It was my last day in Lisbon and my last day in Portugal on my journey through Southern…
Times visited: 1
Cities visited: Lisbon and Évora
Towns and villages visited: Sintra
UNESCO sites visited: 3/17
In the summer of 2019, I spent a month travelling through southern Europe, with Spain as the main focus. But amid all the flamenco and tapas, I managed to squeeze in three days in Portugal – a time frame I’d soon realize wasn’t nearly enough.
I based myself in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant and hilly capital. Fun fact: Lisbon is the second-oldest capital in Europe (after Athens) and is said to be four centuries older than Rome! With its ornate architecture, sweeping hilltop views, and not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Lisbon is a feast for the eyes and the soul. I spent a full day exploring the city, and since I was eager to experience more of the country, I set out on two day trips for the remainder of my time.
One of those days was spent in Sintra, and what a magical day it was. I hiked through dense forests and up steep hills, rewarded at every turn by whimsical castles nestled into the landscape like something out of a fairytale. It truly felt like stepping into a painting. On my final day, I headed east to Évora, a beautifully preserved medieval town. I wandered its cobbled streets, visited the hauntingly fascinating Chapel of Bones, and explored its ancient university, founded all the way back in 1559.
Yes, I visited in peak summer – meaning soaring temperatures and heavy crowds, two things I usually go out of my way to avoid (honestly, I’m still not sure how I ended up travelling through southern Europe in July 😂), but even with the heat and the hustle, Portugal won me over. My short visit barely scratched the surface, but it left me craving more.