Today is going to be very difficult to put into words. It was that incredible. Even now as the day concludes, I am watching the sunset from the window beside my bed and listening to the waves crashing on the shore.
The biggest, best coffee yet and the usual ham and cheese, egg and gf bread, fresh and warm. Fresh fruit salad today as well.
The café was right beside the bus station where we planned to hop on the tourist bus to all of the sights that are at the top of the hills here and part of the National Parque of Sintra.
With full bellies, we waddled to the bus but were stopped by a friendly voice. Mota, who would become a treasured friend, enticed us to the hill top in his convertible electric car. He offered us a better price than the bus in addition to his lovely personality. How could we say no? We couldn't.
We let him take us and cut a deal to hitch a ride back down. As it turns out Mota is a fantastic guy and we were lucky to have crossed paths. He dropped us at Pena Palace where we opted for park passes only. We didn't want to be inside with masks on. We explored the exterior which was fascinating enough.
We had fun taking pics and then walked about 10 mins downhill to the Castelo dos Mouros (The Moorish Castle)
More outdoor fun exploring and climbing a million stairs.
We called Mota when we were on our way down from the castle tower with exceptional views of Sintra and he delivered us back to Filipa at The Chalet Saudade. Our bags were kept safe and when we came to collect them we wished our new friend a grateful farewell.
She was so lovely. Highly recommend this B&B and all of Sintra.
We walked back to our café from breakfast, fueled up on some potent espressos and then hurried on to catch a local bus (403) to Cabo da Roca.
It was after 1pm and I questioned our decision to start a hike so late in the day.
We arrived at the lighthouse after an uneventful bus ride and although the sun was shining bright, the wind had a bit of a bite. We took some pics and began our coastal hike.
It was dramatic and gorgeous and alternated between cool and hot. We made our way along fisherman trails but came to not one but two deadends.
We discussed options and decided that the Sintra stairs got the better of us. We agreed on an Uber for the remaining 6kms... and so James in his spotless peugot picked us up and delivered us to our seaside Hotel. We have a room with a balcony and a fabulous view. Within seconds of dropping our gear, I changed into beach shoes and went to explore our beach, Praia Grande. It has waves, a surf school and a handful of beach bars.
After walking to the very end, I found a restaurant. Dom met me and we had wine and a small but tasty meal.
Not the best we've had but it put a small dent in our hunger.
We came back to our room for some relax time and enjoyed a gorgeous sunset.
Tomorrow is going to be a very long day and I sure hope we are ready for it....we will now follow the coast north, tomorrow we need to reach Ericeira. Another beach town... hopefully we will have some sunshine.
For now, the only thing I want is sleep....
Boa Noite and Beijos xx
Such a joy reading your daily adventures. Looking forward to the next few! J.M.
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