Last stop on this train road trip. We arrived from Madrid late in the day at the superb Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, the most beautiful hotel of this exciting journey, which began in Barcelona. The grounds, the golf course where we had a lesson, the restaurants where we dined, the room, the spa, the pools… the breakfasts: everything is designed to make you feel happy! Even the weather, with a clear blue sky!
The very next day, we visited the famous Cartagena with a guide who was a fount of knowledge about the history of this maritime city, whose origins date back to antiquity. I particularly enjoyed the Molinete Roman Forum Museum, located on the very site of the Roman forum (photo above and photomontage “Day 2”). Then we went to the Roman theater, dating from the 1st century AD. Allow one to two days to discover the most iconic monuments.
Day three: we meet up with our friendly guide (from the previous day) in the student city of Murcia, whose origins date back to 831 BC. Arriving at the magnificent Plaza Cardinal Belluga, we discover Murcia Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace (with its beautiful painted façade). We visit a few more Baroque churches and monuments, and in the late afternoon, we relax on the terrace of a café located behind the cathedral. Enjoying the pace of the city.
Dernier arrêt de ce roadtrip en train. Nous arrivons de Madrid en fin de journée au superbe Hôtel Grand Hyatt La MangaClub Golf & Spa, le plus bel hôtel de cet excitant périple, commencé à Barcelone. Le site, le golf où nous eu une leçon, les restaurants où nous avons dîné, la chambre, le spa, les piscines… les petits déjeuners : tout est fait pour que l’on s’y sente heureux! Même la météo avec un ciel bleu azur!
Dès le lendemain, nous visitons la fameuse Carthagène avec une guide intarissable sur l’histoire de cette ville maritime, dont la création remonte à l’Antiquité. J’ai beaucoup aimé le Musée Forum Romain Molinete, situé sur le site même du forum romain (photo ci-dessus et photomontage “Jour 2”). Puis nous nous sommes rendus au théâtre romain, datant du Ier siècle apr. J.-C. Comptez un à deux jours, pour découvrir les monuments les plus emblématiques.
Troisième jour : nous rejoignons notre sympathique guide, (de la veille), dans la ville estudiantine de Murcie, dont la création remonte à 831 apr. J.-C. En arrivant à la magnifique plaza Cardinal Belluga, nous découvrons la Cathedral de Murcia et le Palais Épiscopal (à la très belle façade peinte). Nous visitons encore quelques églises baroques et monuments, et en fin d’après-midi, nous nous posons à la terrasse d’un café, située derrière la cathédrale. L’art du farniente.
Un grand merci au Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, à l’Office du tourisme espagnol et à Turismo Region de Murcia. Comme toujours, ce sont mes opinions.
We land in Porto airport under a cloudy sky. Ann, our friendly guide and owner of Wandelen in Braga who organized our short break as a couple, drives us to Braga. If you like to get off the beaten track, Ann offers different circuits to discover Braga and the North of Portugal by walking. On the road, the sky clears to make way for the sun. I can’t wait to arrive at the hotel, drop off my bags and discover the famous Braga Augusta. With more than 2000 years of history, the city is experiencing strong development again.
What a pleasant surprise when entering our attic room, of the charming and intimate Porta Nova Collection House (photo montage “The Hotel” below)! The hotel is located in the historic center of Braga, in a renovated old building. Its decoration is contemporary and comfortable. On its terrace, you can sip a coffee or eat, admiring the architecture around.
The Trip In Pictures
The Hotel:
Day 1:
After Having a Salad
At the Pecado da Sé (photo 6), we visit Sé de Braga (the Cathedral of Braga), the oldest cathedral in Portugal which dates back to the 12th century. Lots to see (photos 1, 2 and 3): really impressive! We continue the visit with the Tesouro-Museu da Sé (the Cathedral Treasure Museum), where precious religious objects are exhibited. In the museum shop, I discover the figurines of the “farricocos” (photo 5): these barefoot men, dressed in black tunics during Holy Week.
A quick stop at the bookstore – café: 100ª Página, located in the Casa do Rolão, a listed Baroque-style residence dating from the 18th century. I am delighted to have a drink in the shaded garden. Last stop of this first day, the Zet Gallery for my shot of contemporary art (photo above). On the way I noticed some interesting street art.
Day 2:
I Like To Walk Early In The Morning,
at the markets. Through the products and the way they are presented, I learn more about the culture, traditions and people of the country. I am also very surprised to see a work by the Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos near the pretty municipal covered market, of a rare cleanliness (photos 1 and 2). There is a space reserved for individuals who sell what they grow in their garden, I wonder if this exists elsewhere. If you are more into independent cinema, emerging art and confidential concerts, check out the programming of Gnration, a creative space with modern architecture (photo 3). We walk from one place to another, discovering small streets, churches and gardens…
Finally, we have lunch at the oldest pastry shop in Braga, the DoçariaSão Vicente which has a wide variety of different Portuguese cakes. The staff is super nice. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a sacred site whose first pilgrimages date back to the 14th century. We decide to climb the baroque style stairs : 573 steps (photo 4). After a short drive, we arrive at the Nossa Senhora do Sameiro Sanctuary, where we climb flights of stairs in the dome of the huge church, to discover a 180 degree view of Braga and its region. In the evening, we dine on the terrace of the O Gato do Rio restaurant, where I enjoy this delicious starter, made with fresh fish (photo below).
Day 3:
From The Braga City Center To Tibães
This morning, we walk around the centre of Braga where we visit three churches, including a very modern wooden one: Capela Árvore da vida which is located in a seminary and designed by the architects André and António Cerejeira and the sculptor Asbjorn Andresen. In the courtyard of the seminary, you can see ruins (photo 1). A stone’s throw away, we visit the Museo PIO XII which presents both religious art and Portuguese painters. Then we take the car to the contemporary art gallery, Galeria Mario Sequeira: the site is inspiring. I really liked how the works are scattered in this large garden. Art blends harmoniously with nature (photo at the beginning of the article, as well as photo 2).
We hit the road again to have lunch at the Churrasqueira Martins, a barbecue restaurant in Tibães. The food is simple but my grilled chicken and salad are good (photo 3). Then we visit the Mosteiro de Tibães (the Monastery of Tibães): my best surprise of this trip! This monastery is huge with a beautiful architecture and vineyards on a large estate also including century-old trees. Little known to tourists, it is a place that encourages contemplation (photo 4). I advise you to take the time to visit both the interiors and exteriors, with the monastery guide who is inexhaustible on Portuguese history.
Day 4:
A Short Day Trip To The Atlantic Ocean
For our last day in Braga, Ann offered to show us around Braga region. Heading towards the Ocean, with a first stop in Viana do Castelo, to have lunch of a delicious grilled fish, at the Maraberto restaurant, ideally located in the fishing port (photo 1 and 2). It had been a long time since I had been back to Viana do Castelo (photo 3)!
After lunch, we hit the road again for Esposende, a seaside resort in the Braga district, in the north of Portugal. Endless sandy beaches, icy water, but there are waves, it warms you up! I didn’t try to walk around the city, all my attention is fixed on the reflections of the sun shimmering on the surface of the water. I even forget the strong wind. Our day of relaxation, sitting comfortably in a beach bar.
