Portugal Week 8

NAZARE

Surfing, fishing,hand gliding all sports 

Nazare is a real surfing town with competitions in November when the waves are the best. Garret McNamara rode a 30 metre wave in 2011, a world record. Although the ocean is very calm at this time of year, these pictures give an indication on how exciting high season can by. One of the shop owners we talked to advised not only are the waves high, but LOUD when they crash. 

A tradition of Nazare is the 7 skirts still worn all year round by the elder women in the village, and by many more during celebrations. The number 7 could be for the 7 days of the week, 7 colours in the rainbow, or as the ladies sat on the seashore they used the different skirts like a rosary and prayed, knowing that after counting 7 big waves there is a flat period allowing the fishing boats to get to shore safely. Whatever your belief, we believe they make the ladies look a little hippy:).

There are 2 sections of Nazare, one being the beaches and the other on a high cliff. Our accommodation was up on the cliff and when we went to the beach we'd walk down and then ride this ascensor back up. Can you blame us?

Guess who's cooking dinner.....again?! This is our accommodation in Nazare.

Accommodation in Sintra.

Most of our reservations/accommodations have been made through Airbnb. These bnb's come in many forms to which the majority of stays have been entire apartments or private suites. So here's a thumbs up to all these wonderful spots and the many other happy adventurers soon to experience this fun, rewarding and economical way of travel.

Regaleira Estate gardens and palace designed in the early twentieth century.

SINTRA is a town full of castles, gardens and very high hills. After finding our Airbnb for the night, walking back to town and then returning in time for bed, we were pooped! Our legs told us the next day to give it a rest!  The architecture of gardens and palaces is unbelievable. 

COLARES is short bus ride from Sintra and allowed us to take a day trip back to Sintra as well as another day ride on a very scenic trip along the coast to the town of Cascais. One stop on the way was Cabo Roca, the most westernly point of Europe. Travelling by bus allows us both to enjoy the sights around us without getting lost on the winding narrow roads. We can easily get lost just walking!

There are many retired tourists travelling in small mobile homes and there are many parking lots everywhere for their convenience to stop for the night. 

Our most enjoyable mode of travel was provided by the kindness of strangers. On one of our walks on a country road in Colares, we met Ana and Phillipe who were hard at work renovating a historic 1700 century estate. In April, they are opening a Spa/Retreat and will welcome guests to stay in one of 4 beautiful rooms,each with their own bathroom. If anyone is planning a trip in or near Sintra, we will gladly supply you with their contact info. We'd love to see it in the summertime when everything is in full bloom.

View from the spa/retreat.

The pool above is filled with fresh water from the hills and then drains into the ocean. Hard to capture the beauty of 2nd beach with its rugged coastline. 

After a preparing a delicious lunch for us, Ana and Phillipe drove us through the countryside to some of the most amazing beaches and views of the Pacific Ocean. A fun day with new friends.

Off to catch a bus to Ericeira, a fishing village on the beach!