Portugal: Faro - Lisbon

Portugal: Faro - Lisbon - Sintra

January 2023.

Last leg of the January roadtrip led to Portugal. I was near Lisbon on a youth exchange in 2011 when I was just discovering my passion for travel. It was amazing to be back 12 years later and discover even more of this beautiful country.

Faro is a lovely town and also the capital of the Algarve region of Portugal. As it has an international airport it is often flewn into but not explored much, yet it is sure deserves checking out as well.

The city is situated next to the water, which appears to be the sea, but is actually the lagoon of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. To get to the ocean there is a short ferry ride to the Faro island. There is land-way but takes longer.

The old town is lovely for a stroll, there are plenty of bars and restaurants and the beaches are beautiful. In January, there was a lot of wind, but it was perfect for surfers and kite-surfers.

Hello Lisbon!

Time Out Market Lisbon food halls and markets.

Met up with an old friend of mine and explored around his long-time home-town.

Lisbon is built on the hills, so it is a lot of walking up and down the slopes and stairs. But, on the bonus side it offers fantastic views over the city. Check out for some semi-hidden elevators that take you to different levels. Also, the iconic tram is worth riding!

Ginjinha or Ginja, is Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries (sour cherries) in alcohol (aguardente) and adding sugar, cloves and/or cinnamon sticks. There are small stand-up "Ginjinha bars" where it is best enjoyed.

Bacalhau (Portuguese Salt Cod Stew)

Pastel de nata (Pastel de Belém) - could not not have them fresh out of small bakeries over the city every morning...

LX Factory Sunday Market - held on the premises of a former fabric company converted into funky bars, hip places to eat and trendy shops, right underneath the city’s landmark 25th of April Bridge. On Sundays there are stalls of arts and crafts, paintings, jewellery, vinyls and a lot more.

Finally, Sintra! A cool (dark) fairy-tale like town just 45 minutes away from Lisbon by train.

The town is cool to walk around itself, but there are many castles and old palaces that deserve a visit. Some of them are up in the hills, which either taxis or local buses can take you to. It is also possible to hike up through the woods.

Quinta de Regaleira - a. enchanting private estate. It includes a grand gothic house and extensive gardens. It is possible to go into the house as well and it is beautiful, but the garden with its towers, chapels, fountains and mazes between and inside the old cliffs are the real charm of the place.