This summer kicked off with a road trip across Portugal and Spain, with a quick pit stop in Lisbon on either end of the trip. Lisbon was the cheapest place to fly into, and also happens to be Steve’s current favorite city.
After landing and attempting to acquire the correct adapter, we got a rental car and hit the road. It’s a short 15 minute drive from the airport to the city. We navigated the narrow streets and headed to a great little coffee shop, Hello, Kristof. Following an overnight flight, coffee was the first order of business. We also had acai and granola bowls.
After fueling up, we hit the streets to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. One of my favorite things about Lisbon is the street art. There’s endless variety in colorful tiles around every corner.
Of course, a continuation of doors around the world photo series. I’m partial to doors that look like they are meant for elves.
Before hopping back in the car, we got a smoothie for the road from Yao Pressed Juicery and headed to the next destination. More on those stops to come!
Cats around the world, the other ongoing photo series. Not nearly as many cats here as in Myanmar or Turkey though.
After our road trip through Evora, Cordoba, and Seville, we drove back to Lisbon the night before our flight. The weather was absolutely perfect, so we strolled down to the Time Out Market (yes, we went there last year, but it was so good we went back!). Fig and prosciutto salad was a winner.
We made our way down to the water and had coffee at Montana Shop, a hybrid cafe and art supply store. Live music and outdoor bars line the waterfront, and they were all pretty lively for a Sunday night!
The next morning we hit The Mill for breakfast: smoothie bowls, granola, and coffee. They are a cafe by day, wine bar by night. Then it was sadly time to hit the road to the airport. How random is this: a woman at breakfast ended up sitting right in front of me on the plane.
This time, we stayed in the Madragoa neighborhood, which felt very authentic and off the tourist track. It wasn’t too far of a walk to the water, either.
After 3 separate times in Lisbon in the past year, I can definitively say it is one of the best spots to see in Europe right now. It’s the perfect mix of city, waterfront and history, with a laid back vibe and reasonable prices. Stay tuned for a recap of the rest of our adventure!
We took a quick day trip to Sintra, about an hour from Lisbon by train. It was beautiful with so much to see!
The palace itself was elaborate, but the grounds were far more impressive. 
The underground tunnel network connects the grotto to the initiatic well, the chapel, and lake. The tunnels were pitch black, so the parts with lighting were a welcome change! It felt more like a maze, and you never knew where you might end up.
After finally finding the light at the end of the tunnel, we were rewarded with the grotto!
After that, we went back into the mystery series of tunnels and popped up at one of the two initiatic wells. The exact use of these wells are a mystery, but are said to be used in some sort of initiation rites.
Once we got to Sintra, we hooved it. It was extremely hilly, so comfortable shoes are key. We checked the Uber app, and there were a few cars, but not many. Just plan on getting in your cardio! Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the hidden treasures along the walk.
Our summer vacation for 2016 was to Portugal. We started and finished in Lisbon, with a trip to the 
Check out one of the scenic overlooks to get a great view of the city.
All the street art!
