Our summer adventures with Jaden continue, this time we are road tripping North through Portugal. Overnighting in a medieval castle in Obidos, with day trips to the coastal town of Nazare renowned for its picturesque beaches and world-class surfing, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of The Convent of Christ, and The Monastery of Alcobaça. Followed by a few days touring Lisbon before his departure back home.
Our first stop on the road trip and base for the next few days is Obidos. A thriving medieval village known for its well-preserved architecture and historic significance. Surrounded by ancient walls, Obidos takes you back in time with its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, the imposing castle that dominates the town's skyline.
We opted to stay in the castle within the walls of Obidos that has been converted into a hotel, giving Jaden a chance to experience a taste of the past. Initially built in the 1st century by the Romans, and later occupied and added on to by the Lusitanos in the 4th century, Visigoths in the 5th century, Moors in the 8th century, and later taken back by and Portuguese in the 12th century. Walking along the castle's ramparts provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Dinner and view was so good at Alcaide the first night we decided to eat there again the next day. Jaden's favorite was the Monkfish steak with Mushrooms. We also took him to the eclectic Bar Ibn Errik Rex where the walls are filled with...well just about everything
A short drive from Obidos is the fishing village of Nazaré, with it's sandy beaches, imposing cliffs, and world-renowned surfing is filled with charm. Split in two sections, the lower village with long sandy beach and traditional village, and upper village with rugged, epic surfing waves and the church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré.
Now a very popular beach resort, Nazare became a worldwide surfing destination after the McNamara effect. On November 1st 2011, the Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a 78 feet (23,77 meters) wave during the ZON North Canyon Show in Praia do Norte beach. the legendary waves can reach heights of over 100 feet during the winter months. The current record is held by German Sebastian Steudtner who surfed a monster wave that was measured at 28.57m (93.73ft) in 2024. No 100 footers today but the surf at Norte was enough to keep a few surfers out on the water
Inland from Nazare along the Route of the Templars is the Convent of Christ, a historical and architectural masterpiece located in Tomar. The UNESCO World Heritage Site holds great significance due to its historical use and unique blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance Architecture.
Originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century, it later served as the headquarters of the exiled Knights Templar renamed the Order of Christ. The convent's intricate carvings, stunning cloisters, and majestic windows are works of art by the artisans who worked on its construction. Walking through its corridors, you can feel the weight of history and marvel at the spiritual and cultural importance of this magnificent structure.
Our next UNESCO World Heritage site is the Monastery of Alcobaca, another historically significant architectural masterpiece. Founded in the 12th century, its a prime example of Cistercian Gothic architecture, characterized by its grand scale, intricate detailing, and stunning beauty.
The impressive church, which is considered one of the finest examples of Portuguese medieval architecture is filled with exquisite sculptures, ornate carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows. The Royal Pantheon, houses the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and his beloved Inês de Castro, its cloisters, chapels, and other architectural wonders,
Next stop is Lisbon were staying at the Heritage Liberdade hotel which is located adjacent to the historic center. Mary said the backs of the chairs in the lobby looked like doughnuts.
After check-in We walked through the central district of Baixa de Lisboa to the edge of the Tagus river.
Today we took the Lavra funicular just near the Hotel up to the Mouraria district leading to Castelo de Sáo Jorge. Less-visited than Alfama, Mouraria is very much local Lisbon and has become one of the most diverse, multi-cultural areas of the capital. you can hear it in the languages and smell it in the food being prepared at local restaurants; African, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants and stores.
We stopped at the Church of Our Lady of Pena, an unobscure pink facade hides the Baroque interior opened for worship in 1705. The interior is notable for its main chapel, a masterpiece of Joanine carving, the two pulpits, made of carved wood imitating marble, and the wooden ceiling, painted in perspective, attributed to António Lobo, depicting the Coronation of Our Lady. Among the sculpture collection, a notable image of Our Lady attributed to Claude Laprade.
After several hills on cobbled streets we finally arrived at Castelo de Sáo Jorge, that you can see from just about anywhere in Lisbon. It's history is interesting but the views from here are panoramic of the entire city.
This morning we head to The Lisbon Oceanarium, also known as the Aquarium of Lisbon, is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe. Its located along the Tagus river East of Lisbon in the often overlooked Parque das Nações district. The main Aquarium is a massive central tank, which houses an impressive collection. The design of the oceanarium takes you around the tank on two levels to observe inhabitants large and small up close as they swim through different features of the tank. as you walk around the main tank there are several smaller exhibits that focus on specific habitats such as coral reefs, kelp forests, and coastal ecosystems. There are two other exhibits one a video wall Ocean water experience and the other a large fresh water tank.
After the aquarium a visit to time out Market for lunch was in order. We've eaten here on several occasions and enjoy the ability to sample items from local prominent chefs who have established small kitchens here. After visiting the new location in Porto, our favorite is in the north for both the food and the physical environment of the facility
