Since we got a full whole day to spend (no airplane catching or whatsoever) we decided to explore a bit outside of the capital. Our mini road trip started with Sintra, then all the way to Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe, and then back to Lisbon along the Portuguese Riviera.
Before we started with our trip we had breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters. Their egg tarts are so amazing, I can have these for breakfast every day ^^ The place was overcrowded, and service was super slow. So be prepared to arrive early and bring some extra time with you.
We hired a car from “Goldcar” – The price was good, service and staffs not so, and on top many hidden costs, which were stated unclear in their terms and conditions agreement. I wished we had checked the reviews about this car hiring company online in advance. Therefore, I won’t add any more comments here since my opinion about Goldcar simply sadly reflects the reviews of many others that get fooled by them! Which is a shame.
After a 45minish car ride we arrived in Sintra. This little town is very picturesque and there are many Points of Interest to visit like Pene Moors Castle and Quinta Da Regaleira.
I personally like Sintra bit more than Lisbon. Without any doubts Lisbon has its own charm but it felt for me more like visiting another “big city / capital”, but Sintra is different. Due to our limited time it wasn’t an easy decision to make which one we were going to visit, nonetheless, we opted for the last one. Quinta Da Regaleira is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO within the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra” and I like this place very much, especially the Initiation Wells and the Waterfall Lakes. Feels bit surreal this place.
The next stop on our list is Cabo da Roca. This place is super windy but offers an amazing view. It reminds of my stay in Australia – close to the nature and the ocean. Simply gorgeous this place. A must visit for everyone coming to Portugal.
“Aqui, onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa… [Here, where the land ends and the sea begins…]”
Luís de Camões, Os Lusíadas
The last stop of our mini route trip is Cascais, a little charming Portuguese fishing village, which for some reasons reminded me of Cannes!! Maybe because of the large yacht harbour and its sophisticated environment…
We relaxed a bit at Reserva By Olivier, which offers a fantastic view over the harbour.
Unfortunately, we arrived a bit early for dinner and could only choose from their “cold” menu dishes. But who can say no to Oyster and Octopus Carpaccio anyways ^^ And my hot chocolate was even served in a wine glass *hahaha*
Location Details
Food Places we been to:
Fabrica Coffee Roasters
Portugal, R. das Portas de Santo Antão 136, 1150-265 Lisboa, Portugal
Reserva By Olivier
R. Fernandes Thomás 1, 2750 Cascais, Portugal
