Bom dia my tropical sunlights 🌴
For this new opus I take you through Portugal, probably one of my favorite countries in Europe!
Tropically Yours.
1) Surf roadtripping the portuguese coast
Portugal is the Mecca of European surfing. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the fury of the waves has carved the Portuguese coastline into beautiful beaches. The topography of the Portuguese seabed creates swells and currents that create some of the biggest and most beautiful waves in the world. Whether you're a surfing fan or not, a road trip along the Portuguese coast is probably the best way to visit much of the country.
Starting point in Nazaré and its huge wave, capital of the big wave surfing, and then roadtripping to the south all along the coast. Do not miss Peniche and the Berienga islands, Ericeira, the beaches of Pinheirino, Amalia, Arrifana or Amdao. Finish in beauty by Cape St. Vincent and Sagres. You can continue all along the Algarve but I will come back for a better way to discover the splendid southern region.
2) Cross Madeira by foot
Madeira, the Hawaii of Europe and the cradle of Cristiano. The island of eternal spring is a solitary jewel in the middle of the ocean. Like any volcanic island of this kind, the lava explosions of the volcanoes that gave birth to the island have let their art speak for itself, offering us a work bursting with color and form. Madeira is an open‑air museum decorated with its sharp peaks, waterfalls and tropical vegetation. And like any good museum, it should be visited on foot! When I’ll go to Madeira, I will cross the whole island from west to east on foot and I advise you to do the same to experience and feel the energy of the island as best as possible. Objective: to join the point of Saint Laurent starting from Porto Moniz. And here we go for a little less than a week of adventure and spectacle. The hike will also pass by the summits of the island. The Pico Ruvio and the Pico do Ariero will be the highlight of the trip. Be careful for those who are afraid of heights, because Madeira and the difference in altitude are no joke!
3) Sail across the Azores islands
Direction now to the second Portuguese archipelago, the Azores. Contrary to Madeira which is mainly composed of one big main island, the Azores are made of 9 islands spread over more than 600km. Each island has its gems to offer and none of them should be left out. That's why for me the best way to experience these islands is to get on board a sailboat and sail from island to island. Stop on Sao Miguel to admire its lakes and calderas and experience the thrill of canyoning. Stop on Pico to climb its impressive volcano, the highest point in Portugal. Admire the waterfalls of Flores and smell the fragrance of hydrangeas. Exploring the Azores by sail is also a must as the islands are known to be one of the best places in the world to watch dolphins and whales. Don't hesitate to jump off the boat with a mask and flippers to get a closer look at these beautiful creatures. The Azores will probably be your most beautiful surprise of the Old Continent.
4) Kayak along the Algarve
I told you that we would talk about this little one. The Algarve, wow it's beautiful there. It is here that you will find the most beautiful beaches of Portugal. The orange, ochre rock has been peeled away like a shrimp or a scampi to make room for thousands of small coves and caves hidden along the coast and its cliffs. Many of them are inaccessible by foot because of the relief of the area. Take your bivouac, put it in a kayak and paddle along the Algarve in search of the most beautiful beaches, coves and caves. The most beautiful area is from Lagos to Albufeira. It is also the calmest area with respect to the waves because this area is protected by the geography of this part of the coast more recessed. It shouldn't be too much of a hassle with your boat. About fifty kilometers of pleasure and a unique way to visit one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
5) Harvesting in the Douro Valley
Portugal it is also the Porto, the wine. The epicenter of the Lusitanian wine know‑how is the Douro Valley. Around September the great grape harvest takes place on the steep slopes of the river valley. Picking grapes is a unique experience, but with a view like this it's even better. Join the locals for a moment to pick the juicy grapes from the local vineyards, crush the fruit with your feet and participate in the production of one of the most appreciated beverages.
6) Enjoy Lisbon and its region
Lisbon is simple. It is by far one of my favorite cities in Europe. It's lively, the weather is nice, the atmosphere is so cool, you have the beach right next door. You never get bored. For me, when you are in Lisbon you feel like you are about to go on an expedition around the world. You feel like you are at the gate to another world. A mixture between pleasure and excitement. Here I'm not going to tell you to go and see this tower or this bridge or this beautiful building, I'm just going to tell you to go and let yourself live, let yourself be inspired by the city for your next adventure.
The area just outside of Lisbon also has a lot to offer. The beautiful beaches, Cascais, Sintra, its Pena Palace and its Moorish castle. In short, go for it!
7) Explore Peneda‑Gerês National Park
The Park of Peneda‑Gerês, in the north of Portugal at the Spanish border, is a little‑known Portugal, a surprising Portugal, a mountainous Portugal where fauna, flora and waterfalls live together in harmony. It is a forgotten Portugal but it will have everything to surprise you. It is the perfect place for sports and nature activities lovers. Kayaking, cannyonning, trekking, cycling, climbing. There is everything you could want there. The park is also home to many small traditional villages as well as menhirs and dolmens. To add immediately on your itinerary. If by chance you decide to go to Portugal in winter, I would recommend the Serra Estrella for the fans of skiing, and yes you can ski in Portugal.
Alexandre Hubin