(February 21, 2018 at 6:51 am)CapnAwesome Wrote:(February 20, 2018 at 5:05 am)pocaracas Wrote: Have I shown you guys the mouth of hell?
This one isn't too far from that, a magical place we call Sintra:
I'm in Spain right now, thinking of hopping over to Portugal, any suggestions?
Finally!!!!
One taker!!!
YES! I see you're down south, so... let's start there.
Now, it's the winter, and the south is more dedicated to Summer tourism, but you have a few cool things to see.
Faro is the "capital" of the region and it's exposure to the sea is covered but a series of small islands which are awesome to visit... not sure if you can do that in the Winter...
Then Lagos, where you can get an awesome view over that sort of bay and take a peek into some of the natural crevices: https://goo.gl/maps/TUbGKNTbb8D2
Onwards to the tip, Sagres (the fortress) and the cape of St. Vincent (cabo de são vicente), for more breathtaking scenery.
Northwards, you can go through Aljezur, Vila nova de Milfontes, Santiago do Cacém (skip Sines, that's an industrial place), and end up in Tróia. Hop on a ferry to Setúbal and visit Portinho da Arrábida, then go to Sesimbra and eat some of the best fish you've ever had in any of their restaurants.
Care to keep going north, or turn Eastward? Both are good choices.
The interior gets cold in the Winter, while north leads to Lisbon, where you'll find tons of tourist attractions, but can also take a train to Sintra, the place I mentioned - well worth a whole day (or two).
Then you can go along the coast for more great vistas, at Peniche, São Martinho do Porto and Figueira da Foz, or you can take the less scenic route and visit monuments in Santarém, Tomar, Coimbra... clos to Tomar, you'll find Fátima, the sanctuary, if you're curious.
From Coimbra, you can go to Seia or Guarda and behold the mountain, Serra da Estrela.... perhaps go up there.
The rest of the North is mostly about food and history, but it's nice to take a boat ride along the Douro river. You can visit Lamego (great food), Vila Real, "Freixo de Espada à Cinta" is a great fortress, Chaves has thermal baths from the Roman era.
And then you have the National Park Peneda-Gerês - well worth a few walks around.
Then go on through Monção, Tui, Vigo, Santiago de Compostela.
Have fun!