Lisbon and around

This incredible example of a Manueline doorway belongs to the Igreja da Conceição Velha in Lisbon. It's easy to miss as the building is sandwiched between two others in a fairly narrow street just off Praca Comercio.

The church dates back to around 1500 and was once the second largest in Lisbon. What you see today is very much a shadow of the former building as it was devastated by the great earthquake of 1755. 

Built in the 16th century as a merchants house the Casa dos Bicos is one of the most unique buildings in Lisbon. Translating to "House of the Beaks (spikes)" it is defined by the unusual pattern of raised pyramids on its facade. Beyond the spikes it is still quite an interesting building with its Manueline features and flourishes.

Praça dos Restauradores is the fine square which sits at the southern end of Avenida de Liberdade in Lisbon's Downtown district.

The monument is known as the Obelisk and is to celebrate Portugal's independence from Spain in 1640. To the right is the Foz Palace; built in the 18th century it was bought by the Marquis of Foz in the 1890s and the façade modified.

In the middle, behind the Obelisk is the old Eden Theatre, much renovated, and now a hotel.

This rather quirky design feature can be found at the Hotel Evolution in Saldanha. One would assume there is a more conventional support column inside the arm, but who knows!

I haven't been inside this hotel but I hear it is a little offbeat inside too and packed with gadgetry. 

The Elevador do Lavra, also known as the Ascensor do Lavra or Lavra Funicular.This is the oldest such funicular railway in Lisbon and dates back to 1884.

The carriage travels 188 metres up the slope with an average gradient of 23% between Largo da Anunciada to Rua Câmara Pestana.

This was originally yellow but has been somewhat graffitied. 

Beach 19 lies between the more traditionally named Praia da Bela Vista and Praia Fonte da Telha in Costa da Caparica. Just across the bridge from Lisbon this massive stretch of sandy coast is widely regarded as a beachgoer's paradise. 

Before we go on it is worth explaining the name of this beach. The beaches of Costa Caparica are served by a miniature train known as the "Transpraia" which runs from the town at the northern end, all the way to Fonte da Telha about 10 km to the south. There are a total of 21 stops along the way of which Praia 19 is the 19th.

The beaches of Costa da Caparica seem to be one long stretch of golden sand running from the river Tejo almost to the rugged promontory of Cabo Espichel. However, the miniature train (Transpraia) which drops visitors off at various points along this sandy coast only goes so far. 21 stops, and 8 km in fact which will drop you off at Praia da Fonte da Telha - the end of the line.

Set in the Serra da Arrábida National Park, just beyond the mouth of the Rio Sado estuary, is Praia da Figueirinha. This is one of the best known and most popular beaches in the Arrábida area and is one of the closest to the town of Setubal.

Figueirinha has a stunning backdrop of the Arrábida Hills along with a fine stretch of golden sand which forms a narrow sandbank extending out into the calm, clean waters of the Sado at low tide. You can walk out along this sandbar which also forms a safe, sheltered lagoon in front of the main beach.

Set in the Parque Natural Arrábida near Setúbal, the idyllic Praia de Galapinhos is one of the regions most stunning beaches. The crescent of golden-white sand, backed by the densely forested hills of the Serra da Arrabida, is lapped by crystal-clear azure waters. It is little wonder this beach was awarded 'most beautiful beach in Europe' by the European Best Destinations organization.

The Praia de Albarquel is the closest of the Arrábida beaches to the town of Setubal. A lovely stretch of golden sand with great views across the calm waters of the Sado estuary to the Troia Peninsula. This is a pretty spot with plenty of facilities including a seasonal lifeguard making it ideal for kids.