2017 Travels
Portugal


November 4th to 13th, 2017

Portugal surprised us; it was much nicer than expected. The southern coast is world-class with beautiful sandy beaches, rocky coastline, and some nice surfing spots. The Portuguese people were friendly and helpful, and it was a pleasure to visit.

Below: View from the cliffs at Praia da Arrifana in Southern Portugal.

Portugal

Portugal

Below: We spent a few days in Lagos but we could have spent a few weeks. This area is really nice!

Portugal

Portugal

Below: The 'Chapel of Bones' in Evora is a bizarre place. A few hundred years ago the church elders decided to dig up all the cemeteries in the area and glue the bones on the walls of the church. Over 3,000 human skeletons adorn the place.

Portugal

Portugal

Below: We toured the Knights Templar headquarters in the city of Tomar (built in the year 1160). We love visiting historic sites like this; there is always something interesting to see and learn inside. They have some original dinnerware on display in the castle.

Portugal

Portugal

Below: Portugal grows 50% of the world's cork. We toured a cork factory and learned that a high-quality wine bottle cork can cost up to $7.00 each!

Portugal

Below: Lisbon has a lot to offer. We took a day tour and saw some of the popular spots like the Jerónimos Monastery. Construction began in 1501 and it took 100 years to build.

Portugal