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 | Time to travel - Portugal |
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As Spain’s direct neighbour I had never really considered Portugal as a comparably attractive country for holidaying or even living. Italy and Spain are both well known for their cuisine and impassionate style of living and I knew the closeness makes Portugal probably similar to the latter ones. But only when I visited I noticed that it is different and it is extraordinary.
Already regarding nature, Portugal has a lot to offer, from jagged mountains and terraced vineyards in the North to untouched beaches and soft hills in the South. On the way from one end to the other you find very old towns, charming houses marked by decay, impressive palaces and high quality products sold by farmers and private people. And above all, Portuguese people are one of the most hospitable people – uncomplicated and relaxed. Despite their South European nature they are not loud and hectic but very comfortable to be with.
No matter where you start your journey in Portugal, you will always have a nice time. Lisbon, the capital, has a very romantic flair thanks to the many old buildings that are lining the streets. The hilly street courses remind of San Francisco and even the traditional yellow trams support this atmosphere. Besides, there are cafes and small restaurants nearly everywhere but the best ones are hidden in the numerous side streets. Of course most of the restaurants serve fish or sea food. And this doesn’t not only apply to Lisbon but to all of Portugal. For a vegetarian it is therefore difficult to get along. But apart from fish, Portugal has nice cheeses and excellent wine.
So far I have only experienced the southern part from Faro to Lisbon but I have to admit that the nature and friendliness of this part of the country made Portugal for me to one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The cliffs at the southern tip of the country, which is created by the Cabo de São Vicente close to Sagres and the neighbouring Ponta de Sagres, are without doubt one of the most famous locations in Portugal. So far everybody I have spoke to has been there or at least heart of it. The area is characterised by a 70 m high steep cliff with treeless and paltry vegetation. The light tower is supposed to be one of the oldest light towers with a history going back to 1520, although by then it was just a small light house in a special tower of the São Francisco’s convent that the Algarve’s bishop, D. Fernando Coutinho had founded in Cape São Vicente. Nowadays the place is packed with tourists who come every day to enjoy the view and maybe have a bite from the last fried sausage before America.
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From Cabo de São Vicente it is only a short hop to Lagos, Albufeira and Faro. Albufeira is without doubt the touristiest place of the named three but nevertheless not less beautiful in nature. Lagos, however, is a dreamy little town with an old port and lovely restaurants and more comfortable if you are looking for some quiet retreat. A bit further you have Faro, which is a busy town thanks to the close-by airport and the golf courts that attract many people and can already be seen while landing. What is also nice to see from above is that Faro does not have an immediate contact to the sea but is bordered by canals that lead through marshland. Kilometres long beautiful sandy beaches stretch outside the city and are reachable via cap or bus, although we haven’t seen any bus going there; hence it is not easy getting back to the city if you are not having your own car.
However, in general, it is not necessary to come with you own car or rent one, since the public transportation network is well developed and quite affordable. But for the case of flexibility it is just nicer to have you car and travel throughout the whole country. So you are also able to see the mountain ranges “Serra de Monchique”, “Serra do Caldeirão” or “Serra de Espinhaço de Cão” which are beautiful spots – quiet and absolutely stunning. Besides, Portugal has many National Parks which can also be easily reached by car.
After my first visit, I can defiantly say: I am coming back, Portugal!
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