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What to do between Lisbon and Porto
Bussaco (or Buçaco) is a treasure located in the country's central region, only 30 minutes away from Coimbra!
The small town of Luso
What to do between Lisbon and Porto
Way of the Cross. As you follow the stations of the cross up the hillside, you'll pass a series of large shrines containing life-size terracotta figures of Christ, his disciples, and other characters in the Crucifixion story. This is if you enter the hillside from the hotel. We enjoy going to Cruz Alta by car and walking down the mountainside to view each of the replica houses and crosses. The hike terminates in the Cruz Alta, or High Cross, which offers views of the forested mountains and the Palace Hotel. There is a lot of graffiti along the path and at the top of Cruz Alta. If you go to the high point by car, it may feel as though you are lost but keep driving along the windy road passing boulders in a field and eucalyptus trees. The roads do not have shoulders or areas to pull over. Use caution. You will end up in a circle parking area. Parking is free. Walk up the steps to the top and be ready to take lots of pictures. You can see hilltops with trees and mountainsides with homes (Stations of the Cross). You can see for miles in each direction. Be prepared to hike on uneven paths and dirt. Bring water with you. After more than an hour of walking and hiking, you will arrive at Busaco. To view the homes, walk down the dirt and cobblestone steps. Carmelite Monastery. Most of the monastery was torn down during the construction of the royal summer palace, but a few portions remain--among them, a chapel and several of the old monks' cells, which are lined with cork for insulation against the winter cold. Bussaco's National Forest is a Protected Area planted by the Order of the “Carmelitas Descalços”, to whom these lands had been granted – at the beginning of the 17th Century – in order for them to build a spiritual retreat that included a convent. We have never stayed at the hotel but I have viewed the rooms and entrance area. The hotel's rates are a bargain compared to hotels in the U.S. The rooms are huge, with plenty of dark wood, chandeliers, old-fashioned bathroom fixtures, and balconies,. to make you feel like a weekend guest at a stately home during the Edwardian era. A few miles away is Luso. You can stay there, get fresh water, walk the cobblestone streets, shop, eat and relax.
What to do between Lisbon and Porto
There are many things to see and do in central Portugal. You can visit Busaco, Luso to get fresh water or go to a day spa.
book
Hikes of a Lifetime
My Favorite new piece
Made in Portugal
Portuguese Pottery Terracotta Rectangular Clay Baking Pan for Oven Casserole Made in Portugal
Made in Barcelos Portugal home of the largest rooster in Portugal
Heat Retention - The pot heats very evenly and it keeps food warm longer and can even keep liquids boiling after taking off the flame. It’s an essential tool for cooking meat and fish and can be taken directly to the table to make a dramatic presentation.
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