Sightseeing
Citytrip through Portugal
Lisbon
Go to Lisbon. Now. The capital of Portugal is a definate must-see if you come to Portugal. It has everything you need: coffee (but it in a street kiosk for only 0,90 cents), good food (affordable restaurants are everywhere), party (check out Bairro Alto for cheap beer and then head to Lux for cocktails), views (Lisbon is built on 7 hills, so there are 7 viewpoints -miradouros-), a river (walk along the Tagus river to Belém), culture (churches, castles, monuments, museums aplenty) and friendly locals (most speak English and will give you a warm welcome). Only a 30 minute drive from Olá Onda.
Sintra
Sintra is a mysterious but beautiful place. High on mountaintops you’ll find Disney like castles in crazy colours. It is close to the sea but has a micro climate. Strange plants grow here, and the forrest is a little Harry Potter like. Great for sightseeing and mountain biking or hiking. 40 minutes driving from Olá Onda.
Cabo da Roca
The most occidental spot in Europe. When you get there, you cannot go anymore west on Europe’s mainland. A special place, amidst of beautiful nature. Prepare for tourists.
Cascais & Estoril
Known as a fancy area for rich Lisboetas, Cascais and Estoril are well kept, well situated towns west of the capital city. Palm trees everywhere, a big promenade and harbor, countless beaches and good restaurants.
Santa Cruz
A more sincere Portuguese beachtown you will not find. Only Portuguese tourists here, so prices are low. You can get you coffee or glass of wine here for €0,60. If you want a little more chique, go to Noah, right on the beach. Speaking of the beach, it is beautiful. If the ocean is too rough for you, go to Praia Formosa, only a 10 minute walk to the south.
Mafra
Mafra is a small city 10 minutes driving from Olá Onda. It is mainly known for its gigantic and extravagant palace, the Palácio Nacional de Mafra. This palace makes the rest of the city look tiny. Inside the palace there is a monastry, a basilica and a library with over 36.000 ancient books.
Peniche
Surfers paradise. Because of the peninsula that is Peniche, and more northern Baleal, you can surf here with any tide, wind and swell. For all levels. Next to that, Peniche is also a typically fisherman’s town full of Portuguese history. Take a look at the former seaside prison, where opposants of dictator Salazar were kept. 1 hour drive from Ola Onda.
Nazaré
Home to the worlds biggest waves. If you have seen the videos of the biggest wave ever ridden in 2013, you’ll want to go here. The town of Nazaré is also pretty nice, especially the view from up the hill. Buy some nuts and dried fruit from the stalls of ladies in traditional clothes on the square. 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Olá Onda.
Óbidos
A charming little town, surrounded by a castle wall and filled with tiny white houses; Óbidos is very photogenic and romantic. It makes a great daytrip from Ericeira. You can walk all around the town on the wall, visit the castle, churches or monuments, drink some ginginha de Obidos, a cherry liquor typically from there. If you happen to be here in march or april, don’t miss the International Chocolate Festival. 50 minute drive from Olá Onda
Porto
Some call it the “Bronx of Portugal”. Dark, rugged but very hip and beautiful. JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter here. When you see Porto, you’ll know. The port is to die for, architecture is intruiging and culture is everywhere. Worth the 3,5 hour drive from Olá Onda.
Azenhas do Mar
A cute and small seaside town, with a tiny beach and a big semi-natural pool.