Visiting Lisbon, Portugal

LISBON, PORTUGAL

           

            Lisboa, the capital of Portugal, is a 5-hour drive from Rota, and definitely worth visiting. It has a great variety of medieval charm, rich museums, beautiful architecture, and modern shopping, dining, and nightlife. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic escape to fairy-tale castles, or a fun trip with children. Yes, they speak Portuguese, which looks similar to Spanish but has a completely unique sound. However, English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, so we had no trouble getting around.

            The drive to Lisbon will take you through the rural part of Southern Portugal, where fields of olive trees, sheep, and cows dominate the landscape. The tolls on the route are very steep. You present your credit card at a kiosk when you cross the border, and then small fees are automatically charged every few miles. In 2014, a Category 1 (small car) paid about 20 Euros in tolls each way. But a minivan is Category 2 and pays twice as much. So remember to plan tolls, gas, and parking expenses into your vacation budget. Also, note that Lisbon’s time zone is 1 hour ahead of Madrid’s.

            Lisbon is built on seven hills, each with its own personality. Research to find lodging on the one that suits you. For example, one has loud nightlife, one has great shopping, and another has a medieval castle. Try to limit your walking tours, because it is a VERY hilly city, with steep staircases that climb several stories at a time just to reach the next block. Children will tire quickly, and it is NOT stroller friendly, so consider using a baby backpack instead.

ST. GEORGE’S CASTLE: Perched high on the Alfama hill, this castle is a well-preserved medieval masterpiece. Children can play on the ramparts for free, or you can pay the entrance fee to tour the castle and visit the small archaeological museum inside. Either way, the views are gorgeous and worth the climb!

CATHEDRAL: The city’s largest cathedral, called the Sé, is a Romanesque building with arching stone ceilings, stained glass rosette windows, and huge paintings.

YELLOW TROLLEY CARS: these iconic, old-fashioned cars are the public transportation on the streets of Lisbon (there is a metro underground). They are especially popular in the old part of town, around the cathedral, where you can board certain lines and pay a minimal fee for a scenic ride.

AQUARIUM: One of the best aquariums around, the Oceanarium in Lisbon is a huge cube structure with enormous tanks on each side, representing the different oceans and their ecosystems. It can be reached by metro, and is located at the edge of the city.

CHRIST STATUE: The enormous statue of Christ overlooks the city from across the river. It was built in 1959 in thanksgiving for surviving WWII, and is modeled after the statue in Rio de Janeiro. You can reach it by ferry, then take a bus ride to the statue and an elevator several hundred feet to the top. Incredible views!

BRIDGE: The enormous suspension bridge that crosses the Tagus River is called the 25 de Avril, after Lisbon’s revolution. Americans will be reminded of the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, which it is modeled after. Lisbon’s bridge currently has the longest central span in Europe.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE: Whether you visit an art museum, the beautiful Belem tower, or the Jeronimos monastery, there is plenty of colorful culture to experience.

SINTRA: a city just outside Lisbon which is considered “the essential day trip” from the city, because of its high concentration of gorgeous castles and mansions. It was the summer retreat area for Lisbon’s royalty. The most famous is the Pena Palace, with high turrets, beautiful domes, and bright pastel colors. You can drive 40 minutes from the city, or take a metro ride lasting about 30 minutes.

FATIMA: a Catholic pilgrimage site about 1 hour north of Lisbon. This is where the Blessed Mother appeared to three children six times in 1917, and demonstrated the miracle of the sun. A huge church is now built on the site of the apparitions, where Mass and Confessions are regularly available in multiple languages.

The above is an excerpt from the book, 'Welcome to Rota.' It was published in 2014 by Lizann Lightfoot.

Outdoor Adventures near Rota

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

            Southern Spain is sunny and beautiful for most of the year, so it is an ideal location for enjoying outdoor sports and activities. Here are some of the popular options for enjoying the outdoors around base.

BIKING: For recreational riding, check out the Costa Ballena park, or ride along the Puerto paseo (boardwalk) to the Valdegrana Parque natural. When biking in pedestrian areas, use the markers in the sidewalk to keep on the bike path. The roads around base are relatively flat, and commonly used for road bikes. There are some riding clubs and teams in the area. A publication of Mountain Bike trails is available through the Cádiz Office of Tourism website:

http://www.Cádizturismo.com/publicaciones/rutas-en-btt-por-la-provincia-de-Cádiz.

HORSEBACK RIDING: There are several stables and ranches in the area that offer horseback riding, whether it is lessons, birthday parties for children, or sunset rides on the beach for adults. Check out Las Marias Equestrian Center in Puerto (info on p. 144) or Los Caireeles in Rota.

HIKING: There are tons of beautiful nature trails and hiking opportunities not far from the base. There are several books written about hiking opportunities in this region. Look online or in the NEX bookstore. Driving 1 hour toward the mountains will bring you to Sierra de Grazelema Park, near Zahara de la Sierra. This natural park has a huge lake, and offers a variety of watersports, hiking trails, and even a ropes course. You can camp overnight, or just visit for a day. Detailed descriptions of routes and maps of hikes throughout the Sierra de Grazelema mountains are available in Spanish at:

https://sites.google.com/site/senderismotercertiempo/Home.

You can also download hiking guides for the region’s Natural Parks (in English) from the Cádiz Office of Tourism:

http://www.Cádizturismo.com/publicaciones/guia-de-ser.

You may also want to consider hiking the Caminito del Rey, formerly considered one of the most dangerous mountain paths ever built. It has been renovated and is newly opened for visits. Reserve a space online at:  www.caminitodelrey.info/en.

BIRD WATCHING: Spain is located on the migration route between Europe and Africa, so this is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some of the best opportunities are in Doñana Natural Park, across the river from Sanlúcar de Barremeda. However, the park is protected and can only be visited with a guide. You can arrange to have a guided tour on foot, by bike, or on one of their river cruises. For more information, see their website:

http://www.discoveringdonana.com/index.htm.

WIND SURFING OR KITE SURFING: This water sport is most popular in Tarifa, which is possibly the wind surfing capital of the world because it is located on the point where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and it is constantly windy there. It is an exciting sport to watch, or you can take lessons locally in Rota or Costa Ballena.

SKIING: The only place in Southern Spain that has natural snow in winter is the mountains, particularly the Sierra Nevada range around Granada. There is a ski resort with beginner slopes and lessons, and a place nearby to rent sleds for children (sleds are not allowed on the ski slopes, but can be used in other areas). Cheaper accommodations are available in the small towns around Granada, but make sure you have a vehicle that can handle snowy roads! MWR usually arranges a ski trip in January, so contact them for updated info on the best locations.

The above info is an excerpt from the book, 'Welcome to Rota,' published in 2014 by Lizann Lightfoot.

Local Field Trip Ideas for Children

KIDS’ FIELD TRIPS

ZOO IN JEREZ: The Jerez zoo is a good sized location, with a variety of exotic animals like lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys, elephants, and zebra, as well as plenty of birds and reptiles. It is not a world-famous zoo, but is the perfect size for young children, since they can see almost everything within a few hours, have lunch, go on a train ride, and still make it home for an afternoon nap. The website is: http://www.zoobotanicojerez.com/. In summer they are open daily from 10 am- 7 pm. From September to May, they are closed Mondays, and close early other days at 6 pm. Adult admission is about 9 Euros, child admission is 6 Euros, and children 2 and under are free. There is also a tourist train that takes you through the zoo and costs an additional 2 Euros per person. You can purchase annual passes for individuals or families that are a good discount if you plan to make multiple visits (family pass for parents and all children is 43 Euros). The zoo entrance is located on Calle Madreselva in Jerez, and has a large parking lot. GPS coordinates: 36°41'20.8"N 6°09'00.8"W. There is a gift shop, snack bars, and a restaurant on site, but packing a picnic lunch is recommended.

Note: if you are interested in a larger zoo, the Selwo Aventura near Estepona and Malaga is a Safari park. Their website is: http://www.selwo.es/en.

AQUALANDIA: A water park located just off base, this location is better for older children, because it has a variety of huge water slides, rapids, wave pool, and other water activities. There is a small area with water fountains and miniature slides for younger children. They are open from June-September from 11 am- 6 pm. Tickets are cheaper on their website (in English!):

http://www.aqualand.es/bahiadeCádiz/ but also available on site. Prices are around 20 Euros per adult, and 15 Euros per child, 8 Euros for toddlers, and babies free. There are also family packages and season discounts available. From the Puerto gate, take the A-4 towards Jerez to exit 646 (just a few minutes down the road), and you will see the water park on your left at the traffic circle. GPS coordinates: 36°37'57.7"N 6°11'48.6"W.

DIVERTILANDIA: Located in Rota, this is an indoor playground with a ball pit, slides, and climbing area. It is designed for young children age 8 and under, and is popular for winter birthday parties or rainy day play dates. They offer food and beverages in their birthday party packages. They are closed Mondays, and open from 4:30- 9:00 pm other days. They are located at the edge of Rota in the industrial area, on Calle Madrigal de las Altas Torres.

EL BUCARITO: This farm is located just behind the base, off the A-491. They raise goats and pigs, and make their own line of cheese, jamón, jams, and honey to sell in the local area. Tours can be arranged for groups over 10 people at a rate of 14.50 Euros per person. (Additional charge for an English translator). It lasts from 9 am-2 pm, and includes a breakfast of toasts and toppings, a tour of the farm, and a tasting of all products. Kids will get to make their own cheese to take home, and get up close and personal with the hawks and birds of prey. Their website is http://www.elbucarito.es/.

BEE FARM IN JEREZ: El Museo de la Miel (Honey Museum), located on the farming estate Miel Rancho Cortesano is an interesting field trip for school-age children. The CDC and SAC programs on base usually offer a trip here during the year. Children can don beekeeper uniforms, get up close with the bees, and learn all about the process of making honey. They can also do crafts like make a beeswax candle or bring their own jar of honey home. Tour activity, length, and cost depend on group size, ages, and interests. The farm is located just outside Jerez, on Carretera de Jerez-Cortes. GPS coordinates: 36°39'35.3"N 6°00'48.7"W. Their website is

http://www.ranchocortesano.net/index.php.

AQUARIUM IN SEVILLA: A new site opened in Fall 2014, the Acuario de Sevilla has one of the largest tanks in Spain or Portugal. Prices are 15 Euros per adult, 10 Euros per child (children under 4 free).  Discounts available for families or groups. Website is http://www.acuariosevilla.es/.  Address is Avda. Santiago Montoto, Sevilla.

CROCODILE FARM: An unusual opportunity for anyone who loves reptiles is the Granja de Crocodrilos Kariba in El Portal, on the way to Jerez. You can watch the animals being fed, and even see nests of babies. They are usually open to the public in the evenings, during feeding time. Address is CA-3113 11510 Puerto Real. GPS Coordinates: 36°33'10.3"N 6°08'04.9"W. (It is currently closed for renovations, but plans to reopen the summer of 2015). See their website for updated info: http://www.cocodrilosjerez.com/html.

LAS MARIAS HORSE FARM: This equestrian center in Puerto offers riding lessons, field trips, and birthday parties for children. They offer rides on the beach, private or group instruction, and a range of games and activities to allow children to ride on horses, carriages, and play games during a party. Prices for lessons or parties are usually 10 Euros per child. Website is www.centrolasmarias.com.

PRINCELANDIA: For girls of any age, this is a great location for a party or an afternoon of pampering. The staff will style hair, do face painting, and give manicures and pedicures to party participants. Then girls can choose from a huge section of dress-ups and accessories, and perform a modelling session on the catwalk. The store is located on the 2^nd level of the Centro Commercial Bahia Mar in Puerto. Website is www.princelandia.com.

LA CIUDAD DE LOS NIÑOS Y LAS NIÑAS: This giant park in Jerez is a huge outdoor play area for older and younger children. Access to the general park area is free, but for 3 Euros, kids can enjoy some of the special attractions: a giant trampoline, a zip line, and a huge climbing area. They also offer birthday party packages, since you cannot bring in outside food and drink. It is open from 4-8 pm Monday- Friday, and 11 am-8 pm on weekends and holidays. Website is http://www.venalaciudad.com/. The park is located in Jerez on Avenida de Arcos de la Frontera. GPS coordinates: 36°41'32.9"N 6°06'18.4"W.

LASER TAG AND GO KARTING: Both these activities are available at two different areas of the Luz shopping center in Jerez. The Karting Racing is an indoor go kart track that offers high speeds at moderate-high prices. They are open daily from 11 am- midnight, and offer package deals for groups or birthday parties. Website is http://racingdakartjerez.es/. Laser Space is a large indoor laser tag court, located in the same shopping center. They have multiple activities to choose from, for children ages 6 and up, including several laser courts, Nerf battle options, and indoor climbing walls. They accommodate groups for birthdays or other events. Prices depend on activities selected, and promotions are available on their website: http://www.laserspace.es/jerez/.

GPS coordinates: 36°41'39.0"N 6°09'33.0"W.

ISLA MAGICA: Located in Sevilla, this is the closest amusement park. It has roller coasters, rides, shows, and water areas all with different themes, such as pirates, Aztec city of gold, Medieval adventure, jungle, etc. There is also a new water park with huge slides and wave areas. Full-day child tickets are about 20 Euros, and adult tickets are 30 Euros, with half-day, package deals, and group discounts available. Hours vary depending on the month, but they are primarily open from May through September, from about 11 am- 11 pm. Their website is http://www.islamagica.es/. Address is Pabellón de España - Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Sevilla.

DOLPHIN AND WHALE WATCHING IN TARIFA: There are several different breeds of dolphins and whales that live in and migrate through the Strait of Gibraltar. You can see these animals by going on a tour boat from the seaside town of Tarifa. There are several different companies who offer the trips throughout the spring and summer months. Prices and boat sizes vary, from yachts to rigid inflatables. In 2014, a 2-hour boat ride to see whales and dolphins was 30 Euros per adult, 10-20 Euros for children. A 3-hour boat ride to see killer whales is only available in July and August, and slightly more per person. One website, available in English, is:

http://www.whalewatchtarifa.net/eng/index.html.  

The above info is an excerpt from the book, 'Welcome to Rota,' published by Lizann Lightfoot in 2014. Copying and resale is prohibited.