Pousada de Tavira

Pousada de Tavira, a photo by Alida's Photos on Flickr.

On my last visit to Portugal, we stayed in Pousadas. They are government owned hotels which are set up in old castles, monasteries, convents, and palaces. I know it sounds very adventurous, but the hotels are well maintained and professionally run. I highly recommend that you check them out! Google: Portugal Posadas.

Slideshow of Portugal images

I've been busy working on my travel images from Portugal.

Here is a slideshow of the first group of photos.

Palace of Estoi

Palace of Estoi, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

Estoi, Portugal on the Algarve coast, this is a government run Pousada, restored palace.
See the information below!

Ceiling in the Palace of Estoi

Ceiling in the Palace of Estoi, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

One of the Pousadas of Poutugal, this is an old palace which has been remodeled and updated.

In the city of Estoi, read about it here!

Portugal has government owned Pousadas that are now luxury hotels, at a discount for senior citizens, over 60, in the off-season period.

This has been, and continues to be, a wonderful vacation in Portugal!

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selling in Nazaré

selling in Nazaré, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

This older woman was selling dried figs and nuts in Nazaré, Portugal. It's an older fishing village with lots of character. One item they sell here is barnacles. They collect them from the sea, then cook them, and peel and eat. I haven't tried them yet but I know on Long Island, we scrape them off the bottom of the boat. I'll have to try them before I leave.

Another woman was selling fresh figs which are in season here in this area of Portugal. Nothing is sweeter than fresh ripe figs! Now I know why my grandparents, from southern Italy, grew fig trees in Brooklyn. The difference is that in Brooklyn, the trees needed to be protected in winter. They were pulled over, wrapped in tar paper and covered with a bucket. Sounds crazy? Well, I guess you just have had to been there....... Ripe figs are delicious!

Fatima Sanctuary, Portugal

Inside the Fatima Sanctuary, Portugal, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

We are still traveling through Portugal, today going to towns of Fatima and Obidos.

Fatima's statue, "Our Lady of Fatima" has much significance for many who make the long journey to see this holy place.

See this link for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Fátima

Castelo dos Mouros

Castelo dos Mouros, originally uploaded by Alida's Photos.

A castle in the hilltops, it's all climbing and steps to the top. They didn't tell you that in the guidebooks! It was a good workout and the view was spectacular!

Castle of the Moors: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_the_Moors