Unveiling the Charms of Portugal

Selecting Portugal as our destination was an easy choice, we like to go home to the UK over the summer but also see some of Europe. I always look at flights that we can jump on from Newcastle and then can easily grab a direct flight back to Dubai. So, this year we chose Portugal with an easy flight with Jet2 to Faro.

It really set the tone for the smooth travel experience we had envisioned for our summer adventure as the flight was quick and easy and in no time, we had our bags. Greeted by the warm Portuguese sun, we embarked on a scenic drive along the breathtaking Lisbon coast. By the time 3 PM arrived, we found ourselves at our first destination: the enchanting town of Cascais.

Where stayed in Cascais

Our accommodation for the following five nights was the Pestana Cidadela, situated just outside the town. This hotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for a summer escape. It’s a historic hotel built into the old fort which is 3 minutes from the beach and 1 minute’s walk from the local marina—mornings greeted us with delightful breakfasts, featuring an array of choices on a buffet spread that left us spoiled for choice. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the restaurant's stunning views of the marina below.

Cascais

Cascais itself is a lovely town with many beaches, lovely shops to explore, local restaurants and a little bit of history thrown in. From leisurely strolls in local parks to exploring the awe-inspiring Boca do Inferno, every corner held a new discovery. For me, personally, the beautiful beaches in Cascais were a highlight of our trip. The joy of exploring the rocky pools and enjoying the water was a definite highlight.

The Santa Marta Lighthouse is a great place to visit, and my boys loved learning about how lighthouses worked. Cascais' labyrinthine streets invited us to wander, and there are so many local restaurants you could never get bored of eating out in Cascais.

Sintra

A highlight of our Portuguese adventure was a day trip to the renowned town of Sintra, celebrated for its castles, palaces, and museums. To make the most of our time, we opted for a faster mode of transportation and booked an Uber to take us to this historical gem.

Our first stop in Sintra was the awe-inspiring Castelo dos Mouros, a castle steeped in history. As we explored its turrets and ancient stairs, my boys loved learning and exploring more about the castle and who lived and fought there. The breathtaking views from the castle were sometimes too much for me so be warned it’s high and there are a lot of steps.

Our itinerary continued with a visit to the National Palace of Pena, a romanticist castle in Sintra. The palace's vibrant colours and elevated hilltop location are so awe-inspiring and you understand why so many people flock here to see it. The palace's gardens offered promises of adventure, and a mobile app-powered scavenger hunt provided by the Palace was a great way to keep my boys interested for a good few hours.

After a traditional Portuguese lunch in Sintra's town, we explored the rest of the town's charming streets and local shops, I managed to pick up one or two souvenirs from some of the very cute shops.

Where we stayed in Lisbon

Five days in Cascais drew to a close, and we embarked on a quick 40-minute car journey to Lisbon. Our chosen residence was the Lisboans boutique aparthotel. Housed in a restored 19th-century factory, the hotel seamlessly blended traditional and modern aesthetics, all within Lisbon's historic centre.

Our apartment featured a well-stocked kitchen, with all the essentials and breakfast items. Fresh pastries and bread arrived at our door each morning, which was a delightful touch.

Lisbon

We left our stunning apartment, and our first destination was the Castelo de São Jorge. The panoramic views over Lisbon were breathtaking, igniting my boys' imagination again as they explored the castle and its historic walls.

The rest of our time in Lisbon was more exploring and we did a lot of sampling the fantastic food from pastries, local wines, seafood and tapas. A visit to the former Expo site led us to one of Europe's largest aquariums, where we saw the penguins play and my boy's favourite the sea otters. We hopped on the cable car at Parque das Nacoes which gave us bird-eye views of the skyline and the river Tejo.

Evenings found us amidst Lisbon's bustling energy, dining at the Time Out Market Lisbon, where my boys loved selecting their meals from a variety of restaurant pop-ups.

A ride on the iconic Tram 28 offered a journey through Lisbon's landmarks, while the LX Factory provided an artistic haven for cafes, restaurants, bars, and eclectic shops. A bus ride to Belém on our last full day revealed architectural gems like the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and Belém Tower. A visit to the renowned Antiga Confeitaria de Belém was a must, allowing us to savour the famous pastel de nata.

From the sun-soaked shores of Cascais to the historic alleys of Lisbon, each moment is now etched in our memories. Portugal was and is great for families, couples, young and old I couldn’t recommend a trip to the Lisbon coast more.