Allie & Andrew
Things To Do
Speak Portuguese
While many people you encounter in Portugal will speak English, you may find some Portuguese phrases helpful. Shrock has put his Portuguese education to good use and compiled a list of common words and phrases!
Lisbon Recomendations
Whether you spend one day or one week in the city, Lisbon is a must for any itinerary! For some of our favorite recommendations click the link below.
Ericeira
The quaint seaside town of Ericeria is where our hotel block is located. With over 40 beaches nearby, Ericeira has earned the title of "Surfing capital of Europe," and is the only place on the continent that has been designated as a World Surfing Reserve. The town has a relaxed vibe and is easily traversed on foot or by bike. It is also known for its many small family-owned restaurants that often specialize in seafood.
Mafra
The city of Mafra is only 10-15 minutes from both Ericeira and Gradil. The main highlight in town is the massive Mafra National Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Another point of interest is the Tapada Nacional de Mafra, an enclosed wildlife and game reserve initially constructed as a recreation area for the royal family.
Sintra
Just outside Lisbon lies the beautiful town of Sintra, which is one of the wealthiest municipalities, not only in Portugal, but on the entire Iberian Peninsula. As a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is filled with whimsical palaces, extravagant villas, and castle ruins. Highlights include Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Monserrate Palace. While we will be organizing an optional half-day tour to Sintra for the day before the wedding, if you wish to visit on your own, Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon. While an Uber/taxi is always an option, we recommend taking the train. Trains to Sintra leave every half-hour from Lisbon's Rossio station and take 40 minutes. Tickets can only be purchased at the station using a Via Viagem card. A one-way ticket to Sintra costs 2.25 Euros. Once you arrive in Sintra, it is a 15 minute walk to the historic neighborhood. Keep in mind the area has many steep hills and stairs.