“Saturday – Welcomed at the Airport by helpful Luis, and settled in with enthusiastic advice from Ralph. Delightfully comfortable!
Sunday – Beach day to unwind from the travel. We (Jon & Ivor) enjoyed getting soused by breakers in the pool at Azenhas do Mar! Recommended!
Monday – Magical day at Sintra! a marvel of the ‘romantic’ movement. Also the old palace is worth visiting, with moorish influences obvious. We enjoyed eating at Cafe de Paris on the main square. Ivor loved exploring the tunnels at Quinta da Regaleira. we couldn’t do everything in one day…
Tuesday – After our excursions in Sintra, a rest day which we spent by the pool at Hotel Aribas at Praia Grande. It’s both cheaper and quicker than the Lido complex here in Praia das Macas, and the hotel restaurant served a great octopus salad.
Wednesday – We travelled to Lisbon by bus & train – no problems and explored the old town around the castle, before enjoying a meal in the baixa area.
Thursday – Swimming in the pool at Praia das Macas and then leaping in the breakers at Praia Grande. We think the beach at Praia Grande is better than Praia das Macas – larger and less busy.
Friday – Another day in Sintra, this time to visit the Palace do Pena at the top of the hill and surrounding gardens. Well worth the visit. The interior is bizarre a real hotchpotch. Joe liked the fresco of naked nymphs frolicking with fauns, painted by King Carlos 1! We rode the first tram to Sintra even so there was only just room to get on but it was fun.

5*! – Ivor 🙂 10/10
I had a really good stay! 101% amazing! Make sure that you try all the local biscuits and the octopus. Go to the Aribus hotel for swimming and Praia Grande beach. Make sure you go in the waves, Guaranteed fun!”

Jon,Fay & Ivor, UK – August 2012 – Casa da Bia