https://www.visitportugal.com/en/destinos/centro-de-portugal Archives

An extra hour to read in bed in Portugal’s book town

26th October 202426th October 2024 funtime65

And for the day that’s in it as we Fall back 60 minutes here’s where you can get… an extra hour to read in bed in Portugal’s book town.

If Obidos in Portugal Centro is the country’s literary hub then the Literary Man is its, er, centrepiece.

Where you’ll never want for something to read with the former convent housing 45,000 books which they claim as the biggest in the world.

All of which is good news for those who love to find a good read in their hotel when they’re on holiday.

Pull up a book

Of course with that many tomes then you’d expect an international selection and that is exactly what you get.

And cosy and salubrious surroundings to disappear into your read.

With a gin bar and a lounge with an antique fireplace to find yourself by.

The literary schtick extends to a novel-themed menu as well as the local Portuguese fare.

With only 30 bedrooms and we loved that you rolled just off your mattresses on to the floor then there is a real intimacy to the Literary Man.

Frighteningly good

Spook who’s about: Getting ready for Halloween

Now when we visited Halloween was very much in the air and characters were out in the town on force.

Hardly surprising as the 3,100 good folk of Obidos, just a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, are uber-bibliophiles.

And with more than half a million books inside the walled town then that’s 322 for each man, woman and child.

Ten years of the Obidos Lit Fest

The Obidos International Literature Festival marks its tenth anniversary next year, so pencil that into your diary.

A B&B overnighter in a standard room at the Literary Man for the sample date of December 7/8 retails at €119.81 with a local tax of €1pp.

Check out all major airlines for flights to Lisbon with Ryanair coming in at from €80.

And seeing you have more time today then worth combing through this.

And consider what it would be like to enjoy an extra hour to read in bed in Portugal’s book town.

Africa, Countries

Holiday Pics on World Photography Day

20th August 202320th August 2023 funtime65

I’ve an advantage over everybody else… I’ve an award-winning snapper to showcase her holiday pics on World Photography Day.

And that makes it all a treat for y’all when we get the piccies out when we get home.

So without further adieu here’s a taster of what fills our albums at home.

And we’ll even throw in a photography vacation offer to tease you.

Portugal’s a picture

And you can keep your Algarve amateur poolside and beach lounger snaps this is one from Aveiro.

A stunning fishing town in Portugal Centro it is known as the Portuguese Venice.

It’s Portugal’s big secret but heck now it’s out thanks to an award-winning writer, and a snapper.

Hamburger and shots

And we did both in the Reeperbahn and further afield and photographic shots and shoots.

We’ll leave our bed pics to your imagination, though actually we have shared those Hamburg city beach bar snaps.

My Fjord Lady

And my Little Mermaid followed us from Kiel in Germany through Copenhagen and up the Norwegian fjords.

And captured it all from aboard her MSC cruise ship and on our land excursions.

Amsterdam dame

And in the City of Tulips, my photographic pal was the prettiest flower.

And when I was motioning towards their famously tall, narrow bars she was capturing the delightful Amsterdam architecture.

No pic like Rome

And with all roads famously leading to Rome it took me some time, until I was 40, to visit La Citta Eterna.

Sadie the Snapper had been here before and was excited to show me the sites, among them the Trevi Fountain.

The superstition is right and I’ve been back and we will be too.

Snap up Morocco

Sahara bumpity: Two Tuareg nomads in the Sahara

While any and all travellers can always do with Travel Department to hold our hands.

TD Active Holidays offers a guided holiday with an array of photographic opportunities.

From the impressive mosques and markets of Marrakech.

To the busy fishing port of Essaouira and the rocky, barren Agafay Desert.

Where you’ll learn to develop your documentary, street and landscape photography skills.

On this holiday, you’ll not only get to experience Moroccan culture through a camera’s lens.

But also through traditional Moroccan food and live music.

As well as an exhilarating camel ride across the dunes… I hope you get my old friend Larsson to hump you along.

You’ll be accompanied on your journey with an additional tutor from the Dublin Photography School.

They’ll provide tutorials, demonstrations and tips to your small group.

So that you get the most out of the images you capture.

This trip departs on 13^th October from €1,099pp.

Including return flights, transfers, four nights’ half-board in a three-star hotel, plus expert guide.

And when you get back your friends will be begging you to share

Countries, Culture, Europe

Secret Algarve

14th December 202114th December 2021 funtime65

Do you want to know a secret, do you promise to tell (it’s what Travel professionals do) well here’s a belter… Secret Algarve.

Now you might not be aware of this.

But give a Portuguese a secret and they’ll keep it close to their hearts… they’re famous for it.

Which I discovered when I tried to get the Last Secret of Fatima out of Maria dos Anjos in Portugal Centro.

A desert island

We’ve all got our memories of Algarve beaches and they still remember us in Cabanas…

Where our fellow guests told stories of that resort’s glassy sand.

Best then to go where the locals meet.

And in central Algarve that’s Ria Formosa which are on a series of barrier islands just off the coast.

The remote barrier islands are Barreta, Culatra, Armona and Ilha Tavira.

And they can be easily reached by ferry from Faro, Olhão or Tavira.

Our friends in the Algarve remind us that the Ria Formosa is a fabulous place for bird-watching..

Oh, we know, and have been beak to beak with the Algarve Spoon-bill in Quinta do Lago.

Fits bill: The Algarve Spoon-bill. http://www.algarvewildlife.com

And paddeled too (the hybrid squash and tennis game).

Ria Formosa is also an important breeding ground for many coastal birds.

Such as oystercatchers, cranes, and flamingos, whilst also being a hotspot during the migration season.

Head to the deserted island of the aptly named Deserta.

And enjoy the day sunbathing, swimming and enjoying a long lazy lunch at local favourite Estamine.

It serves up fresh fish and seafood, among other genuinely Algarvian specialties from its solar powered kitchen.

And a mountain too

The Monchique mountain range is a chain of mountains found in the western part of the Algarve about 20 km inshore.

The highest point is the peak of Fóia which stands tall at 902m.

Picota is another notable peak at 774m high.

These peaks can be reached by foot, mountain bike or by Jeep with many tourism companies provide routes and services.

Reaching the peak of Fóia provides phenomenal panoramic views over the Algarve.

And when the weather is clear, you can see the Atlantic Ocean.

To explore the mountains take a Jeep Safari Experience by Extremo Ambiente.

It includes sampling the local brandy Medronho, Melosa liqueur, honey and & wine. Mmmm

The tasting is organized by a sommelier with comparatives and tasting notes, with a pairing with cheese and Monchique cured meats.

Village people

Go inland to visit small villages such as Aljezur on the west coast and Querença near Loulé in the surrounding Algarvian mountains.

Aljezur is in a river valley surrounded by hills with a cascade of zigzagging narrow streets.

On one side of the river stands the old town, which was developed in the tenth century when the Moors first settled there.

The village is dominated by the ruins of a Moorish castlebuilt at that time which sits at the top of a narrow and very steep cobbled hill.

Not only were the Moors responsible for many buildings in the region, but also various legends and myths living among people even now.

More, More, Moor

The village of Querença is one of the most ‘typical’ villages in the Algarve with clear signs of an Arab architectural influence.

The town is renowned for its rich traditional gastronomy, kept alive by local restaurants.

The village also distils the famous arbutus-berry brandy and produces a very popular variety of chorizo sausage, in addition to many other traditional products.

Visitors must try one of their wintry delicious stews (lamb, goat, chicken), finished with a “medronho” to warm up the soul.

Watch the sunset at Cacela Velha and then straight to the small alleys of Tavira old town for a gourmet tapas dinner.

Cacela Velha village is situated on top of a hill with a view of the easternmost lagoon of the Ria Formosa.

The village has a beach known for its dreamy landscape and its fantastic sunset.

With sand that changes shapes according to the winds and tides.

In Tavira you will find a unique mix of traditional architecture.

With Moorish influences incorporated plus 37 churches.

Zippidee

Alcoutim on the south-eastern border of Algarve is known as a hidden treasure in the Algarve.

This interesting river town is set among beautiful green hills.

Here you will find the perfect combination of history, nature, and tranquillity.

And you’ll be only a 30-minute drive from the coastal area of the Algarve.

The town is located on the Guadiana River, a river running the length of Portugal’s south-eastern border with Spain.

After meandering its way through some of the most picturesque landscapes, the river eventually spills out into the Atlantic Ocean.

At the border town of Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve.

For a thrill do the only cross border zipline in the world that starts in Spain, crosses the Guadiana River on a 720 m line and finishes in Alcoutim.

So that’s it out… Secret Algarve. Enjoy.