Visiting Monsanto is experiencing a place that stood the test of time. There, in the mountaintop, houses were built in and around huge 200-tonne boulders that defined the local architecture and way of life. The enormous boulders have been utilised as walls, floors, and most astoundingly, as roofs for houses that date back to the 16th century.

Arriving to Monsanto is like stepping into Medieval Portugal, a true time-travel experience. Monsanto is one of the most ancient fortified villages in Portugal and is even known as ‘the most Portuguese village in Portugal’ since 1938.

How to Get to Monsanto?

Monsanto is located in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in Eastern Portugal and just 20km from the Spanish border.
Distancing about 3 hours from Porto (and Lisbon) it’s the perfect road trip for those seeking to discover Portugal’s countryside.
The best way to get to Monsanto is definitely by car. You will be crossing the country from one side to the other and experiencing very different landscapes along the way so it’s totally worth it. Alternatively you can travel to Castelo Branco by bus and then get a taxi to Monsanto, but we would definitely recommend to get a rental car and enjoy the drive!

What to do in Monsanto?

The Monsanto Castle

At the very top of the hill, the Monsanto Castle is definitely the village’s main attraction. Built in the 12th century to protect the kingdom borders, it was successively extended during the following centuries. There’s not a lot left from the original castle besides the fortified walls surrounding it, but the views are definitely the main focal point. The castle offers the most outstanding 360º views over the valleys and hills around Monsanto and it’s even possible to see Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in Portugal.
From the village, there’s a walking path to the castle which is quite steep so don’t forget your comfortable shoes and enjoy the view!

The Village

Besides visiting the castle, we loved to explore the village. Discover its paths trough the narrow stone alleyways and admire the unique boulder houses was a very special experience. We truly felt like stepping into the Middle Ages!
Depending on the time of the year you are going, the village can be very quiet with just a few tourists and friendly locals. The best time to visit is during the Spring or Fall. It can get too warm during Summer and very cold during the Winter months.

Another high point in our trip to Monsanto was definitely the local food. There are not a lot of options around, since it’s such a small place, but we had great experiences. Having an early morning breakfast at Taverna Lusitana and dinner at O Cruzeiro really made our trip special. Have in mind that most of the restaurants in Monsanto close very early (normally at 9pm). It can get pretty full during high season so don’t forget to book in advance.

Since we stayed for a full weekend, we also had the opportunity to visit the nearby village of Idanha-a-Velha. This ancient roman town was founded more than 2000 years ago and is, along with Monsanto, one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal.

Where to Stay?

During our trip to Monsanto, we stayed at the amazing Casa da Pedra, an adorable little stone house. It has an amazing terrace with a breathtaking view over the Clock Tower (or Lucano Tower) and the surrounding landscape. This was the perfect place to stay and explore the village, since all attractions are just a few meters away. You really only need one night here to see it all, but it’s a wonderful relaxing stay for even longer if you are looking to unwind from the city bustle.

Looking for more places to stay in Monsanto? Check here!

The post Visiting the Historical Village of Monsanto appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

Gerês National Park was recognised by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve and is one of Portugal’s most visited natural attractions.
Gerês has over 20 amazing hiking trails that will guide you through colourful paths, breathtaking 360º views, magical waterfalls, valleys and river trails. Some hiking trails can be quite challenging (from 5 up to 20 km) but the reward of swimming in a pristine clear waterfall is totally worth it.
The many waterfalls are definitely the soul of Gerês but there’s so much more to discover – Middle Age castles, ancient villages and of course the local gastronomy!

Gerês National Park is famous for its untouched nature, crystal clear waterfalls, breathtaking views and more than one hundred small villages. The villages were partly renovated in the 1970s but still remained its original character. If you like spending time in nature, enjoy breathtaking views and discover extraordinary landscapes, then Gerês will be perfect for you!

We went to Gerês by car and it was around 4 hours from Lisbon. When we arrived, we directly felt like we’ve stepped into a different time. Some of the ancient villages, like Soajo and Lindoso, will show you exactly how it was back in the days. It was incredible to see how mankind achieved to build those villages and castles on the most epic landscapes.
While exploring Gerês we crossed paths with wild horses, cows, goats and other animals that definitely made our experience better.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park is a vast cross-border florestal area intrinsically connected to Spain. You should definitely try to make a stop in the Spanish village of Torneiro. Here you’ll find Caldas de Lobios, an ancient roman bath where you can enjoy the natural open-air hot waters for free. Since there’s a lot of driving involved, make sure to fill up your gas in Spain. It’s much cheaper and there’s a gas station close by.

Gerês is magical all year, but if you want to explore the river trails and waterfalls, the best time to visit would be in the Spring. During Summer the weather can be too warm and the waterfalls a bit dry.
In Winter you can expect low temperatures and maybe even snow. It’s good if you like to come home after a nice walk through the woods and enjoy the warm fireplace.

Checklist:

• Make sure you get a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes. You will need them for sure!
• Bring a hat for sun protection. And don’t forget your sunscreen!
• Bring water and snacks for the road. You’ll not find anyplace to buy it for miles.
• Try to get up early!

Check out these tour guides to make sure you won’t miss out on anything!

The post Why Visit the Gerês National Park ? appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

Parque Florestal de Monsanto

Parque Florestal de Monsanto is definitely my favourite park in Lisbon. It’s the biggest (900 hectares – 10% of the total area of Lisbon) and one of the most beautiful parks I have ever been so far. Monsanto has an amazing natural environment with incredible views over the city. There are great hiking tracks – that really take you through the woods, lots of bicycle routes and many places to have quiet picnics and BBQs (be aware that it’s not allowed to BBQ during the Summer months).
One of my favourite areas in the park is the Keil do Amaral viewpoint, a place where everyone gets together to enjoy the amazing view over the river and have a BBQ with friends and family.

Until the XX century, this entire area was covered by crops and pastures for cattle and only in the 1930s the Parque Florestal de Monsanto was actually projected. It took several years to achieve the current configuration, but quickly became one of the local’s favourite spots and the most important green area in Lisbon.

Panorâmico de Monsanto is one of the spots you should not miss out while visiting Monsanto. This was once a luxury restaurant, nightclub, office space and warehouse. Now, it’s an abandoned building filled up with amazing street art gratify and a breathtaking 360° over the city.

Parque Eduardo VII

Parque Eduardo VII is located next to the emblematic Marques de Pombal square. The name of the park came after a visit of King Edward VII of England to reaffirm the long alliance between England and Portugal. It was projected in the XX century as neo-classical monumental garden surrounded by grass and long sidewalks.

I really like to go here because it feels very calm and spacey, especially from above. There you have a nice view over downtown Lisbon and the river. On the right side of the park, from down the hill, there are tables and benches under the shade of trees, which is very nice to relax on those hot summer days. On the left side, you will find an amazing tropical greenhouse “Estufa Fria” – entrance is €3,10.

Jardim Amália Rodrigues

Jardim Amália Rodrigues lays just a little bit above Parque Eduardo VII, but it has an environment on its own. It’s a great place to sit on the grass, read a book or just relax. It has a huge amphitheater which faces the Marques de Pombal square and the Tejo river. Here you will also find a small restaurant with terrace where you can have lunch or a snack.

Jardim da Estrela

Jardim da Estrela was inspired by the romantic English gardens of XIX century. It’s official name is Jardim Guerra Junqueiro, but it’s more famous as Estrela, by the neighbourhood that names it.
It’s in front of one of most charismatic monuments in Lisbon, the Basílica da Estrela and became an integral part of the recreational activities in Lisbon.
They take very good care of the park and it’s open everyday from 07:00 to 24:00. It’s full of exotic plants and trees, two children playgrounds, a pond with ducks, two kiosks and the iconic iron bandstand that remains active until today. If you love to shop handmade products you should visit Jardim da Estrela during the weekend.

Gulbenkian Garden

Built in the 1960s, the Garden of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is one of the most emblematic gardens of the Portuguese modernist movement and an icon of the landscape architecture. The Gulbenkian Garden surrounds the Calouste Gulbenkian Art Museum and is located next to Praça de Espanha. When I first moved to Lisbon, I lived two blocks away and used to come here quite often to relax. It’s the perfect escape from the busy city life. Once you are inside you feel completely away from city bustle and don’t even the notice all the cars driving around you.

The Gulbenkian Garden was projected with different ambiances and an open-air amphitheater surrounded and partly covered by nature. There are adorable waterfalls, a small lake with grass all around and quiet places to read. This used to be my favourite place to go to relax or read a good book.

Jardim do Torel

Jardim do Torel is located on the hill above the exquisite Avenida da Liberdade. It opened up in the 1960s and has a wonderful view over the city and the downtown area. In order to reach this city hideaway, you can climb up the hill or take Lisbon’s oldest funiculars “Elevador do Lavra”.

Jardim do Torel has a small area where you can lay and relax on the grass, under the tree shades. On the lower terrace you will find a bar where you can have a drink and a small bite. There’s also a huge fountain that, if you believe it or not, was even used as a swimming pool. During summer they also have outdoor events where locals enjoy the sunset with live music and a cold beer.

Jardim do Campo Grande

Jardim do Campo Grande is a beautiful rectangular garden in the neighbourhood of Campo Grande. It’s the biggest garden in Lisbon with over 1.2 km long and 200 meters wide. Since the beginning of XIX century that is used by locals and it was fully renovated in 2018, with even a McDonalds with Drive In.

Jardim do Campo Grande is full of excitement and ideal for everyone! There are walking routes, a lake where you can rent a paddle boat, children playgrounds, paddel courts and enough places to lay down on the grass and enjoy the amazing environment that you are in.

The post Best Free Parks to Visit in Lisbon appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

SEEN Lisboa:

SEEN is located on the top floor of Tivoli Hotel and is definitely one of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon. It has an amazing decor inside and a restaurant with Jamie Oliver’s signature, while the terrace bar has a terrific view over Lisbon.

Food is exquisite and beautifully served, followed by the best selection of Portuguese wines. There’s also a contemporary mix of traditional cocktails to enjoy outside while admiring the big city lights.

Address: Avenida da Liberdade 185, 9th floor (Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon)
Price: €€€€
Opening times: Monday to Thursday from 6:30pm to 1am | Friday and Saturday from 6:30pm to 2am

Park Bar:

As the name might probably imply, Park Bar is actually located at the top of parking lot building. This otherwise lifeless place was turned into a very well decorated bar surrounded by beautiful potted plants. With a magnifient 180º view over Lisbon and the Tagus river, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink during sunset time.

Address: Calçada do Combro 58 (Bairro Alto, Lisbon)
Price: €€
Open times: Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 2am | Sunday from 1pm to 8pm

Topo Bar:

Topo Bar is based on the 12th floor of a commercial building at the Martim Moniz Square, one of the most multicultural areas of Lisbon. It has an indoor and outdoor space with a view over the São Jorge Castle and Martim Moniz Square. From Tuesday on, you can visit this bar for a nicely made cocktail and to listen a live DJ playing dance music.

Address: Centro Comercial Martim Moniz, 6th Floor (Martim Moniz, Lisbon)
Price: €€
Open times: Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday from 5pm to 12am | Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 2am

Entretanto Rooftop Bar at Bairro Alto Hotel:

Located at the top of one of Lisbon’s best hotels, this rooftop has probably the best view over the river Tagus. Trivago called it the 4th most spectacular rooftop hotel view in the world and that says a lot!
The interior is very chic and modern designed. From 12 o’clock until sunset you can enjoy the sun on the terrace with view over Lisbon’s river and bridge.

Address: Praça Luís de Camões 2 (Bairro Alto, Lisbon)
Price: €€€€
Opening times: Everyday 7am to 12am

Lost In:

Lost In is located in Príncipe Real, one of Lisbon trendiest neighbourhoods. The entrance is a bit hidden so make sure you check it good!
This bar/restaurant is the perfect spot to have lunch, enjoy afternoon drinks or just relax and enjoy the view over downtown Lisbon and the São Jorge Castle. The decoration is deeply influenced by the Indian culture, with a colourful and relaxed atmosphere that I just love to enjoy.

Address: Rua D.Pedro V 58 (Príncipe Real, Lisbon)
Price: €€
Open times: Monday from 4pm to 12am | Tuesday to Saturday from 12:30pm to 12am

Rio Maravilha:

Rio Maravilha is a rooftop bar located in the very cool LX Factory. It’s a gastropub with a great variety of author cocktails, beer and wines, inspired by both Portuguese and Brazilian recipes and ingredients.
The place has an inside bar with a unique decoration and strong design, mixing vintage and industrial. But it’s outside, with a privileged view over the 25 de Abril bridge, that Rio Maravilha really stands out!

Address: Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103 | LX Factory Entrance 3, 4th Floor (Alcântara, Lisbon)
Price: €€
Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday from 12:30pm to 2am | Friday to Saturday from 12:30pm to 3am | Sunday from 12:30pm to 12am

Limão at H10 Duque de Loulé Hotel:

At the top of the luxurious H10 Duque de Loulé Hotel, Limão rooftop has a modern Portuguese style decoration and an absolutely breathtaking view over the city. It’s located in Marquês de Pombal, one of busiest and more exquisite parts of Lisbon. There are a wide range of classic cocktails, Gins & Tonics, wines and even delicious Portuguese tapas!

Address: Avenida Duque de Loulé, 81-83 (Marquês de Pombal, Lisbon)
Price: €€€
Opening times: Open Everyday until 12am

Silk Club

This is definitely one of the major hot spots in Lisbon! It has a restaurant, a club and a rooftop bar with 270º view over the city. At the restaurant, they serve good Japanese food, while at the bar, the author cocktails might surprise you.
Service was very good and fast – it can take a bit longer on busy days but the friendly staff sure compensates for it.
Decoration is not great, but the view is fantastic and the real WOW factor about this place. And trust me, when I say WOW factor, I really meant it – it’s probably the best view of Lisbon you can get!

Address: Rua Da Misericórdia 14 (Chiado, Lisbon)
Price: €€€
Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday from 7pm to 1am | Friday and Saturday from 7pm to 4am

Check out these tours for extraordinary and well organised food and drink tasting tours in Lisbon:

The post 8 Best Rooftop Bars in Lisbon with an amazing view! appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, most countries advised its citizens to stay at home and avoid non-essential travels. That was the first governments’ action and helped saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
But now that the situation looks under control in Europe, most countries are starting to lift the bans on free circulation, opening borders and recover airline routes. Getting the tourists back is now one of the top-priorities inside the European Union, while keeping the virus under control that’s why it’s so important to understand how to travel safe during Covid-19.

At this stage, most people are looking to new concepts of travelling based on proximity – in places you can drive to and probably in your own country – the so called staycations. This is definitely a great option, specially for families or people at higher risk.

For those who are well aware of the risks and still want to travel internationally, there are precautions that need to be taken. Airlines and other transportation companies are working to provide the safest environment possible. Besides the companies’ efforts, the protection starts in your own actions. It’s important to keep social distancing and having the necessary hands and breathing hygiene.

What is the risk of getting the Covid-19 on an airplane?

The risk of getting the virus inside airplanes is relatively low. The frequent air circulation (that is filtered with HEPA filtration systems) helps to create an environment almost germ free. Having this is mind is key that the necessary measures are taken while entering and departing the airport. Many countries are following procedures to check passengers before departing – measuring the temperature and, in some cases, even testing for Covid-19. Other countries are applying a 14 days quarantine for every international passenger, so don’t forget to check the travel restrictions of your destination country.

Which precautions should we take to travel safe during Covid-19?

Use Hand Sanitiser

Although the risk may be low, try to avoid touching things unnecessarily. Passengers are allowed to bring hand sanitiser so make sure you bring a 35 ml, 60%+ alcohol hand sanitiser with you. Or/and, try to wash your hands as often as you can for at least 20 seconds. I personally like to keep this hand sanitiser with me in my bag and was always able to travel with it.

Use Your Mask. Yes, it’s Mandatory.

Masks are mandatory for all passengers inside the airplane and also inside the airport. Make sure to bring your mask and try to keep social distance while waiting in line for security screening. A 2 meters distance is normally the minimum recommended.
I personally don’t like to wear mask, but it’s important to be conscious and respect the places where it’s mandatory. I’m currently using these face masks which are washable and look good.

Don’t Forget Your Gloves!

Using Gloves is a really good precaution if you know how to use them. If you are not using them correctly you might still be able to spread the virus around.

Make sure you follow this tips to use gloves properly:
– Always clean your hands before and after using the gloves;
– Clean things like your phone, keys and glasses that you have touched with your gloves on;
– Don’t touch your face while wearing your gloves (this is a mistake I made sometimes!);
– Make sure you take them off from the inside out and wash your hands after;

Bring Wipes

Using alcohol or anti-bacterial wipes is also a great way to keep things clean around you. I normally order these small once because they fit perfectly in my bag and are allowed in the airplane.

Check Your Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is something we normally pay for, but almost never use it – and that’s a good thing!
Now it’s a good time to check your insurance details and clauses. Ensure you are properly protected to the current uncertain circumstances and avoid unexpected surprises.

Carry More Cash

I mainly use my card while travelling, but during the Covid-19 it might not be a bad idea to carry a bit more cash. Be prepared just in case of delays and to avoid touching the cash machines more than necessary. If you really need to use the cash machine, don’t forget to wash your hands after or use the hand sanitiser.

The post How to travel safe during the Covid-19 pandemic appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

But do you know that you have the right to claim a compensation for your delayed or cancelled flight?

The EU Regulation 261/2004, or simply called EC 261, gives passengers the right to claim a compensation in case of denied boarding (including overbooking), delayed and/or cancelled flight.

Watch out! This regulation only applies to travellers departing from an EU/EEA member state or travelling to an EU/EEA member state on an airline based in the EU/EEA.

Before claiming your reward, be aware that there’s a time limit depending on the country. Click here to check the time limit for each country and understand if your flight applies for a compensation request.

There are a few important questions to answer before we get started:

1. Was your flight delayed by more than 3 hours?
2. Were you denied boarding due to overbooking?
3. Was your flight cancelled with less than 14 days notice?
4. Did you lost a connection flight because any of the above reasons?

If the answer to any of these question is “Yes”, then read below how to claim up your compensation up to €600!

It’s super simple, just enter your flight details on THIS page and see the result. Yes, it’s that simple!

If your flight was delayed for more than 5 hours, besides a compensation, you might also be entitled to a full or partial refund on your ticket. The airline company should also supply food and drinks while you wait at the airport (don’t forget to keep the receipts!).
If the flight is delayed for the following day, they should provide you an hotel room to spend the night, as well as transportation to and from the airport.

Upgrades & Downgrades

Be aware that in case the airline company offers you an alternative flight and:

1. Give you an upgrade seat, no additional payment should be required;
2. Give you a downgrade seat, a refund should be offered. In these cases, the amount can be between 30% and 75% of the original ticket price.

Just be informed the following:

There are some cases where the airline company can prove that your flight delay or cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances. These are situations that are beyond control of the airline. Here are examples where you probably won’t be entitled to claim for a compensation:

• A high-security risk, for example extreme weather conditions.
• A suspected security breach, bomb threat, an act of terrorism, political or civil unrest.
• Illnesses related to staff and/or passengers and virus outbreaks, like for example the Covid-19.
• Strikes by the flight crew and/or ground staff.

Did you know that only 55% of affected passengers claim their compensations? If your flight was affected don’t hesitate and enter your details below:

The post Delayed or Cancelled Flight? Claim Your Compensation! appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

Córdoba is an ancient Andalusian city with an amazing Mediterranean climate. Since the closest beach is more than 150km away, we did loved to have a pool available in our Hotel. Look how adorable it is at night time!

Main Facilities of NH Collection Amistad Córdoba:

• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Small Gym
• Bar and Restaurant
• Outdoor Patios
• Conference Room
• Room Service
• Tourist Desk
• Underground Parking (€24,50 a day)
• Pets Allowed on Request

The Room

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba has 5 different types of rooms. We got the Premium Double Room which was very spacious, decorated in neutral colours and had a big balcony with pool view, which was absolutely amazing. We woke up every morning with the birds singing at the sunrise – it was the perfect way to start the day!

The bed was big and very comfortable with soft and hard pillows. There’s so much to do and see in Córdoba that we did not had much hours of sleep, but the ones we had were very good. Even though our room was on the pool side, by the time we woke up there was no noise at all.

The bathroom had high quality materials and the shower was very clean and spacious enough for two!

Breakfast

While staying at Hotels, breakfast is definitely the favourite part of my morning routine. At NH Collection Amistad Córdoba the breakfast is served in the middle of an Andalusian patio that was recently renovated. It was the perfect setting to start the day.

I was really amazed by the beautiful way the food was presented. Everything looked so well cooked and designed – miles away from the standard hotel breakfast. Even the most simple things were done with a tasteful artistic twist.
It was a true culinary experience of rich Spanish flavours and fresh, colourful products. We specially loved the Tortilla and the different types of Jamón available. Every bite was a pleasure!

Facilities

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba has an adorable looking swimming pool that makes the perfect background for your pictures! It’s a bit small and can get busy during the afternoon, but it was never too crowded. The temperature of the water was cold in the morning, but got warmer throughout the day and it was absolutely perfect to enjoy after a long day walking around.

There was a small gym at the hotel, but unfortunately we did not had the time to use it. We woke up early every day to catch the morning light and came back only late at night. The hotel has a bar and restaurant (you can also order room service), but there are so many nice places around to grab a bite and enjoy typical Spanish tapas that we did not had the chance to try it as well.

One very important thing to mention is the parking. For those not familiar with Córboda, the entire historical center is a no-driving zone, so for us was very important to have the option to safely park the car and enjoy the city by foot. The parking is underground and it was built below the old city walls. For that reason, it was tight and difficult to access, but luckily we only had to move the car again at the check-out. The location of this Hotel is so perfect that all the city’s landmarks were only a short walk away.
The price of the parking was not cheap – 24,50€ per day – but it was very convenient, specially for a short stay like ours.

Overall Experience

We decided to stay at NH Collection Amistad Córdoba almost directly when we saw the pictures. The hotel, and its inside patio with swimming pool, doesn’t look only adorable on pictures but even more in person.

We loved the room, décor and design of the hotel. The staff was very friendly and helpful and we felt very welcomed at the check-in. The breakfast was delicious and everything was clean and very well-maintained.
NH Collection Amistad Córdoba is a very nice little hotel with probably the best location in Córdoba. The city is just adorable and you will be able to do pretty much everything by foot. When we visit Córdoba again, this will be our choice for sure!

Location - 10/10
Cleaning - 9/10
Comfort - 9/10
Facilities - 7/10
Staff - 9/10
Price - €€ 

We rate this Hotel with an overall, and very well deserved, 9 out of 10!

Check out these tour guides if you are planning your trip to Cordoba:

The post NH Collection Amistad Córdoba appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

São Rafael Atlântico is part of the NAU Hotels & Resorts group which has several hotels and resorts in Portugal, and specially in the Algarve. The hotel has direct access to the beach and is about 10 minutes driving from Albufeira city center.

Hotel and Resort Main Facilities:

• 3 Outdoor Swimming Pools
• 2 Indoor Swimming Pools
• Spa and Wellness Facilities
• Fitness Center
• Conference Rooms
• 2 Restaurants / 3 Bars
• 24 Hours Room Service
• Free Parking

The Room

The room was very spacious and clean. The decoration was a bit plain but had a lot of high quality details, which we really love. The shower was definitely the highlight – it was spacious, had two shower heads and the perfect amount of pressure.

We had a lot of space to storage our clothes and all the other belongings we brought in. This was great to keep the room clean and tidy (we know how easy is to get messy when on holidays…).

The bed was huge and very comfortable, we had 2 great nights of sleep. The duvet could be little a bit thicker since it was cold at night, but there was a bedspread available which was good enough. The bed and bath linen had very good quality and the pillows were excellent.

The central air-conditioning was a great add up and warmed up the room quite quickly. It was very easy to setup the desired temperature and it went automatically off when we opened the balcony door.

Normally we like to go out for dinner, but since we arrived a little bit too late for that, we decided to order room service. It was definitely a great decision! I had grilled chicken with potato and mushrooms and Miguel got a very tasty Carbonara.

Breakfast

Breakfast was good and had all the basic products you should expect from a 5-Star Hotel and even some more. They had a good selection of bread, cereals, sweets, ham, cheese and specially of fruits. There was also boiled eggs, fried eggs, bacon, beans, sausage, etc. The tea and coffee options were good, but the juices were a bit of a disappointment. They had orange, apple, pineapple, multi-fruits, but they were definitely not fresh.
On a positive note, they had sparkling wine available which is a great way to start the day feeling fancy 🙂

The breakfast area itself was big, clean and very well serviced by the staff.

Facilities

As every good beach resort, the highlights are definitely outdoors. There are 3 swimming pools surrounded by palm trees, lavish gardens and direct access to the beach. This was the perfect place to enjoy the natural environment, while relaxing on the sunbeds and catching some sun.
The Spa in the hotel is very well-designed and very nice looking. There were 2 swimming pools, but unfortunately the temperature was not as high as I would like (only 28 and 30 degrees each). The Jacuzzi was small but felt really good. The Turkish Bath and Sauna were good, with the right amount of warmth and steam.

These tour guides will make sure that your holidays in the Algarve will be better than ever!

Overall Experience

Arriving to this hotel felt nice already – the building is surrounded by big palm trees which gives a real vacation feeling. When you enter the hotel, you step into a huge reception space with very minimal decoration, but very warm and welcoming which I totally love.

The front office staff welcomed us in a very friendly and polite manner, giving us all the information about the hotel room and facilities. Unfortunately, we haven’t got a room with sea view, but we were pretty happy with the room we got.

Location - 9/10
Cleaning - 8/10
Comfort - 9/10
Facilities - 7/10
Staff - 9/10
Price - €€€ 

We rate this amazing 5 star Hotel and Resort in Algarve with an Excellent 9 out of 10!

The post NAU Hotels & Resorts São Rafael Atlântico appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

The best time to travel to Lisbon is from March to October – you can expect great weather and the sun shining every day. From November to February it can get a bit cold and rainy, but still very enjoyable and at potential much lower prices in terms of flights and accommodation.

The best and fastest way to explore the big city’s inside Europe is by train. Check HERE for deals and discounts on your tickets.

There are many ways to get around Lisbon (bus, subway, tram and even tuk-tuk!), but the best way to explore the city is definitely by foot. That’s why I decided to make a walking tour that crosses all the major historical neighbourhoods and landmarks.

This tour is about 6 km by foot (up and down hill) and takes, without stops, around one and a half hour. You will find so much amazing spots on the way, like viewpoints and local restaurants, that this tour will probably take you the entire day! And don’t forget to bring your walking shoes!

Here you see the walking tour on the map:

So Let’s Start:

Old Quarter

We will start at Point A in the lower part of the historical neighbourhood of Alfama. Here we will find the Fado Museum, a tribute to Portugal’s most typical music. From this point, we will walk our way up through a maze of tiny streets, friendly locals and groups of tourists. It’s quite a way up, but definitely worth it, since it’s the oldest and most picturesque part of Lisbon.

On the upper part of Alfama, right at the top of the hill, we will reach Point B, the São Jorge Castle. Initially built more than 2.000 years ago, the castle suffered several reconstructions and offers today one of the most breathtaking views over the city.

After we visited the neighbourhood of Alfama and the São Jorge Castle we will go to Point C, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This will take us about 20 minutes, up and down the road, but the view is definitely worth the travel. The view from up there is AMAZING! You have a clear sight over a big part of the city (including the Castle) and the river.

Grab a drink, enjoy the view and when you are ready to go, we will continue to the Point D, the Martim Moniz Square. Here we’ll find the most multi-cultural area of the city, with Chinese and Indian restaurants, markets and stores, mixed with the traditional Portuguese flair from the nearby neighbourhood of Mouraria.
While at Martim Moniz, and if you are in for a drink, let’s visit Topo Bar, one of the coolest rooftops in town!

Check out Spotahome if you are planning to stay longer than 30 days in Lisbon, they have some great houses for you to rent.

Downtown Lisbon

From here, we will walk about 6 minutes to the Rossio Square, our Point E. Officially named D. Pedro IV , this square is better known as Rossio due to the monumental building of the same name that is also one of Lisbon’s main train stations. Besides the Rossio train station, we will also find the D. Maria National Theater and other beautiful XIX century buildings that are already part of Lisbon’s landscape.

Point F, Baixa-Chiado will be our next stop! After about a few meters walk, we’ll arrive to the heart and soul of Downtown Lisbon. From Rua Augusta, to the Santa Justa Lift, from Convento do Carmo to Rua Garrett – there’s just so much to see and do here! We will find shops, restaurants, bars, squares and beautifully ornamented buildings all-around. This is definitely the area that definitely better defines Lisbon and its culturally busting atmosphere.

A short walk away from Baixa-Chiado, we will find Praça Luis de Camões also known just as Largo de Camões, the Point G. This square separates the monumental and shopping-orientated area of Chiado and the nightlife district of Bairro Alto. Here’s where locals and tourists meet up and enjoy live musicians, street art performs and freshly-made cocktails. There are great restaurants and bars all around the square and it’s the perfect introduction to Lisbon’s bohemian lifestyle.

After about 6 minutes walking from Largo de Camões, we will find our Point H, the Santa Catarina Viewpoint. You will easily recognise it by the stone stairs and Kiosk at your left. It’s the perfect place to take a picture of Lisbon during the sunset, with the River Tagus and the 25 de Abril Bridge on the background.

Riverside

After so much walking, nothing is better than stop and grab a bite. Just about 10 minutes away, our next stop will be the Mercado da Ribeira, Time Out Market – Point I. In one side of the building we will find a traditional fruits, vegetable and fish market, while on the other side there’s a gourmet food court with a lot of options for Portuguese Tapas – definitively a great place for food lovers like me!

From here, we will walk next to the river to our final destination Praça do Comércio (or Terreiro do Paço), Point J. Since the Portuguese Discoveries, that Praça do Comércio has been the city’s gateway. This was the place where the Portuguese caravelas set sail to the New World and opened the city to new cultures and flavours.
The square was completely rebuilt after the Great Earthquake of 1755, including the Arco da Rua Augusta, a classical arch that borders the square and offers an interesting 360º over Downtown Lisbon.

Now that we came to the end of our tour, you can relax and enjoy your evening next to the river. I hope that you found that walk your way though Lisbon is probably the best way to get to know the city, its history and charm.

If you prefer to explore Lisbon with a guide then these are some great options:

The post Walk Your Way Through Lisbon appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

Biergarten

Biergarten stands for the quote ‘ Best things in life are simple’ , which perfectly reflects their great atmosphere. It’s an outside bar where you can expect to enjoy a beer with some nice BBQ and music.
This place is very famous between the locals and especially among the students in Rotterdam. Surrounded by the crowd, I’m sure you won’t even feel the cold.

Opening times:
Wednesday to Saturday from 4pm to 1am

HUGH

You will find HUGH next to the Hilton Hotel Rotterdam. It has an amazing industrial look and a cool vibe.
At HUGH, cocktails are quickly made and served in front of you – they also serve High Tea and Brunches on daytime. Before you go just take a quick look at their agenda because they organise late night dinner party’s. If you do a late night dinner party you directly have the entrance ticket for the bar at night.

Be aware that after 23:00 you can only enter if you are 25+ (male) or 23+ (female).

Opening times:
Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm until early hours 

NHOW

NHOW Bar is connected to the NHOW Hotel and probably has one of the most beautiful views over Rotterdam and the river De Maas.

The architecture of the place is modern, with straight lines and well-thought details. It’s a great spot to have a drink at the end of the day, but you can also have lunch or dinner. Just make sure to book a table in advance because it’s usually full.
NHOW Bar has also an outside space where the view completely takes over, but watch out for the cold on Winter days.

Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday from 6pm to 1am
Friday to Saturday from 6pm to 2am

Mad Mick’s Breakaway Café

Mad Mick’s Breakaway is the truly, authentic café of Rotterdam. It opened in 1993 and is still one of the best bars in town! It has a decoration inspired in the 50’s / 60’s style and was renovated in 2004 keeping the same flair. At Mad Mick’s Breakaway you can enjoy your drink while playing pool and listen to great music on the background. They have an enormous choice of cocktails (more than 100!) and shots on the menu.
It’s definitely one of Rotterdam‘s classics – just a great place to have fun.

Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday from 4pm to 1am
Thursday & Sunday from 12pm to 1am
Friday & Saturday from 12pm to 2am

Café Restaurant Floor

Café Restaurant Floor is located on the Schouwburgplein which is a big square right across the corner of the Rotterdam Central Station. This is a great spot to visit if you like to have a special kind of drink. They have 15 different wine options, 40 different brands of beer from the bottle and 7 options of beer from the tap.

There’s a terrace with view over the Schouwburgplein square, an indoor restaurant and a nice outdoor space, which is opened if the weather allows to. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s life, however it can be quite busy during lunch and dinner time.

Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 1am
Friday & Saturday from 10am to 2am

Definitely check out these activities in Rotterdam to make your experience even better:

The post 5 Best Bars in Rotterdam You Can’t Miss Out! appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.