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Portugal Travel Destinations

Portugal Travel Destinations

This Portugal Travel Destinations is awesome. Portuguese island is part of an archipelago in the North Atlantic region.  Madeira is west of Morocco on the African Tectonic Plate.  Its capital, Funchal, majestically sits on the south coast.  Over the years, Madeira became renowned for its wine and unique wine-making process.  This began during the Age of Exploration, when Madeira was a regular port of call for ships travelling to the East Indies.  By the 16th century, the wine industry here supplied these ships with wine for long voyages.  Also, the island of Madeira has an oceanic climate with high rainfall and average mean temperature of 66 °F (19 °C).

Funchal, the Capital City of Madeira Island Attractions

Known as the Garden City, you will understand why soon enough.  The city harmonizes with the landscapes. It seems to organically grow from the mountainside and coast, among the exotic flower gardens around you.   In Funchal, I rode the cable car to the Botanical Gardens and then came down in their famous toboggan ride.  Also, I savored wine-tasting in town of their world-renowned Madeira wine.  Plus, I walked the cobblestone roads and alleyways of their Old Town, shopping, wine-testing and eating at exquisite European restaurants, al fresco style.

    Lisbon Portugal Rossio
    Portugal Travel Destinations

    Historic Lisbon Walking Tours – Spectacular Architecture and Cityscape

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac April 13, 2025
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Lisbon is an outdoor museum with a stunning cityscape and architecture.   As one of the oldest cities in the world, history comes alive among its seven hills and grand harbor.   Historic walking tours are the best way to learn about Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, such as Square of Commerce, Rossa, Avenue of Liberty, Sao Jorge Castle, Belem and Jeronimos Monastery.

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    Lisbon Harbor

    Lisbon’s History and Background

    The Legend is that Lisbon was born between seven hills, like Rome. These seven hills create breathtaking views, overlooking the beautiful harbor at the mouth of the Tagus River.   The dramatic orange suspension bridge is, also, in the harbor named after the date of the Carnation Revolution, 25 de Abril Bridge.  It’s the longest suspension bridge in Europe and resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.  In addition, the large Catholic monument, Sanctuary of Christ the King overlooks to the harbor.  Lisbon’s Mediterranean climate has warm to hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. 

    IMG_3981

    Lisbon’s beautiful cityscape includes gorgeous parks, for example, the Monsanto Forest Park and Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve.  In western Lisbon is the pristine Monsanto Forest Park, with 4 sq mi of urban park, one of the largest green spaces in Europe.  Also, the Tagus Estuary Natural Reserve of the Tagus River is the largest wetland in Portugal. It’s biodiverse with wildlife, such as, birds, fish, mollusks and crustaceans. 

    Lisbon is rich and eclectic in architecture styles, such as, Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Manueline (Portuguese Late Gothic), Modern and Postmodern.  Because of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, most of the ancient architecture was destroyed.  However, there still is plenty of gorgeous architecture, monuments and grandiose boulevards to be mesmerized.  

    Praca do Comercio or Commerce Square

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    Commerce Square
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    Bronze Equestrian Statue of King Jose I

    This grand square is located near the Tagus river and was destroyed by the great 1755 Lisbon earthquake.  Before the earthquake it was the location of the Royal Palace.  However, once rebuilt, it became the main square of commerce.  In its centre is the bronze statue, King Jose I on his horse, symbolically crushing snakes on his path.  The square symmetry of gold buildings are filled with vendors, restaurants and offices.  Also, the stunning Rua Augusta Arch is a triumphal arch that celebrates the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake, opening to the bustling boulevard Rua Augusta.

    Rossio or King Pedro IV Square – Historic Lisbon Walking Tours

    IMG_3988
    The Rossio

    This is another popular and beautiful square where tourists and native meet.  Since the Middle Ages this square was the venue for historical events, such as, bullfights, revolts and celebrations, and even executions.  In the middle of the square is the Column of King Pedro IV.  There are historically significant cafes and stores in the square, for example, Café Nicola and Pastelaria Suica.

    Located in Lisbon’s City Centre is the ruin of Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This breathtaking Gothic ruin stands eerily tall without a roof due to the 1755 earthquake. 

    Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
    Ruin of Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

    Avenida da Liberdade or Avenue of Liberty

    This prominent boulevard in central Lisbon is famous as one of the most expensive shopping streets in Europe.  It’s 90-metre wide and 1100 m long, with ten lanes divided by pedestrian areas and gardens.  The boulevard also is the venue for hotels, embassies and restaurants.  

    Sao Jorge Hill and Castle – Historic Lisbon Walking Tours

    Sao Jorge Hill and Castle
    Sao Jorge Hill and Castle

    From one of the highest hills in Lisbon, the iconic San Jorge Castle looks out over the city.  This is where Lisbon was first established.  This stalwart fortress helped to protect Lisbon for years from wars.  These fortifications were occupied by many, such as, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. Finally, the Portuguese did conquest in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon.  Since then, the castle has been the Royal Palace, military barracks and now a national monument and museum.

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    Viewpoint of Foggy Harbor from Sao Jorge Castle

    Besides the history, there are many breathtaking viewpoints here to see the vast city below, with its dramatic harbor and the suspension bridge.  Here, I had my epiphany that Lisbon delightfully reminded me of one of my favorite cities, San Francisco.  For examples, both cities are very hilly with dramatic harbors and an orange suspension bridge. Also, I even witnessed San Francisco’s stereotypical fog in the harbor in Portugal.  Overall, this view was the highlight of my experiences in Lisbon and consider it a must-see attraction for visitors. 

    Belem – The Tower, Discoveries Monument and Jeronimos Monastery

    Monument to the Discoveries
    Discoveries Monument
    Belem Tower
    Belem Tower

    On the northern Tagus River sanctuary is the parish, Belem. Even more, this area is famous for being the area from which seafarers launched their expeditions.  The Belem Tower is one of the most iconic symbols of Portugal.  As a fortified lighthouse, it once guarded the entrance to the port on a little island of the Tagus.  Another historic landmark here is the Discoveries Monument Sculpture on the northern bank of the Tagus. It symbolizes the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries, where ships departed for the Orient and India.  Also, don’t miss out on the popular Pastieis de Belem, known for its delicious, mouthwatering custard tarts.

    IMG_4457
    Jeronimos Monastery

    Another must-see attraction in Belem is the dramatic Jeronimos Monastery.  Like the Belem Tower, it displays the Manueline-style architecture, also known as Portuguese Late Gothic.  This ornate style has intricated sculptural themes, using maritime elements and objects discovered during expeditions carved in limestone.  Also, the gardens and fountains outside the monastery are serene and lovely.  Historically, the monks of the military-religious Order of Christ provided help for seafarers in transit.

    IMG_4416
    Jeronimos Monastery

    Lisbon Museums

    Lisbon is also known for its world class museums. For example, the National Museum of Ancient Art is of the largest art collections in the world and the National Coach Museum has the world’s larges collection of royal coaches and carriages. Also, noteworthy is the Museum of Lisbon, National Museum of Archeology and National Museum of Natural History & Science.

    Overall, Historic Lisbon Walking Tours

    IMG_3878

    This ancient city is one of my favorites in the world.  It’s a fabulous pedestrian city with a vast labyrinth of boulevards, alleyways, gardens and hilltop panoramic views.  Thus, whatever you do in this cultural paradise, wear some good walking shoes.


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    April 13, 2025 0 comments
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  • Portugal Travel Destinations

    The Magical Madeira Island Attractions & Top Things to Do

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac January 5, 2025
    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac January 5, 2025

    O Madeira Island attractions, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.  The magical ways are through its colorful gardens, sea-cliff precipices, fertile landscapes, Funchal Old Town and toboggan rides …

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Hello, Hola, Namaste, Ni hao, Ciao and Bonjour! My name is Trudy and I have been traveling like everyday is my last, over the last 10 years. I've visited 105 countries and still counting! As an Acupuncturist and traveler, I love sharing my experiences and tips on travel and wellness. Feel free to join below my community for coupons and latest travel guides.

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On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is On the Vracar plateau, the Church of Saint Sava is the largest Orthodox church in the Balkans and second largest in the world. Saint Sava is the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church. The church’s construction lasted from 1935 to 1989. It became delayed by WW II and the Yugoslavian communism, that didn’t allow for building churches. 

Shaped like a Greek Cross, the facade consists of white marble and granite in a Neo-Byzantine style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world. The mosaics are spectacular, with the central mosaic in the dome depicting the Ascension of Jesus.

To learn more about Belgrade, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/belgrade-serbia-top-attractions-in-2-days/

#belgrade #serbia #serbiatourism #churchesofinstagram #templeofsaintsava #balkans #europetravels #easterneurope #belgradephoto #belgradeserbia #travelblogger #wanderlust
Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Just 15 minutes from Mostar is the Blagaj Dervish Monastery. It sits at the source of the Buna River which flows out of a cave beneath a canyon wall. The beautiful tekke (lodge) displays Ottoman Sufi architecture from the 15th century. 

The white building reflects on the turquoise river. Inside you’ll find a small mosque, guest rooms and mausoleums. Dervishes of the Sufi orders stayed here for spiritual retreats over the centuries. Today, it is open for tourist of all faiths to learn about this sacred site and the Sufi tradition. 

We explored the riverside and view of Blagaj from across the river. Also, with our shoes off, we enjoyed an indoor tour of the monastery. 

To learn more about Mostar, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#blagaj #dervish #monastery #mostar #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #instatravelling #i̇nstatravel #easterneurope #europetravel #bosnia #traveladdict #retreat #wanderlust #solotraveling
Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its uniqu Mostar is a gorgeous gem of the Balkans. Its unique blend of cultural diversity, riveting history and natural beauty offers an inspiring escape. I traveled solo in Mostar for 2 days, exploring the Old Town along with day trips. Mostar's main attraction is the bridge jumping tradition.

The iconic Stari Most is the symbol of Mostar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in Balkan Islamic architecture in the 16th century, its height is 24 m (78 ft 9 in). The bridge connects the two sides of the city divided by the Neretva River. During the Balkan War, the bridge was destroyed. However, it became rebuilt in 2004 with the stones from the original bridge. The bridge is steep and slippery with crowds often on it. So, wear good shoes and be aware when taking in its incredible views of the city and river.

The main attraction in Mostar is watching the tradition of locals jumping off the Stari Most into the river. This began in 1664 as a rite-of-passage for 16-year-old boys. Today, young men from the Mostar Diving Club take the plunge. Leading up to the plunge, assistants gather donations from the crowds.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/mostar-tour-highlights/

#mostar #mostarbridge #mostarbridgejump #mostarbosnia #bosniaandherzegovina #balkans #bridgejump #bridgejumping #instatravelling #instatravel #europetravels #easterneurope #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelgirl #solotravel #travelblog #travelblogger #solotravel
After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why After 3 days in Sarajevo, I wholeheartedly get why National Geographic named it Top Destination for 2025. Here, east meets west with a fascinating blend of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences. However, wounds from the 90’s Bosnian War are still healing. Afterall, Sarajevo suffered the longest siege (almost 4 years) in modern warfare by the Bosnian Serbs. Thankfully, its citizens’ resilience prevailed otherwise.

To learn more, check out my blog:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/sarajevo-travel-destination-highlights/

Photos:
Abandoned Olympic Bobsleigh Track
Sarajevo '84 Winter Olympics
Tunnel of Hope during Sarajevo Siege
Sarajevo Rose Memorial (Where more than 3 people died in Siege)
Eternal Flame Monument - Honoring WW II victims
Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Old Bazaar

#sarajevo #sarajevobosnia #bosnia #bosniaandherzegovina🇧🇦 #bosniatravel #europetravels #balkans #europedestinations #solotraveler #solofemaletravel #wanderlusting #wanderlust #travelbloggers #nationalgeographictopdestination2025 #nationalgeographic #instatravel #europehistory
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in cen The Plitvice Lakes National Park is located in central Croatia’s mountainous karst area. It’s the largest national park in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is world-famous for its 16 turquoise, tufa lakes connected by 90 cascades and waterfalls. A confluence of many rivers and subterranean karst rivers created these lakes. 

Check out my blog/video:
https://truewindhealingtravel.com/plitvice-lakes-planning-tips/

#waterfallsofinstagram #croatiatravel #croatia #waterfalls #waterfall #adventuretravel #wanderlust #europetravels #cascade #travelingram #naturelovers #naturegrams #traveladdict #solofemaletravel #solotraveler
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