Portugal is a country that should be on everyone’s radar to visit. But don’t tell everyone. Everyone still doesn’t know about it….yet.
This country of 10.5 million people sits quietly and flies under the radar basking in warm sunshine on the extreme west of the European continent enjoying the balmy Mediterranean coastline. Its total land mass fits roomily into the North Island of New Zealand with plenty of space to spare around the edges.
Portugal’s hills are green and rolling and the skies are blue. The wine, olive oil and port flow freely and the outdoor restaurant terraces are wind free and relaxed to take in the views and eat your fill of fresh seafood. The highways are not congested and the people are so welcoming, very welcoming. Your euro also goes a long way here, a very long way when it comes to holidaying, eating out and accommodation.
The big upside, Portugal is well different from other European countries. It looks different and has a slightly different cultural vibe to it….which is refreshing. You know how you travel around and every place you visit starts to look samey samey…or, you end up easily comparing, saying, this country looks like/feels like that country.
Well, Portugal is the refreshingly new, different kid on the block when it comes to Mediterranean Europe. Ok, it might have borrowed some of its identity straight out of Africa and off its Islamic neighbors across the narrow strait. But hey, for Europe, this country and the small towns we have visited in between the big cities. Each are fiercely proud of their different identities and looks within a passionately, patriotic, united Portugal.
Rosie’s descriptions of Portugal and our quick shake down of the country over five days visiting just two centers and a couple of places on the way, may seem a little simplistic and ‘rose tinted’ but those impressions made me want to see more of this country and we are seriously considering going back to experience the rest of the country in between.
The fact that you leave a country unsatisfied and wanting to see more of it surely is a resounding successful holiday endorsement to everyone. But, like Rosie said, don’t tell everyone. When we come back, we don’t want everyone to already be there.
