Author Archives: SolaGasta
Walk in the Historic Center of Borba (Borba)
Points of Interest: Bicas Fountain, Borba Castle, Historic Center, Processional Steps of Borba - Footsteps of Jesus, Churches and Chapels. Tips: Park next to Bicas Fountain and start the walk there. Do not throw garbage on the floor. There are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a typical Alentejo…
PR1 AJZ – Historical, Cultural and Environmental Trail (Aljezur)
Points of Interest: Market square, Public Fountain, Municipal Museum, Misericórdia Church, Sacred Art Museum Mons. Manuel Francisco Pardal, Antoniano Museum, José Cercas House-Museum, Aljezur Castle, Lies Fountain, Aljezur river, Mediterranean Forests and Aromatic Plants, Old Inn and Toll House, Old Port Cistern, "Azinhagas" with access to the old patterns of…
Hike along Falperra Trails (Braga)
Points of Interest: Sanctuary of Santa Maria Madalena da Falperra, Chapel of Santa Marta do Leão, Lion Fountain, Rampa da Falperra. Tips: Do not throw garbage on the floor. There are picnic tables in the forest park. There is a hotel and a restaurant to rest and recover energy. HIKING…
Alamal Walkway – Walking with Tagus at Your Feet (Gavião)
Points of Interest: Alamal Walkway, Alamal Beach, Belver, Belver Castle Tips: There is parking next to Alamal Beach. There is a restaurant/cafe on the beach where you can have some snacks before or after the walk. Do not throw garbage on the floor. There is a hotel next to the…
Discover Juncal Ecocamping Trails (Marco de Canavezes)
Points of Interest: Juncal Ecocamping, rural village, quiet. Tips: Do not throw garbage on the floor. Do not leave the trails. There are 2 comfortable rooms, places for tents and caravans. This hiking trail was carried out a few years ago, we don't know if the Ecocamping will still be…
Gameiro Walkway (Mora)
Points of Interest: Gameiro Walkway, Gameiro River Beach, Mora Fluviarium, Ribeira da Raia, Gameiro Ecological Park, Observation Post. Tips: Visit Mora Fluviarium, you can buy your tickets online. The climb to the Observation Post is not recommended for strollers. After hiking, enjoy a bit of the river beach. There is…
Discover the Historic Center of Tomar (Tomar)
Points of Interest: Convent of Christ, "Manuelina" Window, Tomar Castle, Seven Hills National Forest, Historic Center, Republic Square, Church of S. João Baptista, Nabão River Tips: Families have discounts on Convent of Christ tickets. All tickets can be purchased online. On Sundays and holidays, tickets are free for all citizens…
PR 25 – Walkway Trail (Arcos de Valdevez)
Points of Interest: Sistelo village, Vez ecovia, Vez river, Srº dos Aflitos chapel. Tips: Do not throw garbage on the floor. There are restaurants and cafés where you can boost your energy. HIKING INFO Video Photo Album Brochure/Website 5/5signage 1/5difficulty Not accessibleto stroller 4/5landscape 203melevation min 297melevation max 139melevation gain…
Piódão Village (Arganil)
We opted for the enchanting village of Piódão, nestled in the heart of Arganil municipality, for a refreshing escape from our daily routine - a perfect weekend getaway. If you haven't had the pleasure of visiting it yet, brace yourselves for a truly immersive experience in a world of timeless…
INATEL Piódão (Arganil)
Nestled in the peculiar mountains that surround the village of Piódão, there lies a building seamlessly integrated into the breathtaking landscape, transporting visitors to a world frozen in time. Welcome to INATEL Piódão! At the top of a hill, overlooking the charming schist village of Piódão, INATEL Piódão offers an…
Côja River Beach (Arganil)
Our destination today was Piodão, but on the way, we decided to make a stop and discover one of Arganil's hidden gems: the breathtaking Côja River Beach! The gray day didn't encourage swimming, but our desire to explore this river beach was strong. As we arrived in Côja, we parked…
Lagar do Alva Restaurant (Arganil)
In Central Portugal, by the banks of the Alva River, we find the authentic and traditional flavors of this region. It was at "Lagar do Alva" Restaurant, located in Côja, in the astonishing municipality of Arganil, that we embarked on this culinary journey today. For the less observant traveler, while…
PR1 VVC – Exploring the Royal Road (Vila Viçosa)
This adventure started very early with the first rays of sun in Florbela Espanca hometown. We are in the middle of summer and walking with temperatures as high as those seen in the last few days in Alentejo wouldn't be advisable at all, especially with children. So, in the cool…
Restauração Restaurant (Vila Viçosa)
Vila Viçosa has a wide variety of options in terms of restaurants. With some casual suggestions and others more traditional and formal, we tried to visit different restaurants to learn about the gastronomic diversity of the region and also to help, albeit symbolically, these businesses that have faced so many…
Hiking in Oliveira de Frades (Oliveira de Frades)
We dedicated this day to the lands of Beira Alta, more specifically to the beautiful village of Oliveira de Frades, district of Viseu. Its privileged location, in a territory bathed by Vouga River and surrounded by exuberant mountains, attracted the first people to this region from an early age. And…
Francisco Alvares Nóbrega Viewpoint (Machico – Madeira)
The night was mild. On the last night on Madeira island, only a slight breeze blew as if it were a longing sigh. Yes, tomorrow we would return dinner and to spend the last moments on Madeira, we left the apartment for a short family walk. We say goodbye to…
Hiking in Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz – Madeira)
You hadn't heard from us in a while. This is the first text written in a world turned upside down, in a life that stopped overnight and changed us around. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since March a lot has changed in the world, in the world of…
Casa Nostra Restaurant & Pizzeria (Santa Cruz – Madeira)
Today is a day to relax. Spending the last moments in Madeira, we dedicated the last day on the island to the city of Santa Cruz and it was on a short walk along the ocean coast, that we stopped at Casa Nostra Restaurant & Pizzeria. Located in a prominent…
PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (Machico – Madeira)
The "PR8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço" trail is on the easternmost peninsula of Madeira, in a volcanic landscape with a unique beauty throughout the arrived at "Baía D'Abra" (D'Abra Bay) as soon as possible, where the trail begins, with some expectations regarding the weather conditions. Although forecasts…
From Punta Cana to Isla Catalina & Altos de Chavón (Dominican Republic)
Days passed slowly in Punta Cana. At Bávaro Beach, the daily routine started with waking up very early (because of the heat and the jetlag), then a quick run before breakfast and soon afterwards "filling the stomach", taking advantage of the "all inclusive" regime. We continued with a walk to…
At the top of Cabo Girão (Câmara de Lobos – Madeira)
About 580m above sea level, Cabo Girão Viewpoint, is one of the highest cliffs in the world and one of the must-see places of Madeira island. After visiting Fajã dos Padres, we couldn't end the day without discovering this famous name of this cape of dizzying landscapes is "Girão" because…
O Casco Restaurant (Machico – Madeira)
"O Casco" restaurant is located in the center of Machico, very close to the bay and the beach. Today we chose not to dine in the apartment, our headquarters during this stay in Madeira, and we chose a restaurant nearby so that we didn't waste much time. We all need…
Hiking in Fajã dos Padres (Câmara de Lobos – Madeira)
Fajã dos Padres, about 10 km from Funchal, is one of the best kept secrets of Madeira. We cannot dissociate from this its isolation, because we can reach this small paradise, where birds and the sea sing in unison, only by boat or cable parked our car by the cable…
Fajã dos Padres Restaurant (Câmara de Lobos – Madeira)
We don't know if it's humanly possible to find words to describe all the sensations aroused in our senses by this meal in Fajã dos Padres restaurant. We will try. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find genuine, fresh and aromatic flavors such as those cultivated in the fertile and fertilizer-free…
Hike to Discover Eira do Serrado Viewpoint (Câmara de Lobos – Madeira)
We arrived early at Eira do Serrado, right in the mountainous heart of the central massif, in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, 25 minutes north of Funchal, next to the hotel Eira do Serrado, we found one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island, a fantastic enchanted scenario…
Centro Comercial da Sé Restaurant (Funchal – Madeira)
In the historic center of Funchal, near to Sé (Mother Church), we discover the Centro Comercial da Sé Restaurant. With a huge terrace on one of the busiest streets in the city, we were surprised by the pleasant atmosphere we enjoyed while tasting some of the regional delicacies. A restaurant…
Hike to Discover Belver (Gavião)
Legend says that a princess (or a king in another version of it) when went up to the castle has uttered the phrase "…que belo ver!" (…how beautiful to see!). And at that moment was born the village that still amazes us with its "beautiful sight" from the top of…
Discover Bávaro Beach – Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
When we think of an all-inclusive vacation, Dominican Republic is one of the first destinations that comes to mind. Its value for money in services and its paradisiacal beaches are reasons enough to opt for a few days of vacations under the motto "dolce far niente".Samaná and Punta Cana are…
Whale Watching (Funchal – Madeira)
Madeira island is a paradise for those who seek a closer contact with nature, hiking trails and beaches of a incomparable beauty. Is also a destination with a vast diversity of tourism products. We can choose the simplicity of a campsite or the luxury of a 5 star hotel, we…
Foz do Arelho Walkways (Caldas da Rainha)
Foz do Arelho walkways have an extension of only 800m long but its location on the cliffs north of Óbidos Lagoon and Foz do Arelho beach makes this an unmissable hike for those who visit this region. Although small in extension, the landscaped value of Foz do Arelho walkways is…
Tibino, Snack House – Foz do Arelho (Caldas da Rainha)
Sun, a terrace, good company and a table with good snacks. We don't need much to be happy. At "Tibino" restaurant, in Foz do Arelho, we find all this and a lot more. In this restaurant we eat also with our eyes and besides the quality in the preparation of…
Yellow Bus – Câmara de Lobos Tour (Funchal and Câmara de Lobos – Madeira)
Today we took the day to "be a tourist", rest our legs and discover Madeira with other eyes. Because we like to diversify our experiences in anywhere we go, we planned a Yellow Bus tour in the morning and a catamaran adventure for whale watching in the afternoon. We want…
Walking Trails of Morraceira Island – Four Seasons Hiking – Spring (Figueira da Foz)
Bathed to the north by the waters of the Mondego River and to the south by the Pranto River, Morraceira Island is a pearl of Figueira da Foz municipality. With about 600 ha of salt pans, fish farms, rice fields, marshes and cane fields, it has an impressive orniotological richness…
Quinta do Caceiro (Figueira da Foz)
Quinta do Caceiro Restaurant received us at a late hour, on the southern shore of "Lagoa da Vela" (Vela Lagoon), in Bom Sucesso. It was weekend and the room was full, which is always a good sign, after all it was "Sopa da Pedra" (Stone Soup) and Portuguese Stew day.…
Hiking in Porto Moniz (Porto Moniz – Madeira)
We arrived in Porto Moniz after hiking PR6 - Levada das 25 Fontes, a little tired but still with much desire to know the famous Natural Pools of Porto we started the descent to the village, we stopped at "Miradouro da Santa" (Santa Viewpoint), in ER 101, where we were…
Maritime Museum of Ílhavo (Ílhavo)
Even on a rainy day, the last option is always to stay on the couch. Sometimes it tastes good but with so much to see and to do out there, why waste our time in front of the television? So, in spite of bad weather, we urgently needed a family…
PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes (Calheta – Madeira)
"Levada das 25 Fontes" is one of the most well-known hiking trails on Madeira Island. Its popularity means that every day, countless hikers take the trail that ends at the emblematic 25 Fountains we awoke at the first rays of sun and we hit the road. We wanted to start…
Rabacal Nature Spot Cafe (Calheta – Madeira)
Rabacal Nature Spot Cafe is an obligatory stop when hiking PR6 - Levada das 25 Fontes, in Calheta, Madeira Island. Whether to have a coffee and drink some water before starting the route, or to recover the energy on arrival, after traveling around 10km (round trip) along the "levada". That's…
PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões (Santana – Madeira)
This day was ending fast and we ran against time to be able to hike the "PR11 - Vereda dos Balcões" before the sun goes down behind the Central Massif of Madeira Island. Despite being a relatively small and easy pedestrian trail, those who hike with children know that sometimes…
Dux Taberna Urbana (Coimbra)
"Dux Taberna Urbana" is located in downtown Coimbra, right in the heart of the student city. Well decorated and with a menu full of surprising tidbits invites us to have a good time with our family or friends in a selected and quiet ambience. A menu full of surprising tidbits.…
Walking to Discover Traditional Santana Houses (Santana – Madeira)
Being in the county of Santana, we must visit the picturesque thatch roof houses, the most representative icons of this region, whose photographs are scattered around the world. This tourist attraction of Madeira Island is also known as "Casinhas de Santana" (Traditional Santana Houses) and its characteristic triangular shape with…
LC2 Bar (Funchal – Madeira)
By the suggestion of a friend who, for some years to this part, left the mainland for the island of Madeira, we find the LC2 Bar right in the center of Funchal to eat some snacks. The conversation, with the stories of those who hadn't seen each other for too…
Discover the Caves and the Volcanism Center of São Vicente (São Vicente – Madeira)
Our day started early. We would drive about 1 hour by car between Machico and São Vicente and we wanted to get there as early as possible. The Caves and the Volcanism Center of São Vicente would be the first destination of the had some curiosity in this visit because…
Panoramik Ocean Restaurant (São Vicente – Madeira)
Walking increases the appetite and after visiting the Caves of São Vicente, we found the Panoramik Ocean Restaurant in Sitio do Calhau, São Vicente. A two-storey space with buffet on the 1st floor. The very affordable prices and the variety of the menu make this the ideal spot for those who…
Hiking in Funchal – From Marina to Monte (Funchal)
On the second day in Madeira we wanted to take on the role of real tourists and discover the city of Funchal with its major attractions. It was difficult to include everything in a day's walk, but we tried to at least visit the most iconic places, although in some…
Aníbal Tapas (Funchal – Madeira)
On a urban hike to the discover the old area of Funchal, we needed a break to strengthen the stomach. We didn't want to waste a lot of time and therefore a place to eat some regional snacks would be awesome. At the end of Santa Maria street, one of…
Hiking Trail of “Nossa Senhora da Piedade” (Machico – Madeira)
It was 4 o'clock in the morning when we arrived at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Oporto. No one saw a soul. Having an airport just for us is a strange feeling. It seemed like we were all alone in the world, in a disconcerting silence, as in another dimension.…
Muralhas Bar, Caniçal (Machico – Madeira)
Caniçal is a small village on the eastern side of Madeira, between Machico and "Ponta de S. Lourenço". Next to the bay that bathes the village we found Muralhas Bar, a humble space, with a simple and rustic decoration marked by nautical motifs and wide wooden benches that accompany almost…
Fiães Walkways – Uíma River (Santa Maria da Feira)
This was a happy day, a day of reunion and celebration of a friendship. It was a good day. We all know that life plays with us and it's up to each one of us to find the best way to overcome the obstacles in our way. On the one…
Profresco – Fish Market & Restaurant (Peniche)
We found on the "Estrada Marginal Norte" (North Shore Road) in Peniche a different concept than usual. On one side of the building is a fish market where fresh fish and seafood coexist side by side on ice-covered marble benches. On the other side a restaurant with a contemporary decor…
Hiking Discovering the Historic Village of Sortelha (Sabugal)
On the last day along the Historical Villages of Portugal route we couldn't miss visiting one of the most beautiful and well preserved, the Historic Village of Sortelha. From Sabugal, we took about 15 minutes to drive the 12km that separate the village from the Municipality. We parked at Dr.…
Restaurant Itália (Coimbra)
Next to Mondego banks we find the Restaurant Italia, in the city of Coimbra, cradle of history and traditions. With a privileged location in the Dr. Manuel Braga Park, it has a clear view to Santa Clara and to the tranquility of the river waters born in Estrela and flowing…
Discover the Historic Center of Sabugal (Sabugal)
Sabugal, in Guarda district, was the chosen destination for today. We parked next to the ascent of "Sr. dos Aflitos", at the western entrance of the village, just after the small bridge that crosses Côa River. It was along its banks that we began the first steps of this walk,…
“O Robalo” Restaurant (Sabugal)
In "O Robalo" Restaurant at Sabugal, grilled food are the kings and their throne an imposing fireplace where they rest on a huge iron grill. Here, in full view, they are made right on time, no more or less, so that succulent and tasty food enrich the tables of a…
Hiking in Castelo Mendo Historical Village (Almeida)
Castelo Mendo is a small village of Beira Interior, located in the municipality of Almeida, Guarda district, belonging to Historic Villages of Portugal. If this wasn't enough to arouse our curiosity, the village was classified as Property of Public Interest in 1984. Its medieval characteristics are visible immediately upon our…
Gastrobar Acrópole (Figueira da Foz)
Gastrobar Acrópole is located in Figueira da Foz, more precisely a few tens of meters from Casino Figueira, in Bairro Novo, a noble area of the city. With a privileged location, this space has been recently renovated, receiving new blood through a young management and a new "dressing", both in…
Hiking in Castelo Bom Village (Almeida)
In the early afternoon we arrived at Castelo Bom village by National Road number 16, the same one that in the opposite direction would take us to Vilar Formoso. We were close to the Spanish border and therefore the importance of this small village over the centuries in the history…
Maranho Festival (Sertã)
Passing by Sertã during July we found the village in celebration. It's time for the Maranho Gastronomy Festival. A stop for a coffee in the early morning went on until lunchtime to taste some delicacies served in the various exhibitors of the park by the riverside. Of the many proposals…
Hiking in Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo (Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo)
The Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo welcomed us on a very rainy day. If the day before we explored the beautiful village of Almeida, today we would head further north to find another Historical Village. From Almeida to Castelo Rodrigo it's about a 20-minute drive, on a quiet road similar…
“Sabores de Guidintesta” in Belver (Gavião)
In the beautiful village of Belver, where the Castle looks at the Tagus river from the top of the valley, the Restaurant "Sabores de Guidintesta" offers us a homemade cuisine and regional flavors in an unpretentious space. Here the Alentejo gastronomy has a prominent place but we also find other…
Hiking Trail at “Star of Interior” (Almeida)
The village of Almeida, located in Guarda district, would be our "base camp" in the next days discovering the region. Due to its unique characteristics, it is integrated in the Historical Villages of Portugal and this was a great reason to know a little more about the history and peculiarities of…
“O Lavrador” Restaurant – Junça (Almeida)
Those who leave Almeida and take the road N332 towards Vilar Formoso, soon find the extinct parish of Junça. Here next to the road "O Lavrador" restaurant resists to time and isolation. When arriving, it's difficult not to remember the movie "From the Dusk Till Dawn" (1996), by the director…
Discover Historical Center of Guarda (Guarda)
Guarda is waiting for us at the top of its 1056m of altitude with a sunny day, where only for a few moments the fog managed to hide the intense blue sky. The highest city in Portugal, also known as the city of 5 F's - Forte (Strong), Farta (Satiate),…
Discover Jueus Village (Tondela)
The television has a weak signal of TDT (Digital Terrestrial Television). The image hides behind a flashy and noisy sandstorm. The internet access is very slow, almost nonexistent, at least in our room. And it's good to be "offline"! The perfect conditions were set for a quiet weekend with the…
Casa do Lagar Miradoyro Restaurant in Jueus (Tondela)
In Serra do Caramulo, more precisely in Jueus village, I found "Casa do Lagar Miradoyro", a restaurant where traditional Beira Alta cuisine (and not only) is valued in a tasty and well-prepared dishes. The restaurant room, with a simple and sober decoration, invites you to contemplate the mountains and the…
Hiking in Tondela (Tondela)
On my way to Caramulo, more precisely to the mountain village of "Jueus" where we would spend the weekend, we made a brief stop in the city of Tondela to stretch our legs and feed our stomachs. On a very cloudy morning, we parked the car next to the city…
Ascent to Pombal Castle (Pombal)
This walk begins at Carlos Alberto da Mota Pinto Street and heads towards Cardal Garden and Várzea Garden in the city center. Here I gave special attention to the Bandstand, Pergola, Marquês do Pombal Bust, Pink House and the Fountain, a classified monument offered to Pombal in 1911. Lurking on…
Tirol Restaurant (Pombal)
Tirol Restaurant is located on Ansião Street, number 15, very close to Pombal Castle. This was the main reason for choosing this two floors family restaurant to eat on the day of the climb to the castle. On our arrival, the sheer number of clients waiting for a table could…
PR1/FIG – Rice Fields Route – Maiorca (Figueira da Foz)
"PR1 / FIG - Rota dos Arrozais" begins in the center of Maiorca village, more precisely in "Terreiro do Paço" where the Viscount's Palace of Maiorca is located, also known as "Paço de Maiorca". This heritage built from the 19th century was declared a Public Interest Property in 1977 and…
Caçarola 1 Restaurant (Figueira da Foz)
During a visit to Figueira da Foz, whether for a walk or for a few days of vacations, there are many options to spend a good time at a dinner table. We can choose to eat a portuguese traditional meal or on the other hand, we can choose a simple well-made snacks…
2nd Walk for Health – Verride (Montemor-o-Velho)
Philharmonic Association of Verride organized the "Walk for Health" with its first edition in 2016. Being present in this first edition, I couldn`t miss the second one, a longer hiking route, starting at the Philharmonic's headquarters in Verride and arriving at Outeiro da Moura (photograph above), where after about 15…
Number 77 is a restaurant in Lavos (Figueira da Foz)
Number 77 of Santa Luzia Road in Lavos, county of Figueira da Foz, is reserved for those who seek a simple and honest meal. Behind a discreet door, in a modest house, we find a space where less is more, decorated with small details of refinement and modernity. The kitchen of…
New map available!
Hello! They say that when we do what we like, time runs 's true. So, Sola Gasta is almost ten years old! I hike the first trail in Mizarela (Arouca) almost a decade ago and here I am today with about 350 hiking trails in Portugal. The blog also grows…
PR2 – From the Seashore to Pedras Negras – São Pedro de Moel (Marinha Grande)
We started the "PR2 - From the Seashore to Pedras Negras" in the Afonso Lopes Vieira Square, near the beach of São Pedro de Moel, parish of Marinha Grande. Its official starting point is located in Vale do Ribeiro Park, at the back of this square where we can found…
Walking from Carcavelos Beach to Oeiras Marina (Cascais and Oeiras)
It's a cloudy day at our last visit to Lisbon, but that didn't stop us to walk along the Marginal Avenue of Cascais and Oeiras. Starting at Carcavelos Beach, we walked in the direction of Moinho Beach and São Julião da Barra Fort. This monument of the 16th / 17th…
Italy with sea flavor (Cascais)
The "Walking from Carcavelos Beach to Oeiras Marina" was almost over and it was time to meet with some friends at the lunch table. We combined the meeting in Capricciosa, next to Carcavelos Beach. It seemed to be the most appropriate place considering the presence of children in the group…
Open World Awards 2017 – Special thanks
The voting phase of the contest Open World Awards 2017 of Momondo for the best national travel blogs has finished. With your extraordinary participation, our / your Sola Gasta reached the 12th place in the Open World category and the 15th in Blog category. Unfortunately it was not enough to go…
Hiking Discovering Ponte de Sor (Ponte de Sor)
This small walk starts at "Praça da República", next to Ponte de Sor Municipal Market. While spending a few days in the region and after an excellent lunch in a local restaurant, I couldn't miss the opportunity for a short walk along the Sor River. There is a marked pedestrian…
Quality, Taste and Tradition (Ponte de Sor)
Restaurant Olivença in Ponte de Sor was full of people when we got there. Usually it's a good sign. Despite the full house we were served quickly, with the friendliness and warmth typical of a family environment. With a discreet façade, near the city's Municipal Market, it was the perfect…
Herdade da Sanguinheira (Ponte de Sor)
Escape. This was the word always present at this long weekend. Escape from the daily grind to find tranquility in the heart of Alentejo. Escape from the stress, the clock, the hours set for everything and for nothing. Simply run away. Even for just a day or two, just enough…
Mussels of Good Friday (Figueira da Foz)
From a young age I remember the mussel harvesting tradition in the village of Buarcos, Figueira da Foz, during the week before Easter. Whether it's a rainy or a sunny day, the rocks that tear the sea from Buarcos to Cape Mondego fill with people in the empty tide, looking…
Almourol Hiking Trail (Vila Nova da Barquinha)
Almourol Castle always aroused in me a strong curiosity. Perhaps because of its location or its enigmatic origins, the truth is that for a long time I wanted to visit it. The opportunity has arisen now. More than a pedestrian trail, this was a family outing. Located in the municipality of…
Open World Awards 2017
Momondo will reward the blogs that excite and inspire the Portuguese people to travel more and open their world. There are more and more bloggers who, not only abroad but also in Portugal, make us dream about experiences in paradisiacal places. Sola Gasta is part of this lot and it…
Hiking in Monte de Lobos (Mortágua)
"Monte de Lobos" brings me back to the earliest memories of my childhood. In the 80's the days passed very slowly in this village of the municipality of Mortágua, when the waters of the stream that ran under the bridge still heard our laughter in cold and invigorating baths. Near…
Walk in the Streets and Thermal Bath Park of Vizela (Vizela)
This small walk of about 4kms long, that runs through the streets and the Thermal Bath Park of Vizela began at "Sá e Melo" Street in this city of Braga district. In addition to "Bolinhol", the famous local cake, Vizela has much more to show. And a quiet walk on…
Walking in the Horta’s Marina (Horta – Faial)
We must focus on what makes us happy. Thus, I could not miss the opportunity to discover the city of Horta in Faial - Azores while waiting for a flight home. Walking is a pleasure in every circumstances. The time was short so I took a taxi at the airport…
Aveiro Flavours (Aveiro)
Aveiro is a living city, on the streets we feel a contagious joy and the colorful "moliceiros" of "Ria de Aveiro" gladden everyone who visit the city. But a visit to Aveiro wouldn't be complete without a tasting of traditional flavors. At Zeca, before or after a moliceiro ride, we…
Moliceiro Ride (Aveiro)
This is a special city for me. I first came to Aveiro in the mid-90s with a world of dreams in my luggage and so much to learn yet. This city welcomed me and formed me for more than six years, reinforcing the values acquired in an academic and working period…
Taste Corvo Sea (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
The discovery of the hiking trails of Corvo Island wouldn't be complete if I didn't find out also some snacks made with fresh products from the sea. At Traineira Restaurant, near "Porto da Casa" (port), I found a place with family environment and with honest and unprejudiced food. Here, everyone knows each other and…
Feel an Island (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
Corvo Island exists beyond "Caldeirão" (Cauldron). The vast majority of the island's visitors arrive on the boat from Flores Island and have a transport hired from a agency (or even from individuals) waiting to take them to "Caldeirão". This is indeed the greatest attraction of the island, with various "lakes"…
PR1 COR – Cara do Índio (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
The van stopped halfway up the road between the village and "Caldeirão" (Caldron). This was the last afternoon spent in Corvo Island because in the next morning, after four fantastic days, we had the flight to the continent booked at the lunch hour. We couldn't return without visiting "Cara do Índio" (Indian Face), the…
PR2 COR – Caldeirão (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
We don't need many words to describe "Caldeirão" (Cauldron) of Corvo Island. We can see why looking at the picture above. On the third day on the island, the fog finally lifted and early morning we drive on the only access road to "Caldeirão" to hike the trail "PR2 COR…
Pedestrian Trail along the Village Cliffs (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
We satisfied our hunger by eating a quick lunch in the "The Pirates' Nest" kitchen. We cooked pasta and some "bifanas" to devour at a glance because we can't lose too much time. A new adventure is waiting for us in Corvo Island in the afternoon. We met Luís, our…
Hiking Discovering Corvo Village and its History (Vila do Corvo – Corvo)
Corvo Island is not only one of the most isolated places in Portugal. For those who visit it, quickly realize that it's much more than that. It's a place of affections, shares, stories of pirates and smugglers, cruel stories, sorrows and escapes, stunning reports of a harder life. But none…
The Boat from Flores Island to Corvo Island (Flores and Corvo)
We arrived at "Porto das Poças" in Santa Cruz das Flores long before the scheduled boarding time in Ariel. The boat that would carry us to Corvo Island was already docked waiting for the crew, while the ripple helped by the strong wind, rushes the boat against the walls of…
Hiking in Santa Cruz das Flores (Santa Cruz das Flores – Flores)
Goodbyes are easier when we believe that is only a "see you soon". This was the feeling that accompanied me for the last hours in Flores Island. We left Aldeia da Cuada early in the morning towards Santa Cruz das Flores. From the western end to the eastern end of the island, it was…
Hiking from Fajã Grande to Aldeia da Cuada (Lajes das Flores – Flores)
Fajã Grande is the Europe's westernmost place and that alone was a very good reason for a visit. It was also the village where we finished the hiking trail "PR1 FLO – Fajã Grande – Ponta Delgada", a little tired of the effort it takes to walk in a muddy and slippery terrain,…
PR1 FLO – Fajã Grande – Ponta Delgada (Lajes das Flores and Santa Cruz das Flores – Flores)
The day dawned cool and cloudy in Aldeia da Cuada. I don't know how it would be in the whole Flores island but in midsummer in a Azorean island is not surprising waking up in the morning wrapped in fog, something that residents have become accustomed but saddens anyone who is visiting, for…
Rump in Wood-fired Oven (Lajes das Flores – Flores)
Rump in Wood-fired Oven is a typical dish of traditional Azorean Cuisine. The recipe differs between the various islands and in Flores Island, after a short walk, it was in Aldeia da Cuada that I had the opportunity to taste this delicacy and I can assure that is delicious. After 4…
Hiking Trail from “Aldeia da Cuada” to “Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro” (“Poço da Alagoinha”) (Lajes das Flores – Flores)
This is our second visit to the Azorean Archipelago. Two years ago we've been on S. Miguel island and now we would visit the Western Group islands, Flores and Corvo. Anxiety grew with the approach of the flight and now with the baby, the precautions and the preparation of the…