28 April

Sintra

They told us that this was a romantic village and it really is. Tucked away between mountains, Sintra has an old charm and again a slow pace that we love. The "Palacio de Pena" looks like it have just jump out of a children's book. It is so colourful and so high in the mountain.






 We spent the whole day exploring the so many tracks it has, particularly pretty were the fountains and the camellias all over the gardens. It felt like a magical place.....

After a day on the beach we come back for "Quinta de Regaleira", a "haunted mansion" will be the best description. Mysterious, dark, with so many hidden little places, caves, weird statues....

Back to the coast (we can't be far away from the water for too long!!)...we spent a few days travelling, bike riding, running, eating fresh fish....we love these routines!

We also took the time to stay at a thermal place. It wasn't a fancy spa retreat but the hosing  treatment was totally worthy

People think that Portugal is the country we love the most. It is not. There is a lot to love about this country, specially the nature, the historical buildings and the small cute little villages but our heart belongs to Italy, closely by Spain!. I believe that what it was so good about this side of the trip is the pace; we are really taking all in, stopping and enjoying....the fact that we had 6 weeks to explore the place has helped us to relax a lot; so much needed given the anxiety that has slowly but certainly crept on us about our trip to Fiji to be with the family for our little daughter's wedding....can't wait any longer :)