Portugal Short Blog Posts

Portugal was a relatively short stop for us with 5 days in Lagos and 3 Lisbon. It was just basically just enough time to realize that we did not plan enough time in Portugal and we want to come back.

Lagos, Portugal and the Algarve Coast

by Fitz5 | Jan 12, 2018 |

Well, to start – it’s beautiful. Our condo is 200 meters from a beach with the most amazing cliffs. The water is cold (I guess it is January – mental note to come back in the summer) but it’s so pretty it’s hard not to dip your toes in.

After our morning walk on the beach and subsequent thawing out of the kids we took a lovely stroll through town. There is a wonderful waterfront promenade that leads to the marina. Then we thoroughly enjoyed one of the cafe’s over looking the water.

We then ventured past the city walls into the downtown area. It’s adorable – cobblestoned pedestrian walks everywhere. It’s so peaceful I just love it. This may just be my favorite place so far.

Hunting Hawks

by Fitz5 | Jan 13, 2018

Today we drove about 30 minutes inland to Silva. It’s a town known for it’s castle on the hill, cobblestone walkways, and just being darn cute.

I’m really in to super cute towns (especially those with massive town walls) but what really made me want to make the drive where the falcons. My oldest really wants to be a falconer so I knew she’d love any chance to see these animals.

We parked down by the river and took some time to eat and play along the waterfront. We then wondered around town in generally an uphill direction and viola – castle. I didn’t get a great photo of the castle from afar but it’s a beauty (one of those large brick fortresses hanging over a postcard worthy white walled postcard town – if you’re in to that sort of thing).

We got there a few moments before the falcon demonstration and the kids and us just loved it. The trainer had the falcons flying just over our heads. One buzzed the 3 year old (serves her right – she would not sit down). I kind of worried at the gleam in his eyes coming up behind her but they appear to be well fed so all was OK.

A Little More Lagos

by Fitz5 | Jan 18, 2018

I really loved Lagos Portugal. We only stayed about 5 days but the views were breath taking, the town was lovely and the people were very friendly – even though we knew none of the language. It’s so far the only place we were perfectly comfortable getting a glass of wine, sitting at a cafe and enjoying the atmosphere.

The beach in front of our condo was amazing and we loved going down to the water and collecting shells.

We also loved the walk in to town past city walls and amazing vistas, the wonderful food, a cute little kids museum (yes, we found kids museum number #16), and just the laid back atmosphere.

Lagos gets my vote for my favorite city so far. It’s now on my “places I want to one day take a boat” bucket list … next time we may arrive under sail.

Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos

by Fitz5 | Jan 19, 2018

This is a cute little kids/science museum in downtown Lagos. It’s great for a few hours of interactive play and they have several exhibits that really help with learning opportunities. Our kids really enjoyed the interactive maps, the outdoor play areas, and nautical theme. You can add additional activities for a small fee but we did not think they would keep the younger ones interest. For kids over 4 they would be great.

We’re a family of 5 (Physician Assistant mom, IT project manager dad and 3 kids ages 3,6,10) taking a gap year from normal life to travel. For blog posts, locations, and more information on how we did it and how you can to click here.