Portugal has the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. Drive or cycle further afield than the crowded, chatty seaside towns of Estoril or Cascais, and you have your pick of quiet bays of calm, crystal clear waters and windswept surfer’s paradises. Here’s a selection of our favourite sun/sea/sand snaps from our recent trip to Portugal.
Praia do Guincho
Portinho da Arrábida
Aldeia do Meco
Photos by Zoë Noble Photography.
Another highlight of our recent holiday in Portugal was a day trip to the historic town of Sintra, a short train ride outside of Lisbon. We walked through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Sintra-Vila and up a winding, forested hill towards the beautiful Parque da Pena. Once there, Zoë enjoyed the amazing views of the shimmering Atlantic ocean from the ramparts of the 9th century Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish castle), while I rediscovered my fear of heights and clung onto a nearby boulder.
After I pulled myself together, we hiked to the summit of the hill to explore the Palàcio Nacional de Pena, a fantastical palace built up around a modest 16th century monastery. An example of Portuguese Romanticism, this multi-coloured magic kingdom boasts fairytale features like onion domed-turrets, a Fountain of the Small Birds, and a grotesque half man-half fish rendering of Triton.
Sintra was swarming with tourists, but well worth the trip regardless – its historical sites are fascinating, and its views are (apparently) stunning. Oh, and unless you’re ready for an hour-long trek up a steep hill, don’t follow in our footsteps – take the ten minute bus ride from the train station instead!
Photos by Zoë Noble Photography
Just stunning! Gorgeous photos from Zoë, as usual. You’ve reconfirmed Portugal as high on our travel wish list. And I’m with you on the heights – they terrify me!
“Lisbon is the new Berlin.” That’s what we keep hearing from people who go to Portugal to escape the increasingly-hyped German capital, if only for a few days. However, we can neither confirm or deny that concept, as we went to Lisbon to top up on everything we can’t get here, like beaches, fresh seafood and ancient European history. We couldn’t tell you what the clubs are like, or the bars for that matter, and we didn’t bother to find out what the absolute best restaurants are; instead, we treated the city like one big highlight.
We hiked up the city’s narrow, winding streets, marvelling at the buildings’ intricate tilework and walls painted colours we’ve never seen anywhere else, before taking a boat cruise along the Tagus river. If forced to dish out practical tips, we’d recommend getting lost in the labyrinthian Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, hiking to the top of the highest hill you can find to enjoy the views across the city and its beautiful bay, and hiring a car to get to some areas of real natural beauty. More on that later – for now, here are our impressions of Lisbon.
Photos by Zoë Noble Photography
Isa says: Nuns look to sea what I can’t see. Apart from that, ‘cute’ pic.
Just lovely. I think Ian just told y’all Portugal has been on our to-do for about forever & this isn’t helping. Amazing pics & inspiration!
Raquel says: I’m so happy you enjoyed it guys 
can’t wait to see Zo’s pics from Sintra! xx
Zoë Noble says: Seriously the best holiday we ever had Can’t wait to get those Sintra photos up either, such a cool place! 
Raquel says: magical!
James Glazebrook says: coming from Portugal and living in Berlin = living the dream
nealjames says: love the nuns, love lisbon. beats the snot out of berlin’s coffee – try cheap, black AND tasty, berlin barristas!
James Glazebrook says: Thanks – I’d totally agree! Zoë would disagree about the coffee, but then a cappuccino’s not a real coffee, is it?
Raquel says: Can’t believe I missed this post! You went to Portugal?? Wanna hear all about it on Monday!
James says: Yeah it was rubbish. Just kidding!
James says: Thanks. Mine are prescription sunglasses – Zoë’s are purely for show.
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Ah I was totally gonna tell you guys to go to Guincho, bloody beautiful!
I’m glad you enjoy it… feel free to comeback again
Portugal is a world full of hidden treasures 
Just epic. Love that the skies are a bit cloudy and complicated. Experiencing some serious travel envy….
Absolutely amazing photos Zoe!! Really wanna go now.
Thanks Trisha! The place is amazing