Coming Home

As usual with the last day of the holiday the weather was dismal and overcast, the first day that we have had to use windscreen wipers on the car. Certainly not a day to put the roof down. So as the ferry did not leave Santander until early afternoon we had a leisurely breakfast.

I am now writing this on aboard the Pont Aven about two hours out from Santander gently rolling across the Bay of Biscay. So no photos due to the slow internet connection. It is time to look back on the holiday and reflect.

We have both thoroughly enjoyed the holiday; it has been everything we hoped for and more. Described as a “slow” holiday through the Alentejo, it was certainly that, although we managed to pack an awful lot in. To me the holiday was the right combination of rest and activity. I think that there were three underlying reasons - the weather was magnificent. There was barely any rain and the temperatures were always in the mid-twenties. However in general the nights were cool, so sleeping was never a problem. Secondly the hospitality that we experienced was exceptional. Everybody we came across was so helpful and understanding, particularly in Portugal where we did not speak any of the language. Thirdly all of the planning paid off with tours, restaurants and off-piste accommodation. As always of course having a great partner in travel was the icing on the cake.

So what were the highlights, this will be like an awards ceremony -

Best Hotel

Evora – The staff were just exceptional, the hotel was comfortable, very well located and was all in all superb.

Runner Up – As Janelas in Lisbon. Again location, location, location, but also the facilities. Being able to spend the evening overlooking the Tagus was superb.

Actually all the hotels were great except the Herdade de Touril, that disappointed.

Best Restaurant

This is very difficult as we ate right across the spectrum, however Casa Marcial in the Pico’s was a star. The food was imaginative, had great taste combinations and was beautifully presented.

A honourable mention must go to As Barca on the coast in Portugal. This was an unpretentious restaurant but served lovely simply cooked fresh fish that you selected from the fridge.

Again throughout the holiday we only had one poor meal.

Best Site

I think that for all round pleasure the small village of Marvao was stellar. Its situation was exceptional with 360-degree views while it was completely unspoilt and a pleasure to explore the castle and meander through the lovely village.

Lisbon was lovely city and offered much in both situation and atmosphere. A special mention here must go to Taste of Lisboa whose tuk-tuk tour enabled us to see so much and enjoy some of the local gastronomy.

Best Walk

The walk along the coast in Touril, continually stumbling on superb coves hewn out of the rock with sandy inaccessible beaches at the bottom.

I also enjoyed the smugglers walk in Galegos, mainly because of the history and that it was through the “real” countryside.

So a great holiday, back now to the reality of winter in Scarborough, but so much to look forward to and plan for next year.