tip: have a backup plan; don’t fully rely on electronics, sometimes they just don’t work. My phone still assumes that I’m in my home country (even with location turned on) and the result is that some apps don’t work properly and others can’t be downloaded because of geographical restrictions. Car Rental Car rental is also on the public area of arrivals but to the side and a bit awkward to get to (to the right of the Vodafone store –follow the signs). If you rent a car get the Via Verde transponder for the highway which can also be set up to pay for parking at some locations. I also get the car rental ( not a third party ) extended CDW (Collision, Damage Waiver) insurance that covers everything including the tires – yes , that’s a new way for rental companies to get more money ( damage / wear on tires). Familiarize yourself with driving in Portugal, items that stand out for me: -entering and exiting a multi-lane roundabout – not as simple as it looks -pedestrian crossings that aren’t controlled by lights – scary how pedestrians just cross in front of cars traveling at full speed -disrespect of stop signs – more of a suggestion for Portuguese drivers -bikes between cars -driving a manual transmission car on the hills and NOT rolling back into car the behind me -very slippery cobble stone roads when wet -very narrow spaces to drive in some areas -can’t find parking -know the words for fuel – Gasoleo is Diesel – Gasolina is Gasoline Tip: If you make your trip itinerary for locations that have good public transit you can avoid the expense and stress that comes with driving in Portugal and have that extra glass of wine – no worries. Taxis Taxis are immediately outside the arrivals building – if you turn south (to the right) you will see the bus stop and the red M that stands for Metro (subway), the red line services the airport. The subway – Lisbon The subway has 4 lines, red, blue, green and yellow. The subway lines interfaced with each other and also the buses and trains (including the intercity national trains and buses) at specific locations, consult the map diagram. We found the subway; quick, clean, safe and overall convenient inside Lisbon once we understood how to change between the different lines and modes of transport. Tip: we used the subway and other public transit outside of rush hours for more pleasant less hectic trips. Tip: when we exit the subway car we would wait by the opposing wall until the majority of the people had gone by ( rushing to their hectic life’s), that way we could walk and figure directions, etc. at our own pace without impeding anyone else. Subway ticket We decided to purchase a Navegante reloadable ticket. An $ amount is loaded into the card and every time the card is used (by tapping the card at the card reader machine) the amount of the trip is deducted from the card. When the card is tapped the balance left on the card is very briefly shown. The card is valid on the Lisbon subway, the Lisbon Carris (yellow) buses/trams and the CP urban train lines in Lisbon (Lisbon to Cascais and Lisbon to Sintra). The card is NOT valid on any other trains or subway but is valid on some other urban buses surrounding Lisbon but not all and not the intercity buses (rede expressos). VERY IMPORTANT: all subway stations and some train stations are gated to both enter and exit. THE TICKET IS NEEDED TO ENTER AND EXIT. Urban train Lisbon to Cascais Used this line a lot. Total run time from end to end is about 45 minutes. There are 2 types of trains: stops in all stops (para todas) and semi express/express (semi rapido (smra)). On the front or on the side of the train it can display: Cascais todas – that means it will stop at all stops from Lisbon to Cascais Oeiras todas – that means it will stop at all stops from Lisbon to Oeiras. Oeiras smra means that the train is an express until Oeiras and then becomes a stop at all stations until Cascais. The stations of Alges, Oeiras, Sao Pedro Estoril have 3 train lines – if your train stops in the middle line you have to transfer to next train on the south line if going from Lisbon to Cascais or the north line if going from Cascais to Lisbon. The train in the middle line will return to Lisbon but their schedule is different and some trains overnight on the middle line. Sometimes the displays aren’t correct (it happened to us) or a mistake is made and we end up on an express train that doesn’t stop at our intended station. With a single destination trip ticket this is a problem because we would be travelling past the stop we paid for and besides the inconvenience we could get a fine from the ticket inspector. With the ticket we had (Navegante reloadable) has long as we had $ balance on the ticket there’s no issues with the ticket inspector. Just like the subway these trains can get very busy at rush hour so we used of peak. On this line we encountered both street performers (quite good) and beggars, they were respectful and a simple NO head nod was sufficient to keep the beggars away ( my wife says I have permanent mad face that keeps people away – and she still married me – go figure, love is truly blind). Intercity Bus - Rede Expressos Rede Expressos is the national intercity bus carrier. Used their bus between Braga and Viseu (more trips to come). Bus was clean and comfortable comfort, only drawback was the lack of an onboard washroom. The Rede Expressos app was good for finding routes and schedules but not successful for booking trips, we booked trips in person. Specific seats can be reserved at time of booking. Luggage is loaded and offloaded by the passengers not the driver – there’s no luggage control. Tip: if you’re travelling a route that has in between stops, get out of the bus at the in between stops to see that nobody takes your luggage by mistake (it happened to a lady on our bus – similar looking luggage) just make sure the driver knows so he doesn’t drive away without you. |
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Bus from plane to terminal https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...642f54ae6e.jpg Vodafone store at Lisbon airport https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b2dfc7e47b.jpg Car rental at Lisbon airport |
Added Trip Report and Portugal tags
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Vodafone SIM card. €20 for 30 days https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cfa66d2628.jpg Navegante reloable card for bus, subway and train in Lisbon. We loaded €40 to start. |
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Subway ticket vending machines and ticket booth in the background https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b8cdaadacf.jpg Subway car, notice the cork seat inserts. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8bba0631cd.jpg Subway car and platform, notice the multiple levels https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4f5a9790b0.jpg Subway entry / exit gates |
on for the ride
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You give a lot of practical and helpful information. What was your itinerary? How many nights in each place? We have visited Lisbon and Sintra but I would love to return to visit the rest of Portugal.
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Karen woo
We are staying for 3 months. 2 months in the Algarve and 1 month for travel time and visit/stay with friends from previous trips. Because we are trying the "snowbird" approach we are going to be fairly sedentary so that we can compare with Florida - our usual snowbird destination. That's the reason we are focusing more on the practical stuff. |
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Taxi colors, black with green roof and also a rare cream color taxi. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7ed076631f.png We used the Taxi-Link app to help calculate trip prices. Real world prices within €5 for most trips. |
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Lisbon to Cascais train https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5b05bd6d1b.jpg Lisbon to Cascais train raised platform for anyone with mobility issues (wheelchairs, walkers, canes). The first door of the first train car will stop at the access platform https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0df05457a5.jpg Lisbon to Cascais train ticket validating machines https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f9532853d2.jpg Lisbon to Cascais train car https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8b502d2e3b.jpg Lisbon to Cascais info board at Cais do Sodré. Train platform number, destination, time of departure. Underneath each static info line is a moving line of the train stops ( blurry words) https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0755d201e3.jpg Lisbon to Cascais train typical underground tunnel to access platforms and street |
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Morning tea in the Algarve, sure beats shoveling snow |
Love that photo. That's the way to ring in the new year.
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aulop,
What a nice start to 2023---sun and the beach! Where are you staying in the Algarve? Western, eastern or in the middle? We met several Canadian snowbirds in Cabanas, near Tavira. |
Maitaitom
I agree with you, it's a great way to start the year, hopefully many more to come. Maribel Our base is around Vilamoura, which is very touristy but it's ok with us because we are tourists and it has lots of restaurants and apartments. We hear English but also many other languages so this is definitely a tourist spot. |
Intercity train –Alfa Pendular (AP)
The Alfa train is the fastest train in Portugal; the train rarely travels at top speed so travel takes longer than its top speed implies (240kmh). We used it for several trips so far – it’s our favorite. It has a first and second class, washrooms, luggage storage (lockable $fee) reclining seats with tray table and snack car. All seats are reserved at time of booking. Each train car has half the seats facing one way and the other half the opposite way, where both seat directions meet – four seats face each other with a table in between, perfect for families or couples socializing. Tip: buy the first class ticket if you can afford it, the seats are bigger. |
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Alfa train is easy to spot it's the only one with the aerodynamic front, all other trains have a flat square front https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4718e43fd4.jpg Alfa train 2 class has 2 seats on each side https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dc848f0af1.jpg Alfa train 1 class has 2 seats on one side and 1 seat on opposite side https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2d75878367.jpg Alfa train luggage rack at beginning of car https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dba9c4169c.jpg Alfa train washroom https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...df3c600815.jpg Alfa train snack car https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6155eef5e5.jpg Alfa train ticket Carr is short for carruagem which means car Lug is short for lugar which means seat |
Money / ATM/ credit card
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cdaeacd01b.jpg Euro bank notes https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3976986aa1.jpg Euro coins https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b7569c04aa.jpg ATM with high fees https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0e43943ba6.jpg ATM with high fees https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...60f599d640.jpg ATM with lower fees. This ATM belongs to a bank (BPI). Notice the MB sign, the initials for Multibanco. Multibanco is an ATM network of Portuguese banks. Multibanco is what most stores use. Multibanco has lower fees. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...552ef02c5f.jpg Purchased a prepaid card from Montepio bank for use in Multibanco. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7f892b026.jpeg Notice the MB on the back of the card In some stores the staff does not accept payments - the payments are made to a machine, it's real and not a scam. |
aulop,
Thank you very, very much for post 17, showing the ATM Euronet machines that one should avoid at all costs, and the multibancos that travelers should use! |
Maribel
Thanks, I'm trying to post info that it's useful to all, before I start posting the more touristy photos. |
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The cash payment machine I mentioned before. Lower left in photo, almost like an ATM. Staff would not handle payments. Payments have to be made to the machine. |
Apps
These are the apps I found useful. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e72b0022b.jpeg Navigator GPS. Maps can be downloaded for offline use. Turn by turn directions for car or pedestrian use. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0ef09bde5.jpeg GPS Waypoint Navigator for off-road use. Good for tracking walks in back country. Vector or topographic maps can be downloaded for offline use. Paid $. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d5d13b692.jpeg CP is the official app for trains in Portugal. Very useful if traveling by train. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6caab0d75.jpeg myRNE is the official app for the Rede Expressos buses. Good for intercity buses. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...75673b3bf.jpeg Carris official app of the buses in Lisbon. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4f8934710.jpeg Vamus Algarve official app of intercity buses in the Algarve. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...037b44eab.jpeg taxi-link useful for estimating taxi fares in available cities https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...37914c061.jpeg Weather Network app for weather predictions, fairly accurate https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1a6f1ad13.jpeg Translate app, languages can be downloaded for offline use. Real time photo text translation requires data. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f989153a4.jpeg My Vodafone app keeps track of the data and minutes on my phone plan https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f89d3f360.jpeg WhatsApp use for messages, voice calls and video calls. Requires data |
Criminal activity
A friend called me to let me know that his girlfriend's car was broken in and items stolen, overnight in Lisbon. It is a company car and the items stolen also belong to the company but still very upsetting. The thieves smashed the rear window. DON'T LEAVE ANY ITEMS IN THE CAR. I have had my wallet stolen by pickpockets on 2 separate occasions in Lisbon, ( not on this trip -so far, hopefully it won't happen again). Tip: don't have any valuables visible. Keep your money separate from your ID. Keep ID in hotel/rental safe and carry a certified copy of your ID. Have a "sacrifice" wallet with a few €€ . The emergency number in Portugal is 112. The most visible police forces are: PSP (polícia segurança pública), they have dark blue, almost black, uniforms. GNR (guarda nacional republicana) their colors are green, grey and black. Some large cities (Lisbon) have their own municipal police. Some security companies uniforms look like police but it easy to differentiate - they don't carry guns. |
Supermarkets
There are 3 basic ways to buy groceries in Portugal, local markets, small grocery store and supermarkets. Continente and Auchan are the largest supermarkets with largest selection and some other products such electronics, clothing, etc. MiniPreco, Lidl, Pingo Doce, Intermarche, are smaller supermarkets with smaller selection and just groceries. The prices tend to be similar between supermarkets but selection is the big difference. Groceries prices are somewhat lower but not by much once exchange rates are taken into account. The biggest difference in prices in the supermarkets between Portugal and North America is the price of local wine, which is much lower in Portugal. |
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Continente supermarket https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...31e13cf36e.jpg Auchan supermarket https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c934d8e97a.jpg Auchan supermarket shellfish https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1fb8389473.jpg Auchan supermarket fish counter https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cc6b0a8567.jpg Auchan supermarket local wine section https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bbdf1a64db.jpg Auchan supermarket lowest priced wine we could find. €1.29 that's less $2 dollars per bottle. Wine is literally cheaper than water. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ecafc507c6.jpg Auchan supermarket juice boxes for adults 🙂. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b6fd4876eb.jpg The supermarket also sold "experiences" restaurant meals , hotels , vineyard visits with wine tasting. Didn't use it but I think it works by buying it at the supermarket and then booking online. |
Sidewalks, Hills and Stairs
Portugal is the country of a thousand hills and the stairs that accompany those hills. If you’re walking in Lisbon, Porto and most of Portugal be prepared for a leg workout, you’ll have the calves of an athlete by the time you’re done. No need to join the gym, Stairmaster is free- just walk outside. Did I mention there are stairs. Sidewalks in Portugal range from beautiful works of art to safety hazards. Most sidewalks are made of small square stones that become polished with wear and VERY slippery when wet. Any natural stone sidewalk is a problem when wet – marble is the worst – almost every day that rained I witnessed people falling, spraining their knees, ankles and wrists as they braced for the fall. Some sidewalk stones are uneven due to tree roots and ground shift. Some sidewalks became smaller and simply disappeared. But the majority of the sidewalks were crammed with cars forcing pedestrians to use the roadway. For anyone with mobility issues, using a cane , walker, baby stroller or just wanting to safely walk on the side walk these are real concerns. Tip: use Google Maps Streetview to look at the area you intend to walk ( around your hotel / rental ,attractions etc. This will help you find flatter areas with (hopefully) unobstructed sidewalks. |
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Stairs https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9be95e3e93.jpg More stairs https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...763ecf065d.jpg Did I mention "there will be stairs". https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2066e50962.jpg The steepness on this street is not readily apparent, take a look at the "stepped" fence wall, it gives an indication of how steep it really is. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e55af66a73.jpg Beautiful sidewalk art. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8d5bf2621c.jpg Sidewalk art https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f5726284ac.jpg Sidewalk trees https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...769b79b52c.jpg Apparently in Portugal roads are for cars and sidewalks are also for cars https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bd240f5f75.jpg The disappearing sidewalk, onto the road we go. |
Loving your posts, so very practical and helpful. Thank you!!
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Seamus
Thanks, I appreciate the compliment. |
Oeiras Parque dos Poetas - Poets Park.
This is one of my favorite urban parks. The theme of the park is poets and poetry and it's beautifuly done. When I visit it has always been a very calm and serene experience. Poems are written on the ground in leaf shaped stone border. Using Google translate one can read the poems and have some philosophical pondering. Some of the statues are life like and some are abstract. There are water features that produce a mist that give the garden a dream like quality, unfortunately I have seen only twice previously and not this time. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d1eb7fb1ac.jpg Oeiras Parque dos Poetas lifelike statue https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d9da1de2e7.jpg The muses in one's mind. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...29164caa16.jpg This poet had a very strong connection to the sea, the waves on the pedestal represent that connection. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f4713eb99.jpeg Pondering life's questions https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8ff6a98fc3.jpg Did not understand this one. She's pointing at a bird on the wall. Is the bird a dove? Is she the dove? Is the man behind her the brute? Is he denying her freedom or blinding her from the truth? Do they represent people or concepts like liberty and oppression? So many questions. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...40f19fb321.jpg Stone features. The metal grates is where the water mist emanates giving it a surreal, dream like appearance https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d868111ad8.jpg Main boulevard in the park https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7b24b9c463.jpg Poets Obelisk https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...afa5d7e698.jpg Poets Obelisk and art gallery in background. There is a rooftop restaurant in the gallery but it was closed https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...84f96758b8.jpg Gazebo café https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a7f7fc08d7.jpg View from the park towards the ocean https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dceab4de1c.jpg Poets piramid, there's a garden maze to enter the piramid. A storm rolled in and we got drenched https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ec9134e639.jpg Poem leaf on the ground |
Oeiras Parque dos Poetas continuation
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0c7b8ab9b3.jpg In the poets park everyone and everything seems to be inspired, this millipede seems to be asking the eternal question:why? https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5f34f96b3c.jpg Wonder what a gathering of poets is called https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...650527b1df.jpg Palms at the park https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...61b51d820a.jpg The inside of a palm Passeio Marítimo Oeiras has a seaside walk that follows the countour of the coastline for about 5 km. It's very nice to walk along it. At one end is Paço de Arcos (town) at the other end is Praia da Torre (beach) and Forte São Julião (very old fort ). Along the way there's access to the beaches, cafes, restaurants, marina, a motel, and municipal swimming pools. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7f0fb6f006.jpg Oeiras Passeio Marítimo https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6cddb1b9d6.jpg Oeiras Passeio Marítimo We stopped at the local church and at a wine store that sells Carcavelos wine, dessert wine. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7cb7945053.jpg Oeiras church https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b1e9809d17.jpg Oeiras church interior https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...68876dbe7c.jpg Oeiras church ceiling https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...733a237c88.jpg Carcavelos wine store |
The Lisbon to Cascais area is our favorite, except in the winter.
There are little sandy beaches and rocky outcrops with marine life to see at low tide. Different types of restaurants, cafes, hotels, museums, monuments, cultural events are all whitin easy reach on the public transport. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3b7d22f87c.jpg Parede beach https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4783358e2a.jpg Parede rock beach section https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...82137f8c0d.jpg Cactus and cactus "tree" at São Pedro beach https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1d6596d0f0.jpg Cactus trees https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b217fe5554.jpg São Pedro beach https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7fb006caf0.jpg This spotlight is from the second world war era. The spotlight was used to light up the ships coming into the Lisbon harbor, cannons on the hill would fire on the ships. This was part the coastal defence of Portugal. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...396c3a0846.jpg Close up of the spotlight https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...81a43ffb72.jpg São Pedro beach, the dark area in the water is seaweed https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...01a699a4fb.jpg São Pedro beach rocky section https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...836202bbc6.jpg São Pedro beach rocky section |
In Parede we found a traditional tile clad home alongside a more artistic pebble decorated home.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5048880383.jpg Pebble decorated home detail https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cf83de3c19.jpg Traditional tile clad home https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...39535fd662.jpg Interesting pebble decorated home https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...093bc86a23.jpg Pebble decorated home https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...aa3298f72a.jpg Compare with modernist square, flat design |
The sunrises and sunsets in the Algarve have often been very colorful.
Sunrise colors this morning https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e294a3621b.jpg Sunrise at stone pier https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9b3a3d9ba6.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fcfa642640.jpg |
Thank you for this fact filled report with so many helpful suggestions.
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Thanks Happytrvlr I appreciate the compliment.
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Heads up for anyone traveling with small children or pets that like to touch everything, watch out for very sharp spiny cactus and the castor bean plant, both grow wild in Portugal.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...66fe1ac963.jpg Cactus on walkway by the beach, very sharp needles https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...afb8af81b2.jpg Castor bean plant by the sidewalk https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4ad0db5b8b.jpg Castor bean pod, it becomes red as it ripens. The castor bean contains Ricin - a lethal toxin. |
The cold and dampness.
Building construction in Portugal is mostly geared towards the hot summer weather, done with cement (walls, floors, ceilings) and no insulation. In winter buildings became cold and damp ( worse in the north less so in the south). All the hotels we have used so far had heating. The rental has a small oil heater and no dehumidifier. Tip : ask your rental if they have heat or/ dehumidifier https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b9654c0c11.jpg Small oil heater Tip: if your rental doesn't have heat/dehumidifier, keep clothing in enclosed storage ( closet with wood doors or your luggage) to protect from the dampness. Clothes left out will have a damp feeling. |
Laundry
Most rentals only have washers and no dryers. We have used self service laundry facilities in town, that are used by the locals. They have washers and dryers of different sizes to accommodate different wheight loads. The payment is made to a pay terminal similar to a an ATM. Each machine is payed separately and the price depends on the settings chosen ( length of time for washer and dryer). Settings for type of clothing (ex: cotton), cycle (delicate) and dryer temperature are also available. Detergent and softener are included and added automatically, no need to add anything. The pay terminal has multiple languages, choose your language, the machine, the settings, pay, after paying go the machine you have chosen and the press the start button - all the machines we used have digital displays. We average €10 per wash. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9630606dbf.jpg Diferente wheight load washers, 9 kg and 15 kg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...37175a285a.jpg Laundry payment machine https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...06a1a66430.jpg Laundry payment machine display with multiple languages available. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...14d8b4e793.png Detergent and softener included https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...92c16e7556.jpg Full service laundry are also available in some locations |
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are identified by a green cross. Bigger towns that have multiple pharmacies will have one that is open 24hours ( on a rotation amongst the available pharmacies). The closed pharmacies will have the name of the 24hour pharmacy or a phone number to call for info on the open pharmacy. In Braga we called the pharmacy info number, the info person spoke English. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0cd7492a95.jpg Green cross at pharmacy |
Sesimbra and the castle.
We took an evening trip to Sesimbra, a seaside town south of Lisbon. It's a relatively small town set on the ocean front hills of Serra da Arrábida. It has a beach on the flat portion of town and the Arrábida mountain on the hillside. Sesimbra has a long fishing history and the local restaurants have great grilled fish. A word about castles in Portugal. Castles were strictly military installations with stone outer walls, inside stone tower and wooden structures for the knights/soldiers. Castles are not to be confused with walled cities or palaces. Some castles have their stone structures preserved/restored in their entirety or just a portion, sometimes just a very small portion of an exterior wall. I write this explanation because I heard other tourists complain that the castles didn't compare to the grandeur of movie castles or palaces. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b3b9920544.jpg Sesimbra castle https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d049621d39.jpg West view of Sesimbra from the castle https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f621127a77.jpg East view of Sesimbra from the castle https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dc0342c9fb.jpg Church inside castle https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ed1a87b3a3.jpg Inside church https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fb3eb2cc93.jpg Church tile interior https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...653b5aff9d.jpg Sesimbra street https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...481de0e65d.jpg Sesimbra waterfront https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...52204be4e4.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7552df238f.jpg Small restaurant that serves great fresh grilled fish. Everyone sits side by side and respectful of each other. |
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