Category: Portugal

~ Postcards from Portugal – Alcantirlha and Silves ~

Following on from my trip to Milfontes, it was time to catch up with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. My brother and his wife were also joining me for a few days in Alcantirlha. We were extremely lucky to be spending this time at Amendoeira Golf Club. The setting couldn’t be more perfect, situated in the hills of The Algarve and surrounded by almond, olive and carob trees. With green hills and vineyards as far as the eye could see, the view was perfect.

Amendoeira Golf Club

The resort was designed to look like a Moorish village with the villas coloured a warm browns and dusky pinks.

The resort was huge and to get to the clubhouse for breakfast you needed a lift (my brother!) or call for a golf cart. After breakfast we would swim in the warm pool where my other family lived and have long lazy lunches on the verandah and the garden. We also had delicious lunches and dinners out at the beach and surrounding villages.

Drunk the last drop – Better get another one

Silves

We had an afternoon out one day to the neighbouring town of Silves. I didn’t have a chance to go into the castle, but loved walking around the cobbled streets and alleys. Also browsing and buying local handmade goods in the cute gifts shops. We had a one year old and a 90 year old in the party so taking it easy was the main aim.

Silves was once the Moorish capital of this area and the castle dates back to the 7th century.

Street Scenes

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Castle walls and archways

What a fabulous week it was, a happy ending to a sad beginning. Catching up with so many relatives was a blessing. Do I feel ready to leave, not quite, but many things await my return. A house to put in order and make ready for the market, not daunting in the slightest – haha who am I kidding.

~ From Mourning to Milfontes, Portugal – not so long ago.. ~

I recently travelled back to the UK to attend the beautiful send off for my dear mum. I have my brother to thank for arranging most of this. Although sad that she is no longer in my life, it was a lovely celebration of her life. At 93 my mum was ready to join my dad.

~ 1933 – 2026 – Jean May Ward ~

Mum

Seeing all my relatives, cousins, aunts and uncles come together was a wonderful experience. They all had separate tales to tell about my mum. Remembering her in such a way felt so special.

Visiting Vila Nova de Milfontes

We decided that it would be a good time to have a break from the stress of the last few months. So it was that we flew to Milfontes and The Algarve to relax and rejuvenate before parting. As he is now living in Milfontes, myself, my brother and his wife stayed at the house he is renting.

Milfontes is situated on the Alentejo coast. It sits where the Mira River meets the Atlantic coast. The estuary provides lovely calm beaches, great for families. The beach itself is ideal for surfers. It’s definitely a good place to visit for a quiet, non-touristy holiday.

Below are photos from his rooftop

Walking around on the first day I fell instantly in love with the quaint cobble stoned streets and pastel coloured houses. I could even hang washing out from my window. Milfontes has a calmness about it and the pace of life is slow.

Four kittens kipping on the cobblestones

Exploring the village and other surrounding towns

There was a fort just down the road – The Fort of St. Clemente. I am partial to forts, castles and any old buildings really. This one was extremely grand – in its day – sadly not open to the public.

Built by King Phillip II of Portugal to fend off marauding pirates. It overlooks the River Mira and the Atlantic Ocean.

Monument to the Aviators

This monument commemorates the 1924 Pioneering flight from Lisbon to Macau, led byu Brito Pais and Sarmento Beires. The first flight crashed in India, fortunately the crew survived but the plane didn’t. Not to be deterred, through Government and public donations they were able to make a second journey. They almost made it, landing just 800 metres away in China. They sailed onto Macau to a triumphant arrival.

ABC – Another Blue Church
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graca

Time for lunch and my long awaited grilled sardines and a glass or two of Vino Verde.

In the evening we drove up the coast to watch the fabulous sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.

“Liberdade” – Valter Pires

The next day we drove to Sao Luis and then back to the coast. Graham was being very patient driving through the villages, when all he wanted was to dive into the water. As nice as it looked it was far too cold for me!

Sao Luis Church

There were many derelict properties in this village, but we noticed some were being readied for renovation. Maybe the council had received a grant.

We were tempted to put an offer in for this one and open up our own boutique hotel.

These two men had just laid down some food for all the stray cats that were living inside this old building.

Time for the beach and a drive across the Mira River to the coast.

Zambujeira do Mar

Walking along the cliff top we spotted a few ospreys’ nests. This was the best I could do with my S24. It looks like an extremely large nest.

We finished the day at a beach bar overlooking the sea and seeing how long people stayed in. Enough just to cool down!

…. off to The Algarve soon …

~ Murals of Silves, Portugal ~

I’ve recently spent a week in Portugal and took these cute murals on the electric boxes in Silves yesterday.  Very apt for Debbie’s one word Sunday

Also posting to John’s Cell pic Sunday

They really brighten up these cobblestoned streets.

~ Last Blast from the Past Year (2025)- Alte, Portugal ~

Our flight back to the UK wasn’t until much later that day, so on checking out we drove to a village on the way to Faro. It was the pretty village of Alto. Before we arrived there Graham had a bee in his bonnet about wanting to swim by a waterfall.

We stopped at Queda do Vigario after seeing some beautiful photos. It was a fair walk down and also the photos were nothing like what appeared at the bottom. Anyway with the bit in his mouth off Graham trotted down the stairs. The water was murky and brown, with food floating in the pond. Not to be thwarted he jumped in. He didn’t stay in for long.

Views from the carpark at the top. I didn’t realise that the painted hillside was of the Portuguese Flag.

Satisfied he had achieved his goal, we drove onto Alte. We found a cute and scenic cafe where we had a delicious lunch. We came just in time as a few bus loads of tourists arrived shortly after.

Grilled cod with roasted garlic. The last fish dish I will be eating for a while.

Cobblestoned Streets of Alte

I could have bought many items from these artsy shops, but with my luggage limit on Ryan Air it was impossible.

Street Scenes of Alte

Ubiquitous Cats of Alte

Pull Up a Seat by a Reflective Window
Winsome Windows
Magical Murals

More Magnificent Murals

There was a definite musical theme running through the village. The murals depicting instruments, players and dancers. Loving murals I was in my element.

As I was climbing up the stairs, these ladies were walking down. One of them stopped me and said I know you. She did look vaguely familiar, it was then it clicked. These were the lovely ladies who sat with me in a wine bar in Cascais watching the rain pour down. Miles from there we just happen to be in the same tiny village at the same time, spooky.

We couldn’t have asked for a better day to end this wonderful trip to Portugal. I will definitely be back to explore the towns, villages and beaches of this beautiful country.

On another note, a week after I returned to Perth my brother Graham fell seriously ill. He contracted a nasty virus in his arm muscle and apparently was close to losing his arm. Maybe it was the waterfall swim but they couldn’t find out what caused the infection. Happy to say he is on the mend now and he said the care was second to none in a Lisbon hospital.

Thank you for coming along on this glorious excursion to Portugal and wishing everyone all the very best for a healthy 2026.

~ Discovering Comporta’s Hidden Gems: Vineyards, Villages and Cavalos ~

Over breakfast on Sunday, we chatted about what the itinerary would be for that day. Graham had been told there were some wineries in the area. I looked a few up and asked the receptionist to ring around to check which ones were open. I was surprised to find out there was only one open, being a Sunday. We booked a tour and lunch and off we went.

As we were approaching Comporta we saw huge birds sitting atop chimneys, lampposts and buildings. Moving closer we realised they were storks. A real treat seeing a stork in the wild.

I tried to get closer, but you can guess what happened.

Before we arrived we stopped and admired the ricefields. At the time not realising they were ricefields.

Flocks of glossy ibis feasting on the rice
with water water everywhere

The winery was called Adega da Herdade da Comporta. It lies with the sea on one side and rice fields on the other. The views around are absolutely stunning. We had arrived at the perfect place for our Sunday lunch. We were given a fascinating tour, visiting the wine cellars and learning about the history. The wine tasting was at our table and the measures were more than generous. We were served lunch with all the wine thankfully.

I was definitely looking forward to tasting this wine.

The view from our guide’s office window

Enjoying a delicious charcuterie board with a variety of wines

We all agreed that this place went above our expectations, although I think our lunch played a big part.

Our guide had mentioned a fishing village not far from the winery, she said we must go. So we did and what a fun find it was.

Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira is a unique fishing village that sits on a multitude of wooden jetties on stilts. They zigzag along the muddy marshes with weathered huts standing on top. The huts are decorated in a myriad of ways all different. It is still a working village which was surprising, considering how rickety the small plankways looked. We spent quite a while here, all of us walking in different directions, daring each other to walk along the piers.

There was no-one around when we were here and I was wondering how the fisherman actually got to their boats.

A faded mural and some random numbers.

Let’s Pull Up a Seat and enjoy the view

“Is that the time already”

Leaving just before sunset with the golden rays spreading slowly across the sea.

Before returning to our hotel we had another brief stop at an equestrian centre. It was just closing but the manager said we could still walk around. Being a horse lover Colleen was in her element. I’m happy there was fences between us.

I would have liked longer to long around as there were some fantastic memorabilia on display.

A fitting end to a perfect day. Back to the hotel for our last night in Porto Covo.

~ A Trip to Pena Palace, Sintra ~

My brother in his infinite wisdom decided he wanted to drive back to Lisbon from Porto Covo to see the Pena Palace. At least I would still have a chance to see this beautiful palace. Once again the rain poured down. Hopefully this would be left behind once we crossed the bridge.

Abril Bridge

A whimsical shot through the skylight of the car

Aguas Livres Aqueduct
Aguas Livres Aqueduct

This aqueduct was built between 1731 and 1799. Consisting of 35 arches and reaching 65 metres high. It has been classified a national monument. I love feats of engineering like this, and find it interesting to research the history.

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Stopped for a quick photo from down below.

Arriving up at the palace, Graham searched for a car park, thankfully dropping us off at the entrance first. He found one way down the hill. We were lucky with the tickets, as the next entry was just a 30 minute wait.

Not too much of a queue!

Heading into the palace itself, each at our own pace!

I’m happy to say that we did go back as Pena Palace is absolutely stunning. Especially now that the sun had made an appearance. The bright yellow of the walls against the blue sky was dazzling.

It really was a fairy tale palace

From above and below

An alcove made entirely of shells. You would be forgiven if you thought I had brush stroked the left photo! Instead it has been replastered, maybe waiting to be restored with shells.

Beautifully set dining table and a photo Queen Amelie and her two sons.

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A few samples of the intricately tiled walls I came across. I was thinking bottom right for my bathroom and bottom left for the kitchen floor.

Majestic statue of a Moor

Some information on Pena Palace.

The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra. On a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon. It is a national monument and is built in the style of  19th-century Romanticism. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first building on this site was built in the Middle Ages. Construction of a chapel started after an apparition of the Virgin Mary. In 1493 a monastery was also built.
In the 18th century the monastery was severely damaged by lightning. It was the 1755 earthquake, occurring shortly afterwards, that took the heaviest toll on the monastery, reducing it to ruins.
Rebuilt in 1842 by King Ferninand it stayed in the Royal Family until 1899. Queen Amelie spent her last night here before being exiled after the Portuguese Revolution. Edited from Pena Palace, Wikipedia.

~Postcard from Porto Covo, Portugal ~

Arriving in Porto Covo around 8 pm we decided to eat in the hotel itself. I had a perfect room overlooking the sea. The restaurant looked to be first class and we weren’t disappointed.

We were staying here for three nights, and would be exploring the villages and towns nearby.

The next morning we had a delicious buffet breakfast together. Before setting off for the day I went for a walk along the cliff top.

I took the above photos sitting on the veranda. A man doing Tai Chi and a family of joggers.

Photos below of my walk along the cliff top. It was a beautiful walk. It went around in a loop to the back of the village. Alternatively, you could keep walking further along the top. There was a warning about the stairs being unstable down to the beach, so gave that a miss.

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Pull up a Seat
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Top: Having fun posing with the sign – Bottom: Porto Covo Spa Hotel

What a difference a day made! The weather was beautiful on one of the days.

Photos of Porto Covo Village

The village of Porto Covo is picturesque and postcard perfect. I could easily visit here again, preferably in the summer months. We did eat out one night at a fabulous Italian Pizza place. On our third night we opted for the hotel again as the heavens opened as we were about to walk out of the door!

Also linking to Jo’s Monday Walk

Until next time

~ Lisbon – A Door Lover’s Paradise ~

During my stay in Portugal I saw so many photogenic doors. As a lover of doors Lisbon was a stand out city for this.

My featured photograph certainly caught my eye. I was tempted to go in but was slightly worried they would ask if I needed any help. I wouldn’t have a clue!

In a small lane near Sao Jorge Castle.

Washing already in!

From the R. da Barroca – possibly one of the steepest streets I ever climbed

This is a challenge hosted by Dan from No Facilities.

🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪🚪

~ Lisbon to Faro – Exploring Faro Old Town ~

We set off for Faro today to meet up with my sister-in-law and nephew. It was an early start and only a brief promised stop at a service station on the way! At least there would be coffee. The drive from Lisbon Airport to Faro Old Town takes approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. It maybe less with a certain driver. The journey is mostly inland so no nice coastal shots.

Crossing over the Vasco da Gama Bridge I was able to take a few photos, when my brother slowed down!

The bridge spans the Tagus River and is 17.2 kilometers long. It was until a few years ago the longest bridge in Europe. That title now belongs to the Crimean Bridge in Russia. It is a spectacular drive over with excellent road surfaces.

Stopping briefly for a much needed coffee at a service station, we huddled together under the smallest umbrella. The rain seemed to be chasing us from Lisbon.

We arrived in Faro around lunchtime in the middle of a storm. With the roads flooding and trees crashing down in the car park, we sat in the car and waited it out.

Sometime later after picking up Colleen and Greg we headed into Faro Old Town for lunch and a wander.

Arch of Rest

The Old Town features beautiful cobble stone alleyways and lanes. Murals adorn many of the walls and other walls are brightly painted.

We found the perfect spot for lunch, when I asked for the wine list the owner said there is none. He had over 2,500 bottles on display and told me just to describe the type of wine I was after. A tricky one, as who knew there were so many varieties of Alborinho.

by Opus

After lunch we headed over to Faro Cathedral. By this time the weather had cleared and the sun was shining brightly.

There is no fee to enter and look around which was a welcome surprise. It made me wonder how this place is kept looking so nice, inside and out.

The ornate ceilings inside the chapel. Decorated with blue and yellow painted tiles. The “ribs” of the ceiling are carved masonry.

Deciding to go up to the roof, we climbed some very uneven steep stairs.
Below is a photo looking through the open window to the sea beyond.

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Up on top, raincoat back on as the sun has disappeared once again.

Stunning views over the tiled rooftops of Faro

Steady but slow wins the race

The Chapel of Bones and the Bell Tower

The Chapel of Bones is so called because it is lined with skulls and bones of ordinary people. Gruesome indeed, imagining working and handling these.

The Famalam

~ November Shadows and Reflections ~

The last but one day of November Squares. Becky has done an outstanding job of collating so many squares this month. The theme has been brilliant. Thank you Becky 😊.

Here’s a few I took in Portugal.

Reflections of the sun’s rays across the water at Porto Palafita da Carrasqueira.

I caught this lady taking many selfies against the backdrop of the Atlantic Sea in Portugal.

“I see a little silhouette of a man…”
The brother contemplating life.

Figures on the Monument to the Discoveries silhouetted against the sunset over the Tagus.

“Remember to Square”