Delicious Portugal

Being Portuguese, I thought it would be great for my boyfriend (now husband) to meet my parents and experience Portugal. The date was set for June 2007 and before we knew it we were being welcomed by my parents and extended family at Lisbon Airport. There was little time to unpack as we were given a personalised guided tour by my uncle who took us around the city, stopping at the fort of Belem, the port where Vasco de Gama left to start his explorations, the famous 1800 bakery of the 'Pasteis de Nata', (Portuguese custard pastry) and a few other interesting historical sights.

On the second day in Lisbon, we drove to Estoril, which is the more privileged area and a few of the famous soccer players have houses there. Here we walked along the Promenade and stopped for lunch and enjoyed our first taste of Portuguese Sardines - not only were they reasonable in price but also really tasty. Later in the day we drove up to the top of the hill in Estoril where we stopped at a look out point known as 'Boca do Inferno’ (Hell’s mouth), it’s a place where the ocean waves fall onto these rocks and enter a cave and make the most amazing loud noise.

Our next destination was 2 hours north, up the coast to Figueira da Foz. Figueira has long beautiful beaches perfect for volleyball games, soccer matches and has just an absolutely amazing atmosphere. Figueira weekend markets are busy with locals but a great place to buy different Portuguese artisans, fresh fruit and fresh fish. Figueira doesn’t just offer beaches though, it also has lush pine forests where you can stop to view the whole coastline of Portugal.

After spending a week in Figueira relaxing, we then drove to the south west coast of the Algarve, to Carapateira, a small fishing/surfing village. Our accommodation was in a self catering ‘pousada’, very quaint and clean. There was a small little bakery across the road where we bought fresh rolls every morning, with some nice Portuguese cheese.

The 5 minute drive to the beach was great, passing through big sand dunes and then along sheer cliffs dropping off into the ocean, offering fantastic views. Be warned though, the water here is freezing, but when the outside temperature is in its 30’s you might appreciate it. The beaches are beautiful and not overcrowded. There are a good number of quality restaurants around the village offering delicious meals at very reasonable prices.

We then returned to Lisbon where we spent another 2 nights. It gave us a bit more opportunity to explore Lisbon including Alfama – the old Lisbon. Alfma takes you back in time with small windy cobbled stoned roads and little restaurants, this is an area with many restaurants, where you can have dinner and watch a Fado live (the traditional Portuguese folklore) and where the scent of sardines and other traditional dishes cooking can be savoured.

I would suggest visiting Alfama during the festival of the Saints where you will get a taste of the culture and lifestyle of Portuguese people living in this old part of Lisbon. The streets are a hive of activity with music playing, colorful decorations, fire works and processions with traditional dancers, dressed in amazing costumes, from each region. Overall just an amazing atmosphere!

Not only does Portugal have delicious food, its beauty and tradition is like no where else, and the people are always friendly and helpful.