Weekend or day trips in Portugal and Spain
Braganca - February 2024. I was there for my immigration appointment. This 13th century castle is one of the best preserved castles in Europe.
Great nighttime view out of my hotel window.
Santa Maria da Feira - March 2024.
Thankfully, Jose and Meghan had rented a car and we were able to get there.
Stormy weather as it can be in March!
Douro River Valley and Winery Tour - April 2024
One of several wineries we visited.
It was a hot day, but quite cool inside.
On the Rabelo (boat) for a leisurely 1-hour ride.
Lunch was served at a defunct primary school in the small village of Provesende.
Very quiet and peaceful. The only sound was the singing of the birds.
HIGHLY recommend a day trip to the Douro River Valley when in Porto!
We traveled by train to Viana do Castelo in May 2024 to escape the University 7-day festival across the street from our apartment. The bands started at 10pm and ended at 4:30am. It was as if a nightclub was in the living room of our apartment!
This photo is from the women's restroom at the train station. You can watch the trains come and go as you wash your hands.
We stayed at an AWESOME boutique hotel.
It was overlooking the main street.
They had a full kitchen where you could cook your own food since this is a major stopping point for the pilgrims walking the Portuguese Camino.
As in all of Portugal - beautiful tile work.
Riding the funicular up to the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart.
View from the top.
Walking down near the Lima River.
If we had to live somewhere else in Portugal, it would be in this beautiful coastal town. You can rent/buy homes at a fraction the cost of the Porto area.
The communist party is alive and well all over Portugal.
We took the local Metro train to Povoa de Varzim.
Had a fantastic lunch at this little pasta place.
Walking along the ocean to Vila do Conde.
What are these? To hang fish? Store your surfboards?
Would never have guessed they were changing houses!
Vila do Conde is known for their 4 kilometer Santa Clara aqueduct.
We walked underneath it for a long ways.
We stumbled on an abandoned amusement park.
