Lisboa in Four Acts: A Springtime Story (Part IV)

Venturing Beyond Lisbon

While Lisbon offered endless discoveries, we carved out time for a few day trips to see more of Portugal’s charm and layered past. From quiet moments in Fátima to cork trees and castles in the clouds . . . Portugal, you sure know how to throw a field trip.

Northbound 🧭⬆️

Our first day trip was to Fátima, a place that holds deep spiritual meaning for many. In 1917, three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—claimed to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary near a field in Cova da Iria. What began as a local curiosity quickly became a global site of Catholic pilgrimage. The message of faith, penance, and peace shared by the children drew millions over the years. Fátima continues to welcome visitors from all over the world, especially during special events like the Jubilee Year 2025.

We walked the broad esplanade in silence, watching others light candles, deep in prayer, or simply taking it all in. It’s not often you find a space that feels both deeply personal and shared at the same time.

We visited the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the tombs of the three children now rest, and then made our way to their nearby childhood homes. These preserved stone houses are modest, nestled in the quiet hills. Standing inside them, you get a glimpse of just how simple their lives were before the events that brought them global attention. The visit offered perspective. The story of their faith continues to resonate, and walking through those familiar paths brought a quiet appreciation. It was a rainy day that invited a slower pace—a pause in our trip that reminded us to take in not just the sights, but the moments in between.

On the way back from Fátima, we made a coastal detour to Nazaré, a town made famous by surfers chasing some of the world’s biggest waves. The giant waves of Nazaré are caused by the underwater Nazaré Canyon, one of the largest submarine canyons in Europe. This deep trench funnels and amplifies Atlantic swells, creating record-breaking waves that have drawn big wave surfers from around the world. 🌊

We weren’t there to surf (though watching someone try might’ve been entertaining), but we did enjoy a massive seafood lunch that felt like a celebration of the sea. Nazaré has this cliffside lookout—Miradouro do Suberco—that gives you postcard-perfect views of the beach below and the red-roofed town center. It’s the kind of spot where you take a deep breath and realize how good a mid-journey pause can feel. A beautiful stop, and easy to see why people linger here.

Eastbound 🧭➡️

A few days later, we traded coastal breezes for ancient stone and sun-soaked history in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That designation always catches our attention—call us nerdy travelers, but we try to collect UNESCO visits like some people collect magnets. The town didn’t disappoint. Évora sits in the heart of the Alentejo region, which is one of the world’s leading producers of cork. The area's vast oak forests provide over half of the global supply, and cork harvesting here is a centuries-old tradition done by hand to protect the trees. From wine stoppers to bags and shoes, cork is everywhere—and seeing it up close in shops and markets gave us a new appreciation for this sustainable, proudly Portuguese industry.

Camino de Santiago route spotting.

Narrow cobbled streets led us to the Temple of Diana, a striking Roman ruin that has survived earthquakes, war, and time itself. Right in the middle of the city, too—no fencing, no dramatics. Just casually sitting there like, “Yes, I’ve been here for two thousand years.” The Temple of Diana in Évora dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula. Despite its popular name, it was likely dedicated not to Diana but to Emperor Augustus, serving as a symbol of imperial power and possibly used for official worship or civic ceremonies.

Not far from the temple is the Church of São Francisco, an equally unforgettable site. From the outside, its Gothic-Manueline architecture is impressive, with large flying buttresses and detailed stonework. Step inside, though, and it’s breathtaking. Built in the 16th century, the church has long been a centerpiece of religious life in Évora, but it’s also home to one of the city's most talked-about—and unusual—chapels. This is just one of the many churches along a southern route of the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims have passed through here for centuries, adding to the spiritual weight of the place.

The Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) is located within the church and is exactly what it sounds like: a chapel lined with the bones of over 5,000 individuals, many of them Franciscan monks. Skulls, femurs, ribs—each arranged in careful, symmetrical designs that make you stop and reflect. The inscription over the doorway reads, “We bones that are here, await yours.” Grim? Maybe. But it’s also deeply moving—a centuries-old meditation on mortality, humility, and time.

"Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos" (We bones, that are here, await yours.)

Évora has a way of sneaking up on you like that. From ancient Roman ruins to sobering chapels, it packs a historic punch in a place that feels easy to explore and surprisingly serene. It reminded us how history isn't just about grand events—it’s about the people who lived, built, and believed.

From Évora, we continued east to Monsaraz, a tiny hilltop village that looks like it belongs in a storybook...

Monsaraz Castle dates back to the 13th century, built during the reign of King Dinis as part of a defensive line near the Spanish border. Its strategic hilltop location has been occupied since prehistoric times, with layers of Roman, Moorish, and medieval history still visible in its walls and sweeping views.

Stone cottages, whitewashed walls, barely any cars—just silence, wind, and some of the best views we’d seen all trip. From the castle, you get a full panorama of Alqueva Lake, the largest manmade lake in Europe. And just across that shimmering expanse? Spain’s Extremadura region—a tempting neighbor and region on our list of places to visit next.

After soaking in the views, we had a quick lakeside lunch (more grilled meats, more joy) before heading to Ervideira, a winery tucked inside a converted schoolhouse. At Ervideira, we got to taste wines with a twist—some of their bottles are aged underwater! Their "Invisible" line includes wines that undergo fermentation beneath the surface of Lake Alqueva, where stable temperatures and total darkness create a unique aging environment. The result? Smooth, elegant wines with a story as bold as the flavors.

The wine was excellent, the space felt like a cozy neighborhood hangout, and the group left with bottles clinking in tote bags like seasoned pros. If you’re ever wine tasting in Portugal and want to avoid big crowds, this one’s worth the detour.

Traveling outside the city in the off season meant fewer lines, more space to explore, and moments that felt unhurried and genuine. These places—each so different—reminded us why we love to travel this way. You can read guidebooks and plan itineraries, but it’s these quiet, out-of-the-way experiences that stay with you. Sometimes, the richest part of the trip comes when you venture just a little further—and allow the slower pace to show you something new.

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Pronti? Via! 

During our stay in Lisboa, we did a combination of independent travel arrangements and organized small group tours to get around. We found local operators, ventured out on our own, or used trusted booking platforms like Viator. For suggestions on activities, check out our Viator Shop featuring our "Spring '25✨Lisboa Favorites & Top Experiences!

Have a trip in mind? Let's chat! As a Fora certified Travel Advisor we can help book your flights, accommodations, and activities. We curate your adventures based on your interests, group size, and budget. Would love to hear from you and be a part of your travels!