It’s a actuality that is well-known that when a person visits any country they’ve never seen before they often gravitate to know all about its history and culture. In a lot of instances although capital cities might be great, there’s often more to any country than just that. In our case researching Portugal’s Obidos region (and many other small towns) out of Lisbon offered us a special insight into Portugal’s rich country and legacy. Portugal might be a small island but it has such a rich culture one of which we got a taste of during our time there. So I will recommend some gorgeous areas may and that we had the chance to see throughout our stay they surprise you and motivate you to go to this spot on your own.
Adega Mãe Atlanic Wines
1 thing I was shocked by that was that the quality of wines. They are innovative youthful and underrated. Adega Mãe is a favorite with wine tourism and also for an excellent reason. This family led since no one wine is the same wine is compared by business to life. Traditionally wine tasting tours take you down to cellars decorated with cobwebs and tales of creating wine of a untouched and lengthy way. This however was the complete reverse. Adega Mãe establishes a outlook and attitude towards wine and blows off the cobwebs. The construction is tucked away in the vineyards and about a 30 minute drive. It’s a refuge where you could find a informative and detailed tour of the business and learn endless amounts and of course their wine. Tasting was part of the experience and their signature ‘Dory’ wine nods that they used previously. To how Atlantic breeze washes over their vineyard a brand inspired by the ocean. Despite being a relatively small company general they are growing and putting wine on the map. (Which is not a simple task but with wines that good you can just see them going from strength to strength) They also have plans to branch out into the US and Canada and possibly even open an informal wine bar tying the process neatly together, directly from the jar into the glass. The construction is modern and provides big open spaces and panoramic views of the vineyard, a perfect place to dust off a bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset. Adega Mãe is a paradise that is well worth a trip for wine lovers.
To Learn More about Adega Mãe visit their website here
Resort Areias do Seixo
Having the chance to tour this boutique resort that is extraordinary was a highlight of our trip. It is really breath-taking. It has 14 rooms indoors but it will have villas inside the complicated also. From the minute you step inside you can smell the eucalyptus from their spa and you feel relaxed and facilitate. That tied in with the gentle sound of the waves (there is a direct pathway out there till the beach) it’s heaven. Hotel Areias do Seixo is a location where they push boundaries with inside layout expect to see a lot of recycled furniture placed within advanced room designs. We didn’t get the opportunity but we did get an opportunity to eat here, which is I would highly recommend. The dining space is an eclectic mix of glimmering chandeliers, hanging other Instagram worthy objects and plates hanging from the ceilings. The food is out of this world, executed with precision and a flair although inspired from the flavours of Portuguese cuisine. You’re not eating you’re getting an whole experience- the bread out of Azores being delicious. You should grab it with both hands, if you have the opportunity to eat or stay at this wonderful region. To Learn More check out their site here
Caldas da Rainha
That is a city which provided us the chance to taste what Portugal is really like. It is a town bursting with colour and a history along with it’s candy colour houses and cobbled streets. Like most cities that are small it’s a square where all of the action happens and it also acts as a nice anchor for one to come back should you get lost. We experienced the colourful and vibrant fruit and vegetable market which is held every day before exploring the town and studying all about the Portuguese artist Bordallo Pinheiro whose sculptures are sprinkled throughout this place. Seeing the Bordallo Pinheiro taught us a whole lot about this artist and a lot of his designs were inspired by the people themselves as well as satire and caricature. The town is small but it will offer a true vision of Portugal and it’s rich history.
Peniche
From Caldas da Rainha it’s a quick drive to Peniche which is a seaside municipality and a place with a great deal of charm and character. If you prefer surfing then this might be your paradise with streets and all the waves upon streets of surf colleges nearby. It is not unusual that Peniche is popular with tourists and it has a comparison of the fisherman homes against a fort that was formerly utilized as a warfare. The construction is imposing against the crashing waves but serves as a great purpose. On a bright day gazing out at the sea together with all the wind behind you it peaceful and .
Alcobaça
This UNESCO world heritage site is a fine example of preserved Cistercian architecture and a magnificent monastery. Perhaps one of the best in Europe. In terms of overall style it’s parred back but the beauty is at its simplicity that echoes around it is towering ceilings. We were given an educational tour throughout and every room is different with such a thorough history. Additionally there’s a stunning courtyard in the middle that’s worth taking a couple of dozen pictures of. It’s a place that is peaceful and centred inside a city that is magical so without doubt it is well worth a visit if you would like to experience a number of the rich history of Portugal.
Óbidos & The Literary Man Hotel
We finished off our trip in the town of Óbidos. It’s a medieval town with an old world charm to it. We actually had the chance to visit. That glimmered beneath the light of the traditional street lamps just adding to the character of it, with it’s cobbled streets. It’s a small place with a mixture of local residents in addition to tourists. (I call a fantastic deal more through the summertime) We learnt all about Óbidos a literary town and were interested to discover numerous hybrid bookshops and libraries positioned throughout. Hosts a number of festivals across the course of the entire year out of Christmas ones to the one and ones we unfortunately missed by a week or so the International Chocolate festival. Despite being slightly heartbroken that we missed the chocolate festival we didn’t miss out on trying some chocolate, in fact. (However it’s very popular throughout Portugal.) The ginjinha is served that you get to eat afterwards, and it is the best pick me up with a short, sharp hit of warmth and sweetness. Óbidos is a superb place to visit to see a totally different facet of Portugal however for me. We were fortunate enough to dine in their restaurant and believe me it was! A restaurant inside of a library couch, book fans rejoice! This was an elegant and understated place with books at each corner, a comfy fireplace and stunning glass and wood furnishings. To top off that you have a pub made people that aren’t gin lovers gin cocktails. The food was amazing and it had been an feast starting with traditional sausage with eggs and black pudding. Followed by refreshing octopus and tomato rice (a typical Portuguese dish) and smoked pork with lettuce. (The smoky flavour was heavenly)All curved with an increased carved apple along with compote. It was an experience that had a deep impact on me as well as the others journalists and will make me want to come back to Óbidos a town that is literary rather than later. A need to go for anyone who loves literature and food that is good! It’s simple to see finally this place is being put on the map that is global and it’s all about time to.
For more information concerning the Literary Man Hotel see their site at http://www.theliteraryman.pt/
TAP Portugal flies from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Lisbon up to 9 times a day, prices begin return including all taxes and surcharges. For more information, see www.flytap.com or telephone 0345 601 0932.
Picture From:seeninthecity.co.uk
