Lisbon and around

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.

If you’re looking to escape from Sintra's well-trodden tourist hotspots, and find a quiet, contemplative spot, this former monastery is just the spot. Almost hidden in a shroud of greenery, it gives a glimpse of the simple lifestyle of 16^th century Franciscan monks and an opportunity to get away from it all. 

Praia do Meco is a fairly remote beach located within the Serra da Arrabida national park near Sesimbra. It occupies a 4km stretch of coast to the south of the beaches of Costa da Caparica, around 40km south of Lisbon.

This long, sandy beach was largely undiscovered until the early 1970s. There was no vehicular access and nothing in the way of development. Around this time travelling 'hippies' from around Europe and the U.S. set up camp at the beach.

Despite being right next to the main Lisbon - Cascais road, the "Marginal", Praia das Avencas is somewhat tucked away under the steep cliffs which overlook this beach. For this reason, unless you are actually looking for the beach you are unlikely to notice it.