So many beautiful places inland, we maintain a Portugal map on the study wall and pin the places we have visited- a reminder of how many more to visit.right now enjoying Monsaraz.
Here's another suggestion for a great "slice of Portugal" road trip. NR2 runs from Chaves in the north to Faro in the south and passes through a wonderful assortment of towns, villages, landmarks and landscapes. You can pick up a "passport" at the Tourist Information office at the start and then get the pages stamped as you go along. It's kinda like a scavenger hunt for adults.
The center of Portugal is one of our favorite areas of the country. It's where my maternal ancestors lived. I'm glad that you had a chance to explore some of it! - CW
I am a big, big fan of river beaches (and dam beaches, and ocean beaches too), but river beaches are my favourite. I always carry a «beach kit» in my car, to be always prepared, if I/we find a nice one and we feel like a pause and a refreshing moment (yes, the water is... cold).
Here is the site that has (almost) all. I wrote «almost» because it is not an «official» site (it is run by a guy/company that rents big water inflatables), but it's the best, a very dynamic one, and people contribute a lot so that it is always updated and accurate: https://aquapolis.com.pt/praias-fluviais-portugal/
Check in the map the location, you will have photos, information and all that is important about each one.
I love this so much. I know I would be torn between VRSA and somewhere like this. Rivers speak to my soul more than an ocean or a beach. But... I also really like to be warm. What a dilemma! Haha!!
Another great post, Nancy. My wife and I are moving to Monte Real in the Leiria district this October. We are just beginning our journey. Your posts have been very helpful!
I enjoyed reading your piece and would love to cross-post your work and share it with our readers and subscribers on our Substack publication, Portugal Calling.
Yes! Feeling you Nancy. Central Portugal is an undiscovered treasure, with Estrela Mountain (highest point in mainland Portugal, 1993 meters), and its Nature Park the jewel in the crown. After the first three months in Lisbon, had the privilege of next living in the medieval village Linhares da Beira, charted since 1169. One of the 12 Portugal’s historical villages. www.portugal.com/region/portugals-historical-villages/. If the sea were closer, would still be there. Yet, blessings continue for now living in another undiscovered gem on the silver coast. 🙏🏽🙇🏽♀️🌷
Nice article. We also live in the "real" Portugal. Our neighbours are farmers and we are surrounded by only Portuguese speakers (some speak French and live half a year in France). Our town of Porto de Carros has about 200 (if that) citizens. I would say that "Saudade" does have an English translation: Melancholy, yearning, nostalgia, longing.
Tomar is where, "we found our heart", so my hairdresser says. it is lovely and has a nice expat community. We purchased a place with land and a stream in Sao Pedro de Tomar. We are renting, since Oct when we arrived, as it is not habitable. However, we are going through the process with our architect and red tape to build.... On our way to explore Aveiro and Costa Nova.
So many beautiful places inland, we maintain a Portugal map on the study wall and pin the places we have visited- a reminder of how many more to visit.right now enjoying Monsaraz.
Monsaraz is lovely but we had a bit of a problem once getting our campervan through - cheered by locals (never again). The wine is excellent too.
Okay now I have added Monsaraz to our list!
The Alqueva is lovely and there is plenty of space there for dogs to roam too.
Thanks for the tip!
Here's another suggestion for a great "slice of Portugal" road trip. NR2 runs from Chaves in the north to Faro in the south and passes through a wonderful assortment of towns, villages, landmarks and landscapes. You can pick up a "passport" at the Tourist Information office at the start and then get the pages stamped as you go along. It's kinda like a scavenger hunt for adults.
This is the official NR2 site:
https://www.rotan2.pt/
But Julie Dawn Fox has prepared an excellent kilometer by kilometer guide that I highly recommend.
https://juliedawnfox.com/n2-the-ultimate-portugal-road-trip-from-north-to-south/
Nice report Nancy. Thanks for coming to visit. Look forward to seeing you again, either in the beautiful south or country central.
Of course, you are welcome to visit...but we will return when that pball court is completed! Thanks again!
The center of Portugal is one of our favorite areas of the country. It's where my maternal ancestors lived. I'm glad that you had a chance to explore some of it! - CW
Olá!
I am a big, big fan of river beaches (and dam beaches, and ocean beaches too), but river beaches are my favourite. I always carry a «beach kit» in my car, to be always prepared, if I/we find a nice one and we feel like a pause and a refreshing moment (yes, the water is... cold).
Here is the site that has (almost) all. I wrote «almost» because it is not an «official» site (it is run by a guy/company that rents big water inflatables), but it's the best, a very dynamic one, and people contribute a lot so that it is always updated and accurate: https://aquapolis.com.pt/praias-fluviais-portugal/
Check in the map the location, you will have photos, information and all that is important about each one.
And enjoy!!!
I love this so much. I know I would be torn between VRSA and somewhere like this. Rivers speak to my soul more than an ocean or a beach. But... I also really like to be warm. What a dilemma! Haha!!
Another great post, Nancy. My wife and I are moving to Monte Real in the Leiria district this October. We are just beginning our journey. Your posts have been very helpful!
Hi Nancy,
I enjoyed reading your piece and would love to cross-post your work and share it with our readers and subscribers on our Substack publication, Portugal Calling.
https://portugalcalling.substack.com/
Your perspective is priceless and your writing feels so immersive and engaging.
All the best, cheers,
Rui
Okay..thanks
Thank you, Nancy. We appreciate it!
Beautifully written, Nancy. I see it. I feel it...! I also would love to experience it. 🙏🙏
Oh, how beautiful, you really are enjoying the dolce vita😍
Thanks for the tour!
da nada
wow, paradise
Yes! Feeling you Nancy. Central Portugal is an undiscovered treasure, with Estrela Mountain (highest point in mainland Portugal, 1993 meters), and its Nature Park the jewel in the crown. After the first three months in Lisbon, had the privilege of next living in the medieval village Linhares da Beira, charted since 1169. One of the 12 Portugal’s historical villages. www.portugal.com/region/portugals-historical-villages/. If the sea were closer, would still be there. Yet, blessings continue for now living in another undiscovered gem on the silver coast. 🙏🏽🙇🏽♀️🌷
adding another one to the list...
Nice article. We also live in the "real" Portugal. Our neighbours are farmers and we are surrounded by only Portuguese speakers (some speak French and live half a year in France). Our town of Porto de Carros has about 200 (if that) citizens. I would say that "Saudade" does have an English translation: Melancholy, yearning, nostalgia, longing.
I think I might be spending part of my day on Google Maps searching for these towns and villages.
Tomar is where, "we found our heart", so my hairdresser says. it is lovely and has a nice expat community. We purchased a place with land and a stream in Sao Pedro de Tomar. We are renting, since Oct when we arrived, as it is not habitable. However, we are going through the process with our architect and red tape to build.... On our way to explore Aveiro and Costa Nova.
I've been to the river beach at Alcoutim but was not wildly impressed. Your visit sounds much more exciting.