A Sunny Day in Caxias

Wanting to escape the city, we headed to Caxias, about 20 minutes journey from Cais de Sodré in Lisbon. The Caxias beach is only 5 minutes walk from Caxias train station.

That morning, it was nice and mild, so we walked along the small beach of Caxias, which is clean and neat, quiet and perfect to unwind. This place was a beautiful discovery, its neglected air gives it all its charm.

The Fort of São Bruno de Caxias is right in front of Caxias beach.

Although not visible In the photo, with the naked eye you can see the Cristo Rei (Christ the King statue) and the 25 de Abril Bridge far on the horizon.

I did not wet my feet, but I was able to breathe the fresh, salty air of the sea. It did me good. I cannot wait to swim here this summer.

The old train station decorated with graffiti.

Before we left, we wandered across the beach and discovered Quinta Real de Caxias which is a pleasant walking space created around the gardens of the Royal Palace of Caxias. It is also of a great architectural and historical interest.

Caxias is an incredible place and well worth a visit.

Christmas Time in Lisbon - Part II

Hello ladies and gents!

As promised, I am back with Part II. For those who missed my earlier post and who want to catch up and have a few precious minutes to spare, please check out Part I first.

Now, if you thought that was a treat, wait until you finish reading this final part. Anyone who has been to Lisbon or lives in Lisbon can tell you that there is no other city like it. So, without further ado, let’s continue to stroll around the city during the Christmas holidays. I like to think that I made the most of it.

I love the look of the gorgeous Christmas Market at the Praça do Rossio, which is in the middle of the city! It’s the perfect place to buy pretty Christmas gifts and sweets.

Some of the stalls at Rossio Christmas Market. We wandered around admiring the craft and food stalls.

We saw tuk-tuks (3 wheeled taxis) good for sight-seeing everywhere, very elaborate male statues… What a life!

Downtown Lisbon was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake which had destroyed most of it. Since then, each street is named after different trades (shoemakers, saddlers, goldsmiths, silversmiths...).

Some of the streets are pedestrianized and connect a number of iconic squares, from Rossio and its cafés to the waterfront Praça do Comércio, overlooked by a triumphal arch, to the attractive Praça do Município.

…another very elaborate male statue…

Beautiful arcades at the Praça do Comércio, a square which is said to be the largest in Europe!

Praça do Município

We saw boats coming and going at Cais de Sodré... The Sodré Wharf is a terminal for the ferries that link Lisbon to Cacilhas and Almada across the river. The Sanctuary of Christ the King is situated in Almada.

We saw a procession of the famous tramways

Igreja São Antonio de Padua is the most popular and most visited little church in Lisbon.

Mouraria, I loved getting lost in the narrow alleys and corners of this quaint medieval district. The traditional houses scattered on the hills was stunning…Here time seems to have stood still.

Praça da Figueira indoor market, delightful!

Lots of tourists walk around in Lisbon’s Chiado area and the elegant shopping street, Rua Garett. The bronze sculpture Portugal’s famous writer Fernando Pessoa is extremely popular. He is mobbed by lots of tourists, all day long!

The impressive Rossio Train Station seen from the side. From here you have a lovely view over São Jorge Castle which stands on top of the hill.

Et voilà, job done. I really hope you enjoyed this tour. Have a good weekend ahead!