San Sebastián

San Sebastián, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

 With the Bay of Biscay to the north and France only 20 kilometers (12 miles) east, this majestic city will be the European Culture Capital of Europe in 2016, sharing the honors with Wroclaw, Poland.  San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in the Basque language, is set at the mouth of the River Urumea (seen in this picture) dividing the city in two.

Santander

Santander, (Cantabria) Spain

Mountains and sea all in one location... You can't ask for more!

(Click on the picture to see it bigger.)

Valle del Pas

Valle del Pas, (Cantabria) Spain

This valley is given its name because of the Pas River that flows through it.  Driving around this area makes you want to stay forever.  It really does look like plush green carpet has been laid everywhere!

on the way to Potes

on the way to Potes, (Cantabria) Spain

The north is so unpredictable as far as the weather is concerned, but for me its rainy days are definitely worth it to see the deep green of the mountains and fields of flowers coming up in the springtime.

Puerto de Piedrasluengas

Puerto de Piedrasluengas, (between Palencia and Cantabria) Spain

One of the prettiest drives I've ever taken is on the way to Cantabria via the Piedrasluengas mountain pass (1355 meters), located between the province of Palencia and Cantabria.  More than fifty kilometers (30 miles) of winding roads take you through this breathtaking area.

Tazones

Tazones, (Asturias) Spain

Tazones is a quaint village tucked away along the rocky northern coastline overlooking the Bay of Biscay.  With only a few more than 250 inhabitants it makes up one of 18 fishing ports in Asturias.

Boatloads of fresh seafood come in everyday, so if you're a fan, you'll love sitting at one of its wonderful restaurants to try the catch of the day accompanied by the local natural cider (sidra) and cheeses, specifically queso de Cabrales.  Time stands still when you visit this wonderful place!

Lastres

Lastres, (Asturias) Spain

Asturias and its coastline are spotted with picturesque villages.  Be sure to visit the lighthouse of Lastres to experience first-hand this spectacular bird's-eye view of the town and coastline.

Lago Enol

Lago Enol, (Asturias) Spain

Set in the heart of the Picos de Europa mountain chain and resting at more than 1100 meters, this glacier lake makes up part of the Lakes of Covadonga in Asturias. 

I have visited these lakes on gloomy overcast days, in the rain, and under fog-like conditions, but on this occassion I was fortunate enough to witness their beauty accompanied by the sun.  What a difference!  The longer you look at this picture, the more your eyes start playing tricks on you!
 

Oviedo

Oviedo, (Asturias) Spain

Asturias is hands down one of my all-time favorite places to visit in Spain!  Walking around the colorful streets of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, is a treat for the senses.

Forte de Nossa Senhora de Graça

Elvas, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

If you're standing at the walls surrounding Elvas on a clear day, this 18th century fort, Forte de Nossa Senhora de Graça, can clearly be seen a kilometer away.  It was strategically built on one of the higest points of the region to protect Elvas from further invasions.  The fortifications of Elvas represent the best surviving example of Dutch school fortifications in the world.

The aerial view of this fort is beyond impressive!  Check it out and see for yourself!

(aerial view link taken from http://walledtowns.com/towns/elvas/)
 

Elvas

Elvas, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

This fortress city lies approximately 15 kilometers from the Portuguese-Spanish border and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since June 30, 2012.  According to the UN organization, "it represents the largest bulwarked dry ditch system in the world".  In 1658 an army of Spanish soldiers, containing a considerably higher number of men than the Portuguese army, hoped to capture the town of Elvas.  The victory went to the Portuguese and one of the reasons for their success was due to the strong fortifications surrounding the town.

When you walk around this stronghold city, you can't help but to imagine what went on in its streets centuries ago. 

Igreja de São João Evangelista

Évora, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

This late 15th century church (Saint John the Evangelist) was originally founded to serve as a family pantheon of a count of Portugal.  The interior has beautiful early 18th century hand-painted tiles lining its walls from floor to ceiling, a sight worthy to see.

The special light in Portugal and its deep blue skies contrasting with the white of the buildings are things I never get tired of seeing.

Praça do Giraldo

Évora, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Évora is a fascinating town full of history which dates back more than 2000 years.  Its old city center, surrounded by medieval walls, has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.  The 16th century Renaissance fountain, made of local pink marble, contains eight jets symbolizing the eight streets leading into this square - Praça do Giraldo.  In times of the Inquisition, several autos-da-fé were witnessed here.

This square is usually buzzing with people, but I arrived quite early in the morning, something unusual for me, and was able to take in the peace and quiet of the moment.

Açorda

Evoramonte, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Açorda is a typical Portuguese dish, especially from the Alentejo region, made from bread, garlic, cilantro, poached egg, olive oil, water and salt.  Other things can be added such as codfish, as can be seen in this picture, other types of fish or shrimp.

It was my first time trying this dish in Evoramonte at a family run Restaurant called A Convenção.  The staff was more than kind with me and I think quite surprised that I ate every last drop and crumb!  You might think that the bowl doesn't look that big, but what you don't see in the picture is the self-serve pot they set on my table where two more bowls just like this one fit!  Needless to say, I loved it!

The fortified town of Evoramonte

 Evoramonte, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

This medievel town is definitely worth a visit.  I highly recommend strolling its one street from start to finish, having lunch at its wonderful restaurant, visiting the inside of the castle and climbing its three floors to check out the views of the town below as well as the magnificent Alentejo countryside all around you.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

This picture is taken from the top of the castle. 

Castle of Evoramonte

Evoramonte, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

After the Christians took over this area from the Moors in the 12th century, the castle of Evoramonte was built to protect the area from other invasions.  Set at almost 500 meters on a hill, this castle dates back to the year 1306, but was rebuilt after an earthquake in 1531.  The Italian Renaissance style influenced in its construction; however, the sculpture of strands of rope dividing the three floors of the castle and the knot tied in the middle are characteristic of Manueline (Portuguese late Gothic) style architecture.

Monte alentejano

Evoramonte, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Set among cork-oak plantations and olive groves are the montes alentejanos, a term which refers to the house and other buildings on an extensive piece of rural property.  This is a common sight to see when traveling throughout the region of Alentejo.

This picture is taken from the top of the castle of Evoramonte.  All that can be seen is a carpet of green for miles and miles, something I never get tired of seeing!

Florbela Espanca

Vila Viçosa, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Florbela Espanca, a Portuguese poet and writer, was born in Vila Viçosa on December 8, 1894.  She was a woman ahead of her time as she was one of the first women in Portugal to go to high school, attending an all boys school in Évora (Alentejo).  She also went on to complete a literature degree in 1917 and was then one of the first women to enroll at the Law School of the University of Lisbon.  Florbela Estanca lived a difficult life losing her mother at a very young age as well as her brother in a plane accident years later.  She married three times and was never able to have children.  Florbela Espanca died on her 36th birthday.  Her life is reflected in a number of books containing poetry, short stories and letters published before and after her death.  

This picture shows a bust of the writer with the castle of Vila Viçosa in the background.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Vila Viçosa, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

The first stone of this church, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, was laid in 1606 making up part of the Convento dos Capuchos.  Many churches in the Alentejo region are whitewashed and have blue or ochre colored trim.

Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa

Vila Viçosa, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

The Paço Ducal de Vila Viçosa (Ducal Palace of Vila Viçosa), the former residence of the Dukes of Bragança and several kings, was started in the year 1501 and completed in the 18th century.  The main façade is completely covered with blue Estremoz marble and is inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture.  Today fifty rooms are open to the public housing art collections and rare books originally belonging to King Manuel II, Flemish and French tapestries, ceramic tiles, frescoes, furniture, porcelain and armor.

The miracle of the roses

Estremoz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Outside the castle of Estremoz is a statue of Queen Elizabeth (Isabel) of Portugal who dedicated her life to the poor.  She established orphanages, provided shelter for the homeless and founded a convent in Coimbra among many other things.  Her husband, King Denis (Dinis), disliked her giving to the poor and legend has it that when he asked her what she was carrying in her apron, not wanting him to know that the contents were meant for the poor, she answered she was carrying roses.  The bread she was carrying was transformed into roses when she revealed the contents.  Queen Elizabeth died in Estremoz on July 4, 1336.  In 1625 she was canonized as Saint Elizabeth of Portugal.

The walls of Estremoz

Estremoz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Estremoz is composed of two parts: upper and lower.  The "newer" and lower part of the city is surrounded by a wall built in the 17th century.  Fortified with a different set of walls, the older, upper part contains a castle built in the year 1258, later the residence of the then King Denis (Dinis) and Queen Saint Elizabeth (Isabel).  Today the castle area has been converted into a pousada, a series of luxury traditional or historical hotels found throughout Portugal.

Marble in Estremoz

Estremoz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Portugal is the second largest exporter of marble in the world, with Italy being the first.  Eighty-five percent of the marble of Portugal is produced in and around Estremoz.  In fact, there is so much marble around this town that it is used everywhere, even as the cobble stones covering the street in this picture!  Marble is also used to make whitewash, an inexpensive way to paint buildings.  Houses in the Alentejo region are typically white and it is common to see ochre or blue painted around the windows and doors.

Vineyards and Olive Groves

Estremoz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Vineyards and olive groves are spotted throughout the countryside of Alentejo, a region which covers more than a third of Portugal, but only accounts for about 7% of its population.  Important activities in this region include marble, cork, olive oil and mining as well as cheese, wine, ham and sausage production.

Monsaraz from a distance

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Set on top of a hill at almost 200 meters is the walled in city of Monsaraz.  Olive groves, vineyards and cork-oak trees cover much of the Alentejo countryside, home of the world's most important area for growing cork.  The name Alentejo originates from Além-Tejo, which means "Beyond the Tagus River", separating the region from the rest of Portugal to the north and the Algarve region to the south.

Christmas time in Monsaraz

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

 At Christmas time life size figures of a nativity scene can be found scattered throughout its streets.  In the background, behind a haze of fog, is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lagoa built in 1561 taking the place of a previous church from the 13th century.

Alqueva Reservoir

Alqueva Reservoir - Region of Alentejo

This picture, with views of olive trees scattered throughout the countryside and the Alqueva Reservoir, was taken from the Monsaraz castle.  With a surface area of 250 square kilometers (almost 97 square miles), this reservoir is the biggest in Europe.  It is 83 kilometers long (approximately 51 miles) and has a perimeter of 1,100 km (about 684 miles).  The main source of its water is the Guadiana River which begins in Spain.

Castle of Monsaraz

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

One of over fifty castles along the Spanish-Portuguese border, the castle of Monsaraz was added to this fortress city in the year 1310.  Curiously, it houses a bullring today.

Monsaraz

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Monsaraz, one of the oldest settlements in southern Portugal, belongs to the region of Alentejo.  It is a hilltop fortification which has been occupied since pre-historic times by many different groups of people: pre-Romans, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Mozarabs, Jewish and Christians.  It is located just a few kilometers short of the Spanish border and has 150 or so permanent residents living here today in 16th and 17th century whitewashed houses.

Monsaraz over a sea of clouds

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

  

Monsaraz at daybreak - picture taken from the terrace of Casa Dona Antónia

Normally the color green can be seen for miles, but this particular morning broke over a sea of clouds.

Monsaraz at daybreak

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Monsaraz at daybreak - picture taken from the terrace of Casa Dona Antónia