Oporto via Lisbon
The Journey
Our flight to Oporto is not direct. During the stopover in Lisbon, we walk from the airport to Expo for a coffee facing the Tagus. Euphoric blue sky! The LIGHT, brightness of Portugal … Picture above: the Oriente Station of the Spanish famous architect Santiago Calatrava.
Arriving in Oporto, we met Manuel, the guide of our next walks in the mountains. After the flight, the highway towards Viseu, the city with the best quality of life in Portugal.
Viseu
Petiscos For Lunch,
the Portuguese tapas, in the covered terrace of the cozy Maria Xica restaurant (photos above). The atmosphere is cool, young customers and good electro music and superb view of the historic center of Viseu.
While new dishes are following, I take a short time to take some pictures of the impressive Viseu Cathedral Sé and lazy terraces (photos below). Under a blazing sun, we leave the beautiful Viseu, for the Natural Reserve of Faia Brava, it’s already 4 p.m.
Faia Brava
Our First Walk
Golden light of late afternoon. A landscape that recalls more the Mediterranean than the Atlantic. The Reserva Natural da Faia Brava is well known for bird watching, especially the various species of vultures.
Manuel guides us to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking several hills (first photo and pictures below). No vulture, just wild horses: gorgeous shiny coat and totally indifferent to our presence. Nobody cares little men, what perspective …
We walk on hilly trails lined with bushes. I don’t want to leave, it is already more than 7 p.m. and we hit the road. Road movie!
Castelo Rodrigo
The Sleek Casa da Cisterna
is nestled in the castle of Castelo Rodrigo, the medieval beautiful village on a hilltop. You can feel out of time and in a new world. And I sorely lack time to take pictures of the village. I need to check in.
Upon our arrival, Anna, the owner of Casa da Cisterna and her team, do their best to please us. I go to my room and what a pleasant surprise! Simplicity, comfort and attention to detail (more in a coming post)! Each object is arranged with taste.
To be perfectly honest, I’ve never been disappointed by the Portuguese hospitality. We have dinner on the terrace with a XXL view of the village and countryside (photos below). A feeling of fullness. Recharging the batteries before our next nature walk tomorrow. To be continued …
Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés
Informations
Visit Portugal, TCP/ARPT Centro de Portugal, TAP, A2Z Adventures, Historical Villages
Related posts: DESTINATIONS & COMMENT PREPARER SON VOYAGE
Many thanks for this beautiful invitation to Visit Portugal, TCP/ARPT Centro de Portugal et TAP. Thanks to Manuel Franco and the team of Casa Cisterna too. As always these are my opinions.
