Saturday 30 March 2013

Creative travelling

Creative travelling. Is when you go off beaten tracks and choose something unusual
Portugal - is a land of unusual. Just look:

Sunniest beaches and World Records waves - check
Unique wines, result of unusual grape casts and hot/cold winds from 2 continents - here they are
Grand river valleys. Endless fields and mountains with 800 year old Castles on top - yes it is here, called World heritage 


Most delicious seafood and rural interior cuisine variations? unheard of in the rest of the world, but here

Palaeolithic monuments? Yes here it is. In the middle of Portugal 




Travel. Discover. Be special and find special.

In Portugal 

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Douro. Much more.

Speaking of the great Douro Valley of Portugal is not just talking about a river or a region. 

It's much more than that ... It is its heritage, beauty, history and its people that make it so special.

Getting to know Douro is a pleasant journey, discovery of unique places with a history, culture, gastronomy and amazing people


There are many ways of exploring it 
And a boat, smaller and more private one or more of a party-group traveller - is a great choice 
Water brings balance and good vibes into life. And River Douro waters certainly do so, arranged in colourful valleys and delicious wine producing areas 
Do not forget to stop and indulge in various  tastings 

Happy travelling! 



Sunday 24 March 2013

The most desirable activity in the world.. Travelling!

Travelling is one of the best, most interesting things in the world, one of our strongest desires always and something that inspired, gives us new impression, emotions, teaches us and simply makes us happy! 

Something that we wish to experience, to do again and again, this small and sometimes big pleasures of life. Travelling.
Discovering new beautiful things, listening to stories of fascinating places and great people, taste most delicious things ever! Tis is the target, this is the dream that always keeps us going.


Maybe not all the trips we make become thus unforgettable - in a positive note - experience and make us happy. But in a place called Portugal it is practically impossible.
Most luxurious spa retreats and Michelin starred spots, yes, there are many here, but not only. Most pleasant sometimes are the simple things, as observing an endless view of a river valley and then proving delicious regional wines right there. 


And this is for everyone, for one with a great taste, curiosity, way of living the life as a special one, going off beaten tracks and loving discoveries!





Portugal National Park of Gerês region is exactly what make such nomad dreams come true.
Endless lands, heritage monuments, mountains and waterfall, most charming little villages ever, offering you a boutique hotel accommodation and feeling at home, offering delicious regional culinary variations to indulge in and numerous extreme sports and adventure experiences to challenge yourself!

Travel with taste, curiosity, discover and prove new.
Come to Gerês, even if you've been to Portugal and any other natural resources - this one will no doubt surprise you a lot.
And give an unforgettable experience and excitement!

Only in Portugal

Friday 22 March 2013

Discovery. Travel adventure. Famous Monsaraz.

Beautiful legends live here.. Mesmerising views, pleasant discoveries. Portugal is so rich indeed. 
And famous Alentejo region gems are a curious travellers 'must' destination.

Monsaraz Castle. Dive into history! Into this beauty of ancient narrow streets, from where you see endless lands of this 'terra alenrejana', beautiful lands, home of best wines and delicious cheese.

Streets of Monsaraz appear a mysterious yet charming labyrinth, calling you to get to explore them when the sun is bright or when it goes down, painting sky in all shades of colours and reflections a beautiful rainbow on snow white Monsaraz walls. 



This legendary place has so many stories to tell. Stories that changed a history. Fascinating stories of love, war, dedication, power, belief and hard work. 

Come discover. Learn. Enjoy!

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Travel and discover! Fascinating rural views and craft. Portugal

Heritage
Discover the cultural heritage of the Algarve as seen in its architecture, its landscape and its traditions. The echoes of the past can still be heard in the old lanes of the town, with their traditional houses dating from the golden age of cork when São Brás de Alportel was one of the main centres of the cork industry in the country.
In these parts, old Moorish legends can still be heard, with the bell of the main church in the background. A few metres away, it is well worth having a look at the Jardim da Verbena, close to the Old Episcopal Palace, and then walk along the “calçadinha”, the cobbled Roman road. In the countryside can be seen water-wheels and other hydraulic devices from a bygone era.
This thematic hub is the entry point for visitors into the wonderful world of cork.

Nature
On the way up to the hills of the serra, enjoy the dazzling scenery, with cork oaks as far as the eye can see! Breathe in the pure air, listen to the birds singing and experience an eco-system into which human beings merge harmoniously. Walk along the old footpaths, discover some of the habitats of Rede Natura 2000, in the hope of catching a glimpse of a Bonelli’s eagle or even the very rare Iberian lynx. In this natural setting, you will find out about the techniques for removing the cork from the trees and stacking it up, techniques that have been employed for centuries.


Rural Life
With us you can rediscover the old customs of the rural Algarve, while you ramble through the fields and the villages of the Barrocal, carefully whitewashed in a clear affirmation of their Arab heritage.
This is a unique opportunity to speak to farmers involved in their daily toil and to try out some of the most authentic culinary treats. Enjoy the honey, the ‘aguardente’ brandy, the liqueurs and local sweets, which incorporate the flowers and berries of the serra so well, and the dried fruits from the dryland orchards: carob, figs and almonds.

by Rota da Cortiça

Sunday 17 March 2013

Beach paradise. Close to you. Portugal

Wish to feel this joy, this happiness, just enjoying yourself and this very moment..? Portugal beach paradise is what where you have got to be, that's right 
One of the most impressive and diverse ocean coast landscape in the world

And maybe it's good that not that many people are aware of it
Cause besides several famous spots there are hundreds of true gems, this hidden secret spots
Where you feel this pure bliss, tranquility and on top of the world
And nothing disturbs you
Only albatross accidentally screams too close to you. But it's rather cute!



The Atlantic Ocean coastline is immense and very diverse from region to region here, besides natural beauty and its variety it has all the best to offer for families and little kids, extreme sport lover, gourmands and great wine appreciators. And party goers too )

Get to discover it. Only in Portugal! )

Saturday 16 March 2013

Romantic travel. Portugal

Romance.. Most special time. There is no better setting for it than in magic Portugal Douro valley, one of most beautiful wine regions in the world
Now. Just two of you. Sharing unforgettable, so pleasant experience, discovering, learning, admiring new sensations, tasting and finding .. Together! 


This is what make sit so special, so beautifully strong - your romance, passion, this amazing experience you've shared
And the beauty is in simple things!


Sunset kiss. Warm cuddle while admiring an endless Douro panoramas. 


Sharing a glass or two of delicious wines of the region, tasting, discussing, finding your own unforgettable one
Or ones ) because here you will share so many special moments, so much joy and great emotions, you'll keep this feeling in you memory forever
And it'll make your love strong 


And love of travelling. Of exploring this magnificent region. And many more beautiful secrets of Portugal, the ones that will open your eyes to a beauty of simplicity, its regional gastronomic delights and will give you much food for thought and many romantic moments and stories to tell )

Be romantic. Feel happy. Travel. Discover Portugal together - and keep your flame goin
g

Friday 15 March 2013

Travellers delight. Beauty of history. Lisbon, Portugal

Absolutely unforgettable.. One of most imposing. That is why Lisbon is that famous and is considered as one of best 5 European destinations.
Because of its World Heritage status sites.

This cathedras is something special. Although it's almost impossible to distinguish something among this variety of unique sites here.. But still

Towering above the cityscape from a side of famous romantic Alfama area hill, this ancient and one of most important cathedrals has got thousands of stories to tell
It witnessed so much during centuries and centuries of great wars, great developments, great reins, catastrophs, parades and life stories.



Grand Sé de Lisboa

When you enter it you found yourself in another époque. Another reality. Very strong feeling.
And besides this - it is a fascinatingly beautiful monuments, still transmitting its lights to us, as almost 900 years ago

Discover! Explore one of the most romantic, mysterious, beautiful cities. Lisbon. Portugal.

Thursday 14 March 2013

Portugal. Haute – cuisine paradise.

Delicious news.
Portugal Restaurant Week has officially started, meaning there is an opportunity to indulge in tasting Chef created menus only for €20 in top rated gourmet restaurants!

For the first time, the Restaurant Week is happening in the entire country.
From 14 to 24 March, 151 restaurants in 14 districts offer these unique opportunity
Lisbon, Porto, Cascais and Loulé are the most famous for their own Restaurant Weeks, and now participating in this global party, big celebration of national gem, gastronomic traditions!



And now its the districts of Aveiro, Braga, Bragança, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Evora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisbon, Oporto, Setúbal, Vila Real, Viseu and many more that are competing to be most delightful gourmet traveller destination

Each participant is a star indeed.. Difficult to choose the Best. And desire is actually to taste as much as possible!

Now. Book the tables!

Enjoy. Only in Portugal

Most beautiful things. Water views. Aveiro city. Portugal

Mirror of this water and bright beautiful sky. Fantastic start of a day. 

Aveiro, Portugal - a unique place, where traditional historucal architecture combines with a unique natural landscape, reason to call this charming town on a coastline 'Portuguese Venice' 

And its gastronomy!
Freeshest seafood! Typical famous sweets! Oh. Delicatessens. 


Come over! Discover. Enjoy 


Tuesday 12 March 2013

Travel. Romance. Magnificent Costa Alentejana area of Portugal

The sun is our greatest asset. On the Costa Alentejana, summer can stretch from March until November. From Alcácer do Sal to Odemira, there are miles of beaches to discover. From the extensive beaches in the north to the little coves hidden among the cliffs in the south, a calm and secret ocean awaits you. No traffic, no crowds.

Located in Southwest Portugal, the Costa Alentejana is a region of unique characteristics, accessed in a few hours from any major European airport. Few destinations in the world combine, in such harmony, development and tradition with comfort and nature, an itinerary of sporting, cultural and leisure activities with the tranquillity of a natural and built landscape that invites tranquillity, romance and relaxation.


This whole scene of natural life can be covered in romantic walks on foot, horseback, boat, or along the graceful roads that cut through the landscape. Because time is on our side and a single moment, if well spent, can last a lifetime.
Beaches are just one of many features of the Costa Alentejana. Throughout the region you will find incredible, unspoiled landscape, natural lakes, reservoirs and places where you could be forgiven for thinking that the sun was setting just for you.

Celebrating unique moments

The Costa Alentejana is romantic. It is a destination of choice for those who love beauty, nature, life and love, above all, for those who want to share this with someone. For a vacation away from the daily routine that distracts us from what is truly important or just to celebrate a special event, here you will find numerous hotels, pousadas, restaurants and bars waiting to be discovered by two. Many experiences only make sense lived side by side.


Hotels overlooking the sea, pousadas built between silence and the landscape, rural tourism accommodation in the heart of nature. The Costa Alentejana is a map of charming places for every romance. Modern and elegant, natural and discreet, elegant and sincere.

Life should be celebrated at the table, with a cuisine refined over centuries and accompanied with exceptional wines. From cosy typical restaurants to areas of the latest design, you’re in good company, with the surf breaking on the sand and the sky sprinkled with stars.

After toasting to the present and the future, come and discover the past.
The castles, churches, museums and ruins that remind us, that long ago, the Roman Empire arrived here, at the gates to the Atlantic. And lose yourself in fairs, festivals and processions.


You can dance the whole year to the tune of local songs or wait for the big summer festivals, when the Costa Alentejana becomes the world capital of music.

Love needs time and space. And time and space are precisely what the Costa Alentejana specializes in. Time and space to leave the world behind for a while. Time and space to break the routine and be free. Time and space for romance. Time and space to rediscover each other and celebrate.

by CostaAlentejana

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Portugal. Alentejo. Nature and heritage. Relaxation.

Located in Southwest Portugal, the Costa Alentejana is a region with unique characteristics, accessible in just a few hours from any major European airport.

Very few destinations in the world combine, in such harmony, development and tradition, comfort and nature, and an itinerary of excellent sporting, cultural and leisure activities within a peaceful natural and built landscape that invites relaxation, entertainment and discovery.
The Costa Alentejana is probably one of the best-kept secrets of the traveller’s world.
Although increasingly visited by domestic and international tourists, this region has managed to preserve all the original and authentic characteristics that made it a sanctuary
of nature and relaxation.


Enjoy this leisure, taking all the time in the world.
The first step is to choose one of the many hotels in the region. Modern hotels, quiet ‘pousadas’ - a family owned boutique hotel type accommodation,  small lodgings that make hospitality a work of art.
Comfort,  variety and great taste, which extends to the table of any of the local restaurants too.
Delicious gastronomy delights! Fresh fish, selected meat, organic vegetables, irresistible desserts made from traditional popular recipes, or those from regional abbeys.
Alentejo cuisine has many regional specialities within itself and  is a result of centuries of refinement and is one of Portugal’s greatest treasures.

Open all year round
Now, choose the best time to come. It’s quite simple really. From March to November, we generally find the lowest temperature is a pleasant 11C’.
Winter occurs in the remaining three months, sun and very mild temperature, that invites us to indulge in various pleasures here: wine tasting, regional gastronomy proving in front of fireplaces, the luxury of falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the surf.

Sun is the most famous resident of the Costa Alentejana. It warms thousands of miles of unexplored beaches and illuminates a sumptuous landscape that offers unforgettable views.
Discover the region that is home to ancient Roman settlements, centuries-old castles, towns and villages full of history.
Visit the casino, the museums, the nature and wildlife parks. Discover crafts, music and culture celebrated at fairs and festivals.


On the Costa Alentejana, we like to savour life slowly, welcoming those who arrive with an itinerary of appropriate physical activities.
Golf is one of our passions. Another is to surrender the mind and body to the care of the spas in the region.

And a list of activities is actually really extensive! Fishing and diving, boat trips on the river or along the coast. Watching birds or dolphins. Hiking and horseback riding. Surfing, bodyboarding, canoeing... All dedicated to four key things: health, fun, relaxation, making the most of this breath-taking landscape, without disturbing nature anyhow.

Costa Alentejana is a natural reserve of comfort and relaxation. A land of authentic people and customs, that shunned mass tourism and which has learned to develop and modernize without losing its essence. This identity cherishes, above all else, time.
Time to live, feel, taste and learn. Come and discover it all and enjoy yourself!

by CostaAlentejana