When your brother moves to Lisbon, the obvious thought is “oooh, yess free holidays!”. Well, that was over five years ago and I still hadn’t bloody been – that was until a couple of weeks ago.
The thought of sun, wine, beach and seafood was still on my mind as I boarded the plane at a rain-soaked and windswept Manchester Airport at 7.30 on a dismal Saturday morning, looking forward to touching down at the other side!
Liquid Lunch And Tapas Time
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“Woah, he wasn’t bloody joking about these hills”, I thought as the Uber made its way towards central Lisbon. I had to admit though, wow, it looked beautiful, if not a bit too packed with tourists – I get what my brother means now.
Anyway, apparently he’d picked out this Tapas place (Tapas Bar 52) I’d heard so much about it from everyone who had been to see him, so I told him to meet me there – me wondering whether he’d actually slept since the night before. I wouldn’t put anything past my brother.
Clearly it was – he must have seen my reflection as he spun around and, switching to English I recognised his brash laddish tone “Ay up Sis,” grinning toothily, pulling me into a one-arm squeeze. “Hope ye’ hungy!”
My word, what a lunch that was. Looking back, we must have gone through at least about 14 plates over the few hours we were there and copious amounts of Vinho Verde (green wine…mmm!). The batatas bravas were the best I’ve ever had, the lamb was perfect and the octopus was flawless.
Exploring The City
The next day, (after a bit of a late one the night before), my brother took me to his favourite ‘brunch’ spot – Dear Breakfast and all of the food looked spectacular.
I was then dragged on at least a five mile walk (or at least it felt like that with the heat and the hills), around the city, though it is stunning. On this occasion, I’m glad I listened to my brother and put trainers on, thinking my flip flops would have been a bit ambitious on this route.
We meandered through the winding, charming streets of Alfama (old town), bright colours and the smells of barbecued sardines filling the air, though at this point I think we’d walked a good 6,000 steps. I was glad when my brother suggested a cold beer in this deliciously cool ale place called Crafty Corner.
That evening, after walking another 6,000 steps, we went to this cool rooftop bar for the sunset, looking out over the river while nibbling on some Lebanese appetisers, before making our way to a wine bar my brother’s friend ran (Uva Livre) for some good vino and food!
To The Beach We Go
After a hectic couple of days, the promise of the beach was too good to refuse and we took an Uber across the bridge, 30 minutes to this really chilled place called Fonte de Telha, a little bit past the main, slightly livelier beach town of Costa de Caparica – though still on the same stretch of beach.
Ah, it was perfect, so tranquil and hardly anyone else was there and the beach bar we went to for lunch – wow, spot on – I could definitely see why my bro loves this place.
As the sun started to set, we headed back over the bridge for an early night. I wasn’t looking forward to my 8.00am flight or the miserable weather waiting for me. A week later, as I sit here writing this, I know I’ll be back there soon. Less walking and more beach please this time though, bro!