Portugal, Pena Palace, and Pastel de Nata

giannamorrissey
Apr 10, 2019
2 min read

My parents have arrived!!! After a week of sipping Aperol Spritz by the Trevi Fountain, viewing Rome from the top of Altare Della Patria, and visiting every church we crossed, my parents and I hopped on a plane to Lisbon, Portugal.

I was overly excited to stay in a hotel, not a hostel, with a private bathroom, balcony, and free breakfast. Wow! After our delicious breakfast, my parents and I hiked the hilly streets of Lisbon to Castelo de Saõ Jorge. The castle was constructed when Portugal was under Moorish rule in the 12th Century. After liberation in 1147, the castle became a fortified residence for the royal families. The castle today offers stunning views of Lisbon and the bay.

We ate lunch in the Alfama neighborhood. Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood houses traditional Portuguese restaurants, artisan shops, street art, and breathtaking views. We strolled through Praço do Cómercio, the city’s most prominent plaza, and along the bay. We ended the night in Barrio Alto the lively neighborhood full of nightclubs, late-night eateries, shopping, and plenty of Pastel de Nata. Pastel de Nata is a famous custard-filled Portuguese tart. They can be found at almost any restaurant or café in bite-size form or larger.

No trip to Lisbon is complete without spending a day in Sintra. Located just thirty minutes outside of town, the mountainous region houses several villas and palaces. As an escape from the city, royal families built their own enclave on the hilltops. We visited the most famous palace in the region, Pena Palace. The colorful, mosaic-filled palace is perfectly placed on a peak with stunning views.

Sadly, after a week of family I has to say my goodbyes. I was happy to show my parents my school and my city and experience a new country together.