Truth be told, the cycling tour in the Picos de Europa of Spain appeared to be training for the hiking slogs to the Sintra castles of Portugal.
When Hubby and I arrived in Lisbon post bike tour, my plan included much napping and sampling of Portuguese libations. The plan of the refreshment consumption stayed true to course.
Some things one can not compromise on. Portugal had been an after thought to our Spanish cycling trip; an add on while we were close by. You know me always trying to get things ticked off a list even if it be countries to visit. What we discovered, even in a city of 2. Sintra National Palace inhabited since the early 15th century. To the Portuguese you can do little wrong. Tolerance abounds unabashedly. Up a long steep hill sits Castelo dos Mouros or Castle of the Moors.
Look way way up. If you are too young to remember the Friendly Giant that is just ridiculous. Although a bus ride is suggested, we walked. After all how hard could it be commented Hubby? After exploring the walls of the castle we hiked up to the magical Pena National Palace with history dating back to the Middle Ages. Do you hear me gasping? It is a combination of styles so has both yellow domed turrets as one might see on a mosque and then square, sharp turrets like those on the Castle of the Moors.
I kept thinking it seemed a bit like a Dr Seuss castle but obviously I am no architectural expert. As wandered back down to Sintra in the blazing sun I recall pleading with the energizer bunny below for a nap as the next plan of action and a Portuguese refreshment on the side.
