My favorite European country is…Portugal?
Spain and Portugal – one of my best trips in Europe. While being a tourist to these countries can limit what you see and understand, there is still much to be gained from traveling. As I journeyed through Spain and Portugal, I kept a journal of my trip – my own Europe travel guide for these two countries. And while Spain is the more popular destination with cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, and Sevilla, I really enjoyed Portugal.
In Portugal, I visited a beach town and fishing village – Salema. I wandered upon a nude beach. I went hiking along cliffs. I enjoyed the warm, blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. However, this isn’t why I fell in love with Portugal.
Salema - a beautiful beach but not why I love Portugal
Lisbon is one of my top 2 or 3 cities in all of Europe for the people, culture, geography, and history. It is such a livable city and one I would consider making my home if I ever left the US. It’s definitely one I want to see again.
It’s a big city with many areas that feel like a small town. The Baixa, Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado – all give Lisbon a distinct culture and charm. Parts of the city are quiet and peaceful at night while others are youthful, vibrant, and one of the great nightlife spots in Europe. Many Portuguese know English and there is such a wonderful diversity of people with many immigrants from Brazil and some African nations. For those who like a moderate climate, the weather isn’t bad either.
I am sure there is so much more to explore in Lisbon than what I saw. There is so much more to Portugal as well with cities like Porto and Fatima. However, Lisbon really felt like home to me and I felt so comfortable there. If you’ve never been, check out Lisbon and Portugal. You might run into me there.
Check out my city guide to Lisbon and my beach adventure in Salema:
Exploring Spain and Portugal Part XI – From Lisbon to California – http://su.pr/2mfDJm
Exploring Spain and Portugal Part X – From Salema to Lisbon – http://su.pr/3BcJin
Exploring Spain and Portugal Part IX – From Sevilla to Salema- http://su.pr/4wSFvr
A Lisbon travel guide – sights to see http://su.pr/2f3FI9
Praça do Comércio and the Baixa
The Tagus (or Tejo) river with the April 25th Bridge
A view of Lisbon
At first glance, I thought that was a photo of the Golden Gate Bridge…haha. Never been to Portugal, but it looks lovely
Yes it is Ashley. And you would be interested to know that the 25th of April bridge was modeled after the Golden Gate Bridge. And the company that built the Golden Gate Bridge built this bridge as well. So you are not wrong to think that!