Sense of travel

Travelling is about getting new unforgettable experience, seeing beautiful and different places, learning something new.

Discovering something that inspires and surprises! Makes us think, and also have a great time and recharge the batteries.

Wandering around famous Alentejo region of Portugal, a historical and cultural heritage of old Europe is definitely one of such experiences. We love exploring its medieval castles and enjoy top hills view across valleys and villages.

Feeling adventurous? You are most welcome to join!

Unusual travel destinations

Most interesting and unusual travel destinations.. We appreciate new impressions and new emotions they give us so much in fact!

And sometimes the most unforgettable trips happen to areas already 'famous' as a destination, but only if you look at your trip planning from a very different point of view.

Ask me how to make it happen and get the best of it! )

Medieval beauty

Impressive history. Grand Heritage.
Breathetaking beauty of this authentic fortress inspires.

Castle of Sortelha is a symbol of the long history of this borderland village of medieval foundation. It is only14 kilometers from the Sabugal area
It stands on a very top of a rocky hill and is surrounded by beautiful valleys. Great panoramas are visible from its ruined walls.

The Castle was constructed mainly for defensive purposes in 1228 by King Sancho IIand played a significant role in contries history. He chose the location with a great care, making sure that Sortelha Castle performed as a one of the strongest and best fortified strategic points in his kingdom

He started to be built at 760 m on a high plateau. Later on its structure ware reinforced and re-modified by King Dinis and King Fernando.

Sortelha Castle was an important defensive fortress and now an amazing attraction point due to its splendid location. It allowed a perfect view of the entire region which in itself is one step ahead of the action potential enemy.

Its donjon rises high and is visible from a long distance. Inside its territory there are charming houses, calling us back to medieval times

Portugal. Fascinating trails.

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!

Algarve. Great cultural heritage.

Visiting the Algarve is not just an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent beaches and delicious cuisine; it is also a chance to discover a rich cultural heritage handed down over many centuries of history.

Occupied since pre-historic times, the municipality of Aljezur enjoyed a period of great prosperity during the five centuries of Islamic occupation. Indeed, the town of Aljezur was founded by the Arabs in the 10^th century, and they built the imposing castle that can still be visited today.

In 1249, D. Paio Peres Correia won the town back from the Moors. In 1280, King Dinis granted Aljezur its charter and in 1504 it was awarded a new charter by King Manuel I.

After a period of prosperity which coincided with the maritime Discoveries and the town sending its agricultural produce to Lagos, Aljezur faced hard times, later exacerbated by the 1755 earthquake. The earthquake destroyed most of the town and left the main church in complete ruins. The intervention of the then Bishop of the Algarve, D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar, was needed to build this church and set in motion the construction of a new urban centre.

Aljezur Castle

An Arab military building dating from the 10^th century, located on the top of a hill. It has a long stretch of wall with two towers, and on the inside a vaulted cistern of Arab origin, as well as the remains of houses and barracks. Aljezur Castle was taken by the Christians in the 13th century and fulfilled an important defensive role until the 18th century.

Visitors can enjoy a wonderful view from here.

Bordeira Main Church

An 18th century church, it has a longitudinal floor plan with a single nave and a chancel with a carved gilt triumphal arch in front.

The main features are the altarpiece in the chancel and the two side altarpieces in the Baroque style, where some high quality statues can be seen. Examples are the

statues of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Our Lady of the Incarnation) and Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary)(18^th century), of Santo António (St Anthony) and São Francisco (St Francis)(17th century) and of São Sebastião (St Sebastian)(16th century).

There is more than a thousand impressive monuments and historical sites in the region. They will definitely be mentioned in the next series of articles. Explore and enjoy! And happy travelling.

Alentejo. Portugal. To stay and admire.

Absolutely loved it here. 

HOTEL CONVENTO DE SÃO PAULO

The former monastery, set among 1,500 acres of olive groves and woods, was constructed in 1376 by monks in search of tranquillity.

The property is in the Alentejo region, where gnarled olive trees and eerily beautiful cork forests cover the land.

You'll feel virtuous sleeping in any of the 17 rooms, most of them in pleasantly claustrophobic monastic cells. Modern amenities--phones, televisions, private bathrooms, air-conditioning--almost ruin the mood.

The dukes of Braganza, who ruled Portugal in the 19th century, were regular patrons. Other Portuguese nobles have also slept here.

Food in the hotel dining room is grandmotherly: duck and black olive stew; açorda, a bread soup with salt cod and olive oil.

 Recommended bottles include Porta da Ravessa and Monte da Ferra, both from the nearby Adega Cooperativa do Redondo.

Happy discovering! 

by foodandwine.com