May 1st, 2025, a public holiday in Portugal and many other European countries, wasn’t just another Labor Day for us – it turned into a memorable spring experience full of ups and downs, quite literally. We used it as an opportunity to take a break from our everyday routine and enjoy a little adventure across the Tagus River.
Our destination: Almada, the charming city across from Lisbon, famous for its stunning views of the capital, cozy parks, and close proximity to the iconic Cristo Rei statue. But this time, the road to fun came with some unexpected twists...
Ferry Ride from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas ⛴️
As usual, we kicked off our little excursion at Cais do Sodré, the bustling transport hub along the Tagus waterfront. Armed with several bags full of picnic goodies – fresh baguette, Portuguese Queijo de Azeitão cheese, a chilled bottle of Vinho Verde, and homemade potato salad – we boarded the ferry.
The short ride to Cacilhas takes only a few minutes, but it’s always a highlight. The wind in our hair, the sun sparkling on the water, and the 25 de Abril Bridge looming in the distance while Lisbon slowly shrank behind us made for a beautiful scene. 🌊☀️
Our Usual Route Was Blocked – Steep Detours Through Almada
Normally, we enjoy a leisurely walk from the ferry terminal to the small park near the panoramic elevator, located close to Almada's historic center. But this time, fate had other plans: construction work! Our usual path was completely blocked off.
We had no choice but to take an alternative route. And that route had a lot of steep, narrow streets winding uphill through Almada’s old town. With the sun climbing higher and our picnic bags feeling heavier with every step, it felt more like a hike than a casual stroll. 🌋🙃
The charming cobblestone streets, tiled facades, and the occasional meow of a cat made the detour picturesque, but we definitely worked up a sweat. We kept each other going with thoughts of the food waiting for us and the incredible view we were about to enjoy.
The Panoramic Elevator: Out of Service
When we finally reached the top, we were hit with the next disappointment: The panoramic elevator was out of service. Instead of a quick and easy ride down to the park with the river view, we had to rely on good old-fashioned legwork to descend the countless stairs.
Every step seemed to mock us: "Hey, getting enough exercise today?" And yes, we definitely were. We remembered how effortless this part of the trip used to be when the lift worked. This time, it was all about muscle power and determination. 🦶♂️🦶♀️
A Well-Earned Picnic with a View ☕️✨
Once we reached the bottom, it was all worth it. The little park was almost empty, which surprised us given the holiday. Maybe the blocked paths had discouraged other visitors. Either way, we weren’t complaining.
We laid out our picnic blanket, found some shade under an old olive tree, and finally relaxed. The view of the river, the bridge, and the glittering water reminded us why we love these kinds of outings so much. We ate, we laughed, we toasted – not just to the day, but to something even more exciting: Only 152 days left until our big departure to the Philippines! 🇵🇭🌏
It felt like the perfect moment to celebrate not only the holiday but also the new chapter ahead. With every bite and every sip of wine, our excitement for the future grew.
The Grueling Climb Back & a Ride Over the 25 de Abril Bridge
Of course, what goes down must come back up. The return from the park to the upper street level was just as demanding as the descent. This time, our legs were really feeling it. The old staircases weaving between historic homes and narrow alleys felt endless.
We were tired but happy. Once we finally made it back to the top, we didn’t feel like taking the ferry again. Instead, we ordered an Uber and enjoyed a comfortable ride across the 25 de Abril Bridge back home. It was the perfect way to wrap up an eventful holiday. 🚗🌟
Conclusion: Picnic, Panoramas, and Philippine Dreams ✨
What started as a simple holiday getaway turned into a day full of surprises: blocked paths, broken elevators, sweaty uphill battles – but also peace, joy, and a little taste of freedom.
If you live in Lisbon or are just visiting, a trip to Almada is a must. A picnic with a view of the Tagus River, a stroll through historic streets, and maybe a glass of Portuguese wine in the open air can turn any day into a memorable one. And even when things don’t go as planned: the experience is still worth it.
Stay tuned – the countdown is on. Just 152 days until we set off on our big adventure to paradise. 🇵🇭
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Hi bodo wie gehts gruss aus der schweiz
Marco klamt