The Facades of Portugal

Portugal is known for the enchanting tile facades and colors of its buildings. Known as azulejos, the decorative ceramic tiles tell a story of history, culture, and artistry that is uniquely Portuguese. From the moment you step into cities like Lisbon and Porto, you see buildings covered in so many colors—blues, yellows, greens, and reds—each facade reflects the country’s rich heritage. These tiles have been used since the Moorish period and are one of the most popular gifts to take home. 

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these tiles serve practical purposes—protecting buildings from weather and providing insulation. Many of them depict scenes from Portugal's maritime history or religious motifs, making each facade a narrative waiting to be discovered. I had to eventually retrain myself from taking pictures of every building we walked by and was easily one of the most amazing parts of the country for me!

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A Seaside Day in Cascais

On our last day in Portugal, we headed out to the seaside town of Cascais. Cascais is about a 45 minute train ride from Lisbon and situated on the Atlantic Ocean. It has this magical mix of old-world charm and stunning coastal views that really made it a perfect last lesiously last day in Portugal!

We started down the promendade at the Boca do Inferno (the “Mouth of Hell”), a dramatic cliff formation just outside of the town. The views are amazing and you can climb down the rocks a bit to watch the waves crash into the rocky caves. 

We then made our way into the town, walking along the coast. The views are just so spectacular so matter where we looked! As you approach the edge of the downtown there are some historic buildings that you can explore. The Santa Mara lighthouBuilt in 1868 and is now a little museum, but is still in operation to keep ships safe along the entrance to the river! 

We quickly popped into the the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. This gorgeous old mansion feels like stepping back in time. It’s set right along the coast, with gardens that spill out toward the ocean, and the inside is full of interesting art and artifacts.

The old town is so picturesque, with its narrow streets, a mix of whitewashed and colorful buildings, and the kind of blue-and-white tiles that seem to shout "you’re in Portugal!" We grabbed lunch and enjoyed the town for a bit. It felt very beach town touristy to me having grown up in a beach town and it was packed so we made our way to the beach quickly!

We spent the afternoon strolling the seaside walk and seeing all the little beach coves. I got brave and dipped my toes into the ocean, it was cold but felt great and now I can say I have put my feet into both sides of the Atlantic Ocean! We didn’t do much more than that—just relaxed, people-watched, and took in the peaceful vibe of it all.

Cascais isn’t flashy, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a place where you can slow down, savor the simple things, and just be. There is no need to fill the day with activities or a packed itinerary. Cascais gives you permission to just enjoy the moment, which was perfect for our last day!

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The Good. The Random. The Fun. v. 41

The Good:

A perfectly refreshing fall flavor of Spindrift!

The Random:

Why yes, there is a store on the Upper East Side that sells high end Halloween costumes for dogs...

The Fun:

I resisted picking up this series for a bit, but my book bestie finally convinced me to start and oh man I cannot believe how good it is! Onto number 2!

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Scav Hunt Sunday: Building and Bridge

Grey:

Two police horses in Sintra ready to patrol the hilly streets. 

Sky:

The gorgeous blue of the early fall skies. 

Flowers:

Fall flowers are out at the bodegas. 

Shadows:

Bridge beam shadows.

Looking Up:

Colorful art at the port promenade. 

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A Day in the Douro Valley

You can't go to Portugal and not experience the Port wine country in the Douro Valley! We spent a whole day on a guided tour of the historic region; we were on a semi-private tour with our amazing guide Alex and 2 other couples. We started the day in Amarante, a small town about 45 minutes outside of Porto. It is famous for the holding back Napoleon's troops in the 1809 wars and for a very interestingly shaped pastry created by the town's nuns (google it, for a laugh!). We had a little time to wander around and enjoy the town square and grab some coffee.

We then headed through the mountains into the Douro Valley to our first vineyard, Coimbra De Mattos. This was a quaint spot with gorgeous stone buildings covered in ivy. Here, in the cellar, we tasted a 10, 20, and 30 year old tawny port and learned how this winery produces their reserves. We also had a lovely lunch on the terrace (under a tent thankfully due to the rain!) and enjoyed the views. After lunch, we walked over to Ferdinand Magellan's house (yes, the explorer!) He was lost at sea on a Spanish conquest but his house still stands in Sabrosa. 

We left Sabrosa and continued into the valley, stopping at some overlooks to take in the regions true beauty. We then went down to the Douro River for a boat cruise. Before the trains were brought out to the valley, the port had to be shipped down the river to Porto for distribution to the world. The river is not easy to navigate and many many tons of port wine sunk to the bottom, so the trains were a big addition to the region!

We then made our way to the last stop of the day at Quinta do Panascal. This winery was high on a hill and days away from their harvest. The chief winemaker gave us a tour of the tubs where they still press the grapes with their legs and talked about how they make their vintages. We then tasted 3 varieties they make and enjoyed the views from their chalet.  

We then headed back into Porto after a wonderful day out in the country. If you ever go to Portugal and enjoy wine, this is a must do experience truly unique to Portugal!

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