| Portugal |  |
| September 25 to October 03, 2005 |
The Portuguese Republic is located on the western part of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and is the westernmost country in continental Europe. Portugal is bordered by Spain to the north and east and by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south. In addition, Portugal includes two archipelagos in the Atlantic, Azores and Madeira Islands.
Continental Portugal is split in two by its main river, the Tejo. To the north the landscape is mountainous in the interior areas with plateaus, cut by four breaking lines that allow the development of relevant agricultural areas. The south between the Tejo and the Algarve (the Alentejo) features mostly rolling plains with a climate somewhat warmer and drier than the cooler and rainier north. The Algarve, separated from the Alentejo by mountains, enjoys a Mediterranean climate comparable with Morrocco or Southern Spain, and is the southwesternmost tip of Europe.
Portugal's long coastline, mild climate, mountainous interior and sun-drenched beaches have long been popular attractions. Moreover the curious visitor will also find amazing architecture, fantastic museums, and above all, very friendly people - Portugal offers you the lot.
Portugal is easy to explore by your own car. Main roads are generally in a good condition, and if you choose to pootle around on smaller roads you'll find most of them empty.
Being the first time in Portugal, we chose to explore Lisbon, Lisbon's surroundings and the southern region (the Alentejo and the Algarve). While I loved Lisbon and its surroundings, the Atlantic coast as well as the mountainous interior, I was somewhat disappointed by the Algarve. I didn't like the beaches that are surrounded by huge hotels too much as well as the masses of tourists. However, some of the cities down there are really lovely; I especially found the old part of Lagos very charming!
Here's our route around the southern part of Portugal:
| September 25 |
Flight Vienna - Lisbon Pick-up of our rental car at National Setúbal Vila Nova de Milfontes Total distance covered: 201 km |
| September 26 |
Cabo de São Vicente Lagos Total distance covered: 161 km |
| September 27 |
Faro Tavira Total distance covered: 129 km |
| September 28 |
Mértola Serpa Beja Évora Total distance covered: 267 km |
| September 29 - October 3 |
Drop-off rental car Total distance covered: 134 km Sintra Lisbon Flight Lisbon - Vienna |
| More pictures... various impressions of Portugal! | |
| Setúbal |  |
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Setúbal is an untouristy, easy-going town with a pedestrianised center and a castle with stunning views. It's a good place to take a break on the way to the south. |
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| Vila Nova de Milfontes | |
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The coastline to the west offers the visitor magnificent Atlantic beaches. |
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| Cabo de São Vicente | |
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Cabo de São Vicente was our first stop on the Algarve coast, where I enjoyed the stunning cliffs and beaches. |
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| Lagos | |
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| Faro | |
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| Tavira | |
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| Mértola | |
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| Serpa | |
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| Beja | |
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| Évora | |
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| Sintra | |
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Sintra is a romantic town surrounded by greenery with a turn-of-the-century atmosphere. It was the summer residence of Portuguese kings and it is here, where you can find their palaces, churches and country estates. |
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| Lisbon | |
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Arriving in Lisbon is like hurling yourself into a medieval portal. Situated on the north bank of the river Tejo, the Atlantic Ocean stretching away to the horizon, Lisbon spreads over its valleys and hills, its building and natural beauty mingling into a breathtaking panorama. Lisbon is different to other European capitals - it's dazzling, it's rich in contrast and it's manifold. You'll find the opposite to everything: high hills and deep cuttings, narrow cobblestone alleys and broad avenidas, traffic jams and rural character, decay and glance, stagnancy and development, poverty and affluence. Each of Lisbon's quarters is a like a city in itself - Alfama, Baixa, Bairro Alto or Belém, just to name a few. I especially loved Lisbon's morbid charm! |
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| More pictures... various impressions of Portugal! | |
| On the road | |||
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| Azulejos | |||
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| Various impressions | |||
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