Hike from Idanha-a-Velha to Monsanto

As we continue our tour of hiking to historic villages in Portugal, today we started in Idanha-a-Velha and ended in Monsanto for a 5.5-mile one-way trek.  This picturesque hike was one of my favorites during our six-day adventure.  Photographic opportunities abound in this slice of paradise in Central Portugal.

Idanha-a-Velha is part of the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal Program which the Portuguese government launched in 1991 with the goal of restoring and promoting a series of ancient villages important to Portugal’s history. The villages, located in the Beira interior region of Portugal, include the following:

  • Almeida
  • Belmonte
  • Castelo Mendo
  • Castelo Novo
  • Castelo Rodrigo
  • Idanha-a-Velha
  • Linhares da Beira
  • Marialva
  • Monsanto
  • Piódão
  • Sortelha
  • Trancoso
HAPPY HIKING!
view from rota dos abutres

Hiking in Salvaterra do Extremo

After a few days in the Oeste Region of Portugal touring Óbidos and Nazaré and 36 hours in Lisbon, we finally began our Historic Village Hiking Tour in Portugal with Mountain Travel Sobek.  We began our six-day hiking tour early on a September morning when Ricardo picked up our group of eight and two guides from our hotel in Lisbon.  We drove northeast for approximately three hours until we reached Salvaterra do Extremo.

History of Salvaterra do Extremo

Salvaterra do Extremo is located on the border of Spain and Portugal in Portugal’s central region.  The origins of the historic village date all the way back to the Romans and then later to the Moors.  It became part of the Portuguese Kingdom in the 12th Century.

Its first fortification was likely built when it received a charter from King Sancho II in 1229. Though after the signing of the Treaty of Alcañices establishing Portuguese-Castilian border in 1297, Salvaterra do Extremo was refortified. 

Being located on the border, Salvaterra do Extremo assumed strategic importance.  During the Restoration War in the 17th century, the medieval castle and surrounding town were enclosed with new walls and guarded by the citadel.  While the walls were mostly demolished after the Peninsular Wars, some remnants remain.

HAPPY HIKING!

Lisbon in 36 Hours

History of Lisbon

Lisbon, also known as the City of Seven Hills, is the capital city of Portugal.  Located at the mouth of the Tagus River, it is also mainland Europe’s westernmost capital.  It’s strategic location for seafaring and being a gateway to Europe for South America and Africa has led to its cultured history.

It has been influenced by the Iberians, Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Christians.  Between the various rulers and the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 that virtually razed the city, Lisbon features layers of heritage and architecture.  

Each of its neighborhoods, some atop hills and others at sea level have their own vibes.  During our visit to Lisbon, we spent most of our time in the Baixa, Alfama, and Belém neighborhoods.  We also took several walks along the Avenida da Liberdade, due to our hotel location (more on this later).

EXPLORE!

Tour of Oeste Portugal

During my ten-day trip to Portugal, I spent the first three days with my friends Jon and Jackie at the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort.  The resort is centrally located between Óbidos, Nazaré, and Peniche all places we were interested in visiting in Oeste Portugal.

Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort

While normally I would not pick an American Hotel in a foreign country, we had an enjoyable stay at the resort, a top 100 golf resort in Europe.  As we were busy sighting seeing in Oeste Portugal, we hardly took advantage of any of the resort amenities, but we enjoyed a remarkable dinner at one of its restaurants, Emprata.

The way the menu was priced, it was only about $5 more to get a three-course tasting meal, than an appetizer and an entrée, so we went all out.  We were all thrilled we did.  The plating, garnished with edible flowers, was exquisite.   And all our food…divine! 

EXPLORE!

Turkish Delights: 5 Destinations For Photographers

Turkey is an immensely popular destination for tourists from around the world. The unique country covers two continents, boasts beautiful weather, and is a photographer’s paradise. 

Whether wanting to capture wildlife, modern culture, or historical architecture, it doesn’t matter. You will find everything you’re looking for in Turkey. It’s one of the reasons why my two-week stay was filled with joy, and your trip will be too. Here’s where you’ll get those incredible photos.

SNAP A PHOTO!

An Art Lovers Guide to New York

New York is a diverse city, offering something for every tourist. Since the Roaring Twenties, in particular, the city has been one of the epicenters of American culture and, as such, has produced countless pieces of art, whether it be in the form of music, theatre, or literature. 

If you’re looking to immerse yourself within American culture, New York will have you covered. Here are some of the places to go if you are a lover of art and happen to be visiting, “The City That Never Sleeps.”

ADMIRE THE ART!

Things to Do in Nazaré

Nazaré is a popular seaside town on the Silver Coast in the Oeste region of Portugal.  It is most famous for its giant waves which attract world renowned surfers during November, though the historic fishing village offers many other interesting things to do.

The Nazaré Canyon

One may wonder how the quiet surf of the summer turns into monstrous 100-foot waves in the winter.  It is due to the Nazaré Canyon.  The Nazaré Canyon, some 16,000 feet deep and Europe’s largest underwater canyon, is located just a few hundred feet offshore.

Several elements combine to contribute to the big waves in Nazaré.  The canyon’s depth causes waves to move toward shore with more speed than the waves on the shallow continental shelf.  Some of the fast-moving waves surge out of the deep canyon and combine with waves on the shallow continental shelf.  The result is a section of the wave which is effectively two waves stacked on top of each other.

The huge amount of water brought to shore is sometimes sucked back into the combined wave increasing its size even more.  Adding Atlantic storms and wind patterns to the mix, Nazaré ends up with some of the largest waves in the world.

EXPLORE!
us at obidos

A Day in Óbidos

History of Óbidos

Óbidos, located about an hour north of Lisbon off the Silver Coast, is one of the most well preserved and picturesque medieval villages in Portugal.  Its castle walls encompass a labyrinth of narrow roads which wend between whitewashed homes with red tiled roofs.

Over the years, Óbidos was famous among royals.  In the 13th century, King Dom Dinis gifted the village to his wife, Queen Isabel. The tradition continued for centuries.  Additionally, King Alfonso V and his cousin Princess Isabella of Coimbra married here at the ages of 9 and 10.  Consequently, Óbidos earned the nickname Village of Queens.

FIND OUT MORE!

Wyoming Road Trip

Well, it is that time of year again.  Time to wrap up my summer of van life.  This summer I spent six weeks on the road, most of it in Wyoming.  I really love Wyoming.  It is such a hidden gem.  It’s hard to believe it has the lowest population of the 50 states.  That’s probably why I like it because you get to enjoy the solitude of nature!

Small Towns in Wyoming

I spent the majority of my time in Buffalo, Lovell, and Jackson Hole with a short stint in Red Lodge, Montana, a few days in Cody and Ten Sleep, a day near Pinedale, and a day near Saratoga.  I also enjoyed a brief bit in Denver seeing my family and friends. I drove nearly 5,00 miles, though probably only about half of that was in Wyoming.

I failed to snap my token state sign in costume, but that gives me a reason to go back.  I already have some places for next year as a pit stop to and from Canada.

Of the small towns I visited in Wyoming, I preferred Buffalo.  I loved its quaint downtown, colorful history, the size of the city, and the plethora of outdoor opportunities.  It really stood out above all the other towns except Red Lodge, Montana, which I have previously visited. 

TAKE A DRIVE!

Hiking Lakes Trail

Well, I left Wyoming with a bang!  I couldn’t be happier with my final hike of the summer.  Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is a hidden gem! I can’t believe I overlooked this place when I lived only 3 hours away in Denver.  The Lakes Trail is fantastic.

Towns Near Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

The biggest city closest to Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest is Laramie, Wyoming, approximately 45 miles east.  Fort Collins, Colorado is about 1.5 hours southeast and Denver 3 hours.  As a result, day trips are good options, though camping along with mountain cabins dot WY-130.

Additionally, two very small towns flank both side of the forest, Saratoga to the west and Centennial to the east.  Centennial is equipped with a small general store and a restaurant.  Saratoga is much bigger.  It has a gas station, some restaurants, hot springs, a museum, a grocery store, and a nice dog park. 

HAPPY HIKING!