Every time one books a trip to Europe, Portugal always makes it a priority to try and get you to stay. I had absolutely no interest in visiting this place and I know that's probably awful but Netflix had a different view. As a child, one of my favorite and most memorable religious stories was the children of Fatima. I happened to turn on netflix one day and boom the story I loved so much as a child was the first thing suggested to me (filmed in 2020). Something told me right there and then that I needed to go to Fatima and well take a stab at where that is.....yup the place I had no desire to go. Lisbon seemed like the most feasible option and was not a far drive from Fatima so why not make it a double decker? Lisbon was a little gloomy while I was there but being by the dock/water was lovely and my hotel was a dream (see below). The people were incredibly friendly but Fatima was so peaceful and serene. I went to pay my respects to the 3 children and of coarse spend some time talking to the holy mother. The church was huge and lovely and the entire grounds was just an amazing feeling. After paying my respects, I had to make my way to one of the best hotels in Europe (Members Only Location) for dinner and a drink. I always remember this place as being one of my favorite places in London and I was thrilled to know they had a location in Portugal. The hotel was so lovely (see below) and the restaurant was even more enchanting. The next day brought dinner at an equally fabulous location (Members Only Location) that is very popular in Portugal during the summer and attracts quite the crowd year round. It has 2 sides and one is a more formal dinner setting that specializes in SeaFood and the other side is more upbeat and specializes in chicken and beef dishes. I would definitely suggest this place if you like all of those foods groups and a gorgeous atmosphere. Lastly, Sintra is one of the most enchanting castles I have experienced and the entire grounds is so photo-worthy I didn't know where to begin. If you are looking for your cinderella moment in the sun this is the place to be.
General Consensus: Portugal is not the first place in Europe I would go or suggest, but if you are visiting other parts and you get roped into the "Come here for a layover" ploy I would absolutely fall for it and make a few days in the summer your top priority.
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