Road Trip: ES/PT Day 11

We spent the second-to-last full day of last spring's road trip entirely in Portugal, as we worked our way toward Lisbon.

 

We awoke--peacefully in the pre-peak season--to the lovely Peniche peninsula, and spent a little more time appreciating the layered gray Jurassic limestone off the Atlantic.

Then, to make up for it, we joined what felt like everyone else in Portugal for a Saturday at Cabo da Roca, taking in spring flowers,

and the lighthouse

at this westernmost point of mainland Europe. 

Along with all the other lemmings, we crossed the clearly marked Do Not Enter reserve boundary in order to get the best view.

Feeling guilty, we quickly wrapped southeast along the coastal route into the Cascais District, such that E. could gaze south upon the Atlantic Ocean.

Before diving into metropolitan Lisbon, we enjoyed a last look at the marine limestone and sandstone formations in this district on the outskirts of town.

Next thing we knew, we were back in civilization, winding east past the Farol da Guia lighthouse, the tower of which dates to 1537 when gigantic oil-wicking lamps were used to guide local sailors.

After returning our rental car (miraculously in one piece!), we purchased the 24-hr Lisboa Card for free access to public transit and various museums and hopped on the subway.  Adjacent to our hotel was the Praça da Figueira public square in the heart of town, with the castle on the hill behind the landmark equestrian statue (at least since 1971). 

We strolled through town that evening, working our way toward the 
Miradouro de S. Pedro de Alcântara for an overview of the city.

Too tired and impatient to wait for sunset with the crowds, we took one last look

and meandered back past the Praça Dom Pedro IV.  The enchanting Baroque fountains contrasted nicely with the brightly colored apartments highlighted by the waning sun.

My favorite aspect was the unique wave-like patterns made by white limestone and black basalt cobblestone.

Arriving at our hotel, we initially got a laugh out of our 4th floor "balcony" (which were common to many downtown buildings), but were otherwise pleased with the WG-style hotel.

Especially after dark, when the castle on the hill outside our window lit up for our second-to-last night in Lisbon.

11 Days down!