Kuier met Marnella | Portugal Edition
Our trip to Portugal was nothing short of magical — a tapestry of laughter, sunshine, food, art, and soulful moments woven together against the backdrop of some of the most beautiful places on earth. From Lisbon’s panoramic views to Setúbal’s seaside charm, every day offered something new to marvel at (and eat, of course).
We began our journey with a very early flight to Lisbon. Thank heavens for Liezel, our in-flight snack fairy, who kept us awake and well-fed when coffee alone wasn’t cutting it. As we landed, Portugal greeted us with a warm dose of vitamin D, and we instantly decided that the sun shines brighter when you’re on holiday.
Our first stop was the Torre Vasco da Gama, offering beautiful views of the Tagus River. Between the coffee, the scenery, and our collective excitement, we were buzzing — and not just from caffeine. From there, a scenic drive through the lush Arrábida Natural Park took us to Portinho da Arrábida, where we had lunch at O Galeão · São Lourenço. The view was absolutely breathtaking, and the food — oh my word — the calamari and grilled fish were so good we joked about cancelling our return flights.
In the afternoon, creativity took over at São Simão Arte, where we painted our own Portuguese tiles. Each brushstroke became a little keepsake of the day’s inspiration. As the sun began to set, Setúbal welcomed us with its coastal glow. Sundowners at Rockalot Praia sealed the day in golden hues, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and plenty of “please take a photo of this” moments.
Saturday morning in Portugal smelled like coffee and sea breeze — a combination that could turn anyone into a morning person. After breakfast at Hotel Rio Arte, we wandered through Mercado do Livramento, one of Portugal’s most vibrant local markets. The colours, the chatter, and the fresh produce were pure joy. For any foodie, this was heaven.
Next, we made our way to Palmela Castle, perched high above the countryside. Its old stone walls whispered stories from centuries past while we huffed and puffed our way up the hill. What goes down must come back up, and it wasn’t exactly graceful — but the view made it all worth it. Chloe had organized the most delicious prego rolls for lunch in the castle gardens, and with Patricia, our wonderful guide, we learned, laughed, and admired every corner of that ancient place.
Later that day, we headed to Quinta da Vida, where Chloe once again welcomed us — this time with local wines and a hands-on cooking class. The aromas of olive oil, garlic, and bacalhau filled the air as we cooked, laughed, and perhaps sipped a bit more wine than intended. It was one of those evenings you wish could last forever.
Sunday came with another early start, but watching the sunrise on our way to Lisbon made every yawn worthwhile. Our first stop was the iconic A Brasileira Café in the Baixa-Chiado district, where we met Marga, our guide and photographer extraordinaire. She led us through Lisbon’s charming maze of cobblestone streets, tiled facades, and sunlit squares. We posed, giggled, and quickly learned that Lisbon’s morning light makes everyone look like they’ve had eight hours of sleep — even when they haven’t or was it Marga’s talent?
The rest of the day was ours to explore. Between the pastéis de nata from Manteigaria and our all-day coffee breaks, we managed to eat, laugh, and shop our way through the city like seasoned pros.
Our last morning was slow and sweet — breakfast, a final stroll through Setúbal, and a lovely coffee with Chloe before heading to the airport. None of us wanted to leave, but as we drove back to Lisbon, we were already planning the next kuier.
As we boarded our flights home, our hearts were full — of memories, of friendships deepened, and of the quiet joy that travel brings. Portugal gave us more than we could have hoped for: inspiration, connection, and stories we’ll tell again and again.
From tile painting to castle picnics, market mornings to golden sunsets, every moment reminded us why we travel — to kuier, to share, to laugh, and to live.
Here’s to more journeys like this, with beautiful people in beautiful places. Obrigada, Portugal — until next time.
Marnella