Portugal By Rail & Local Lisbon Travel Tips

Scott is joined by travel writer Joana Taborda to talk about the fun of exploring her home country of Portugal by rail and to discuss some of her favorite Portuguese travel destinations. Then, Joana shares some tips for making the most of your time in Lisbon, including advice on craft breweries, scenic overlooks and the best month to visit. 

A few of the places and topics that came up on the show:

City Odes – Joana’s website

Saxon Switzerland region of Germany – scenic area you pass through between when traveling by rail between Prague and Berlin

Régua – town in Douro Valley where Joana stayed (good base accessible by rail)

Douro Valley

Douro Valley Historical Train

Porto São Bento – railway station in Porto with brilliant tiles

Alentejo – Portugal’s biggest region, great beaches, stargazing and castles

Evora – capital city of Alentejo

Aveiro – “Venice”-style town in Portugal

Bolas de Berlim – cream-filled “donut” served on the beach

Ovos moles de Aveiro – seashell-shaped treats in Aveiro

MUSA – Craft brewery that hosts live music

Oitava Colina – craft brewery that started in Graça

Miradouro da Graça – Joana’s favorite scenic viewpoint over Lisbon

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – another great scenic viewpoint

Miradouro de Santa Catarina – third awesome overlook in Lisbon

Companhia Portugueza do Chá – Joana’s favorite tea shop on artistic shopping street

Ginjinha – traditional cherry liqueur served in small bars all over Lisbon (sip, don’t tip!)

N2 – The ‘Route 66’ of Portugal

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