Cíes Islands, Spain

The Cíes Islands are located between the Ria Vigo and the Atlantic. A stunningly beautiful natural reserve.

 My friend Elena.

Serra de Estrela

Serra de Estrela, the highest mountain range on mainland Portugal, 1,993 m. I stayed in Penhas de Saude, which is located in the National Park of Serra de Estrela. This mountain range is very popular in the winter months, for being one of the only places to ski in Portugal. But since I have an aversion to winter sports, I decided summer was better:) Enjoy.

 DINOSAUR!

Mary in the Rock.

Rota das Amendoeiras (Almond Tree Route)

I took a trip in the winter and never posted....it was a trip by train around some of the towns near the Douro River. The Douro runs from Spain through Portugal and into the Atlantic. It's famous in Portugal for carrying down the delicious wine and Port than are harvested in the Douro Valley to Porto. The Amendoeiras (almond trees) were not all in bloom, but luckily towards the end of the trip I caught sight of a few and even better...got to smell them, ahhh a delicious smell.

Torre de Moncorvo:

Freixo-de-Espada-a-Cinta: Or "Freixo with Sword in Belt", has alot of stories as to how the name came to be, but supposedly someone fell asleep under a tree after tying his sword to it, and hence the interesting name.

Penedo Durao: Miradouro, or viewpoint of the Rio Douro sharing the border between Spain and Portugal

 I could eat quiejo all day long....

Castelo Rodrigo: this was built around 1192...crazy.

Festa da Vista Alegre

Vista Alegre's (means Happy View) porcelain factory has been open since the 1820's. It is located besides the Ria in Ilhavo, but is well known throughout the country and beyond. During the height of production, in the late 1800's, housing, a cafeteria, and a daycare facility was built for the workers to stay nearby.  The church and quinta (yard), have been kept preserved since then, however, alot of the housing has been ruined due to the steady decline of the business. Every July, Vista Alegre has a weekend long festival, with marches (religious and recreational), live music, good food and of course, dishware for sale.

 Inside the Igreja (church)

 Street in V.A. in January and again in July:

Example of damaged housing in V.A.

The "March of Vista Alegre"

Alentejo region: Mertola

Located in the Alentejo region, or Southeastern Portugal, Mertola has heavy Moorish influences. Every 2 years the town of Mertola holds an Islamic Festival. The originally muslim castle still stands and overlooks the town, which is built around one big hill. The Alentejo is truely a beautiful part of the portuguese landscape.

My lovely mãe:)