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!

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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:

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Take a look at this 5 top list of the best areas to stay in Lisbon. These places are all in walking distance from all the hotspots in the city.

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

Baixa-Chiado

This is where it all happens, one of Lisbon’s best areas to stay while in town ‘Baixa-Chiado‘. This is the busiest neighbourhood in Lisbon, where you can find pretty much everything! There are a lot of restaurants, bars and hotels around, as well as vintage and handmade shops. Being in such an hotspot is definitely a privilege but that comes with a price – its’ one of the most expensive parts of town.

This area is mostly known for its monumental buildings and large squares, such as Terreiro do Paço, Rossio and Restauradores. The neighbourhood was fully rebuilt after the Earthquake that almost completely destroyed the city in 1755. The neo-classic architecture extends all the way from the most exquisite avenue (Avenida da Liberdade) until Lisbon’s largest square, Terreiro do Paço.

Baixa-Chiado is the perfect place to walk, shop and enjoy typical Portuguese food. On the way, don’t forget to pass by the Elevador de Santa Justa – an emblematic iron structure built to connect the downtown area to the Carmo Convent in the upper part of town.

Planning to stay longer than 30 nights in Lisbon? Check out Spotahome, they have some great places for you to rent.

Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more lively atmosphere. The neighbourhood is built on a hill and has lots of typical buildings beautifully tiled up.

During the day it can look quite peaceful, but at the night it’s totally transformed into the cities’ most exciting area. You will find a lot of cozy restaurants and bars for all kinds of music tastes.

And if the nightlife is not really your thing, you can take this opportunity to explore the beautiful view points around the neighbourhood like Miradouro de Santa Catarina or Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

Alfama

Alfama is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, the only one in the downtown area that was not destroyed by the 1755 Earthquake. Once you are there, you will be amazed with its historical beauty and authentic Portuguese flair. In a maze of really narrow streets, friendly neighbours and ups and downs, it has the most beautiful viewing points you can find.

In Alfama there’s an interesting mix of locals and tourist exploring around. Here, you’ll find many small restaurants with traditional Portuguese food, followed by live Fado music.

Before you book your stay in Alfama, know that it’s not possible to drive in most of the streets. You’ll probably have to walk a bit to get to your accommodation. But since this is an older part of town, it’s normally easy to find budget Airbnbs, specially in the Low Season.

Take a look HERE if you are looking for a place to stay in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods Alfama.

Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real is full of excitement, character and fun!
It’s a residential area surrounded with beautiful gardens, like Jardim do Príncipe Real, and cute little squares, like Praça das Flores. There are great restaurants and bars everywhere, as well as antique shops and art galleries. Here you will find the majestic Botanical Garden, the Natural History Museum and the breathtaking Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

The neighbourhood is also famous for being LGBT friendly. You will find several gay bars, clubs and also accommodations directed only to the LGBT community.

Graça

Graça is one of the Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods and it’s famous for being the starting point of the famous 28 Yellow Tram. It’s the place where you just can’t avoid going uphill because it’s the city’s highest point. From Baixa-Chiado it’s about 30 minutes walking, but it’s definitely worth it.

Graça has two of the most amazing viewing points in town, Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Here you’ll also find the Jardim da Cerca, a very cool and popular park among the locals with a kiosk that sell cheap drinks.

From my top 5 list of the best areas to stay, this is where you can probably find the best deal. There are not a lot of hotels around, but you can find really great Airbnbs for a bargain. The public transportation is not so easy as in other parts of town, but it’s definitely a great place to stay.

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

The post 5 Best Areas to Stay in Lisbon appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

Senhora do Monte

This is one of the highest viewing points, with a 360º panoramic view over the entire city of Lisbon.

It’s named after the Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Mount) chapel that stands out at the top of Lisbon’s highest hill. On the way up, you’ll find typical Portuguese buildings filled with street art gratifies, a perfect blend of the old and the new.
It’s a tough (well worthily) climb, but if walking is a problem you can always take a Uber or a tuk-tuk.

Up there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over the São Jorge Castle, Baixa, the Tagus river and the 25 de Abril Bridge. On Summer days it’s usual to find food trucks and some live music on spot. This is definitely one of the best places to enjoy a beautiful sunset!

Don’t forget to bring your camera, good shoes and maybe a drink just incase the food trucks aren’t there.

Here you find the location of Miradouro Nossa Senhora do Monte.

Santa Luzia

São Pedro de Alcântara

Standing between the charming neighbourhood of Príncipe Real and Bairro Alto, you’ll find the very romantic Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. The view is so breathtaking as it is unexpected, specially after climbing through Lisbon’s narrow streets.

It’s probably the best place to watch the sunrise as the daylight comes over the Castle illuminating the entire city. Here you’ll find a kiosk where you can have a drink and watch the busy city life passing by, while you relax overlooking the downtown area and the Tagus river.

Don’t forget to take a look at the lower part of the viewing point. There’s a park with art subjects of the Greek Mythology such as Minerva and Ulysses.

Here you find the location of Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara.

Miradouro de Santa Catarina

One of the locals’ favourite, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina has a fantastic view over the river Tagus, the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei. It’s located in Bica, a small neighbourhood famous for the yellow tram that continuously strolls up and down the street. Close to Bairro Alto, has a very relaxed atmosphere where locals and tourist blend and share experiences.

Miradouro de Santa Catarina is generally called by locals just as “O Adamastor”, thanks to the large stone statue at top that honours the mythological characters made famous by Portuguese poet, Luis de Camões.

Since Lisbon has many viewing points (and I may get confused sometimes…) I call this one the viewing point with the stone stairs – you will find out why when you see it! There’s a kiosk and live music which makes it super nice to just grab a drink and hang out. The view is amazing across the day and night, but during sunset you will have a beautiful sunlight over Lisbon.

Here you find the location of Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Panorâmico de Monsanto

Abandoned since 2001, this building was once a luxury restaurant, a nightclub, an office space and a warehouse. Now, it’s the highest viewing point in Lisbon with a breathtaking 360º view over the city.

It’s located right in the heart of Monsanto Forest Park, a green oasis just a few minutes away from the city center. The Panorâmico de Monsanto unfortunately is only reachable by car, but the view and experience is definitely worth the effort.

The building itself looks old, but the interesting architecture, and specially the amazing street graffiti art on the walls, makes it the perfect scenario for really special pictures!

You can find the location of Panorâmico de Monsanto here!

The post 6 Best Viewing Points in Lisbon You Can’t Miss Out! appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.

Cervejaria Ramiro

If you like seafood, this is definitely the restaurant you should try in Lisbon. The restaurant is quite big, with two floors, but is literally always full!
As a starter I recommend you to get Portuguese-style clams (“Ameijoas à Bolhão Pato”) with warm buttered bread – which is so delicious it really just melts in your mouth. We also tried shrimps, crabs, lucifers fingers, giant tiger prawns and oysters which were all perfectly made. The price is a bit higher than the average in Lisbon but totally worth every penny.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to make a reservation upfront, so you’ll probably have to wait quite some time. The best thing to do is just to go there, take a ticket and walk around for a bit while you wait for your table. They have a beer tap/vending machine outside with some tables and benches in case you prefer to wait there. Just make sure you are not that hungry because you will sense the amazing seafood from across the street!

Papo Cheio

This traditional Portuguese restaurant is located in Bairro Alto, very close to Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara. From all the local restaurants I tried in Lisbon, this is one of my favourites. This is the place where they definitely serve the best Bitoque in town, they call it Bitoque à Casa.

Bitoque is a very famous dish among the locals – a fried beef steak, with french fries and fried egg on top. At Papo Cheio, the garlic sauce is key for the distinguished flavour that made the place famous. It costs only 8€ and was already awarded the prize for best Bitoque in Lisbon, so it’s definitely a must. If you prefer they also have other dishes on the menu around the same price.

It’s a very small restaurant, with around ten tables so making a reservation is almost mandatory.

You can find this restaurant’s location here.

O Trigueirinho

This restaurant is located in Mouraria, a very traditional neighbourhood, birthplace of Fado music. The restaurant is run by a small family and they serve typical Portuguese food, from the heart.

The place is very small and can pass almost unnoticed for most of the people. Those who know the place, specially locals, are certainly keeping it busy. The food is very nicely and homely made – meat and fish are both great. If you are a fish lover (like me) then the grilled salmon is definitely a winner!

You can this restaurant’s location here.

Lucimar

I LOVE the food at this restaurant! I first tried it when I just moved to Lisbon and was looking for local restaurants. It’s a traditional Portuguese restaurant located in a residential area close to Entrecampos station.

Every dish I tried there was perfectly made. From starters to deserts, everything was delicious – the Portuguese flavours really popped up, in every bite.

The most famous dish is the Francesinha – a kind of french toast filled with meat, sausage and a special sauce. It’s actually a Porto special, but Lucimar brought it to Lisbon and mastered its flavour perfectly.

Don’t expect a fancy place, but a really traditional local restaurant with friendly, genuine staff. It’s always busy, so I do recommend you to make a reservation.

You can find this restaurant’s location here.

David da Buraca

This restaurant is very spacey and therefore perfect for dinners with a group. It’s located in Buraca which is already outside the city, but fairly close – about 20/25 minutes away. There is no public transportation close by, so you will have to go by car.

I went there several times, ordered several dishes and I never got disappointed. Especially when I ordered fish! Their tuna and salmon steaks are very nicely grilled. The waiters are quick, friendly and very welcoming. If you don’t like fish, I recommend to order one of the specials, Bife na Pedra (steak slowly cooked on a hot stone).

You can find this restaurant’s location here.

Insider Secret Tip

Sometimes the best meals in Lisbon are found on the smallest places.

As Bifanas do Afonso

This is the best bifana place in the city! Since bifana is Portugal’s most famous sandwich, this is quite a statement.

A bifana is basically just a bread with slowly cooked pork meat. These bifanas are made right in front of you and cost €2,50 each. The place is always very busy, specially during lunch time, and manly with locals.

The place is super tiny so be prepared for take away. There is a little square right in front, so you can get a seat and enjoy your freshly made bifana.

You can find this restaurant’s location here.

The post 6 Local Restaurants in Lisbon You Should Try! appeared first on Lovin Wonderland.