Bon Dia from Portugal! I’m telling you right now this is a gem of a place to visit. I think as Americans the usuals come to mind when wanting to visit Europe…France, Italy, Spain. Those destinations are obviously worthy, but if you want to go “off the beaten path”…Portugal is an excellent option. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of tourists here, but mostly all European or Eastern European.
The Algarve Coast is the southernmost part of Portugal, which is comprised of many small cities and fishing villages all along the coast. There are a lot of sea caves and rock formations that make the coastline very interesting. I really like it because it feels casual and cozy, a great place for families. The French Riviera for instance is so chic and party oriented, which is also fantastic, it’s a different ambience for sure.
We are in the charming town of Tavira only 30km from the Spanish border. Our amazing little enclave we call home this week is the Pousada Convento de Graca. It is a 500 year old convent completely remodeled to be a gorgeous little hotel that boast 39 rooms, a restaurant and pool. Just the perfect spot if you ask me to rest and relax and explore the coast of the Algarve.
The weather here most of the year is H.O.T., but the sea breeze makes it very enjoyable and comfortable. The beaches here are full on communities of restaurants, bars and activities for children. So you can’t get bored going to the beach all day. It is so much fun to explore. The sea is cold, but refreshing, there are plenty of sea shells everywhere to collect and examine. In true Euro style there is a steady stream of techno beats (now called Electronica btw) provided by the clubs on the beach and many young lovers bodies entangled in the heat.
The fresh seafood here is a great specialty; simple grilled fish on the beach has never tasted so good. The constant sun provides this region with fantastic oranges, tomatoes and melons and there is a stand in the middle of town where people come buy big jugs of fresh squeezed o.j.
Like a lot of small European towns there is a town square or “plaza” where people gather to have their coffee at one of the many bars that surround the square. At night it’s a place to sit and have a drink, or dessert, and on some evenings they have concerts there. The plaza is near a 16th century walking bridge, built by the Romans, that crosses the river. This is also a place where people gather at night.
All in all, I find Portugal a fantastic place to discover…moreover a place to be undiscovered.
Ciao, ciao!
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