I arrived in Portugal through Lisbon, and from the very first moment I felt that the city carried something special. Lisbon is not flat, it rises. Its hills shape the rhythm of the journey, and from above, the views look almost painted. Between red rooftops and pale façades, castles and viewpoints appear, giving the city a majestic presence. Riding one of those old yellow trams, slowly climbing narrow streets while the sun begins to set, feels almost cinematic. The golden light covers the city and everything turns magical.

Lisbon faces the sea, but it is not a city for swimming. The Atlantic water is cold, even in summer, and although there are nearby beaches, it is not the kind of warm-water destination where you spend hours in the ocean. Here, the sea is something you observe, feel in the breeze, and hear in the distance. It is part of the landscape and the identity, more than part of a bathing ritual.

From there, I headed south, first to Sintra. I visited the palace, and it was truly spectacular. Colors, towers, and details that feel as if they belong in a fairytale. Surrounded by green nature and a soft mist that makes everything even more mysterious. Then I continued to Cascais, which has an elegant coastal energy, with dramatic cliffs dropping into the ocean. Nearby is the westernmost point of continental Europe, where the land seems to end and the Atlantic opens wide in front of you. It is a place of wind, rock, and endless horizon.

But speaking about Portugal without mentioning its gastronomy would be almost a sin. Portuguese cuisine leaves a lasting impression. Pastéis de nata, with their creamy center and crisp pastry, become almost a daily ritual. Cod prepared in countless ways, fresh sardines, simple yet deeply flavorful dishes that reflect the country’s character. Further north, in Porto, the scenery changes again. Colorful houses line the river, grand bridges stretch across the water, and boats move slowly along its surface. I took a boat tour, and from the river the city looks even more beautiful, as if every building had been placed with intention. Porto feels authentic, layered, and deeply charming.

For me, Portugal was light, history, and ocean. It is not a destination that overwhelms you with excess, but one that stays with you through its atmosphere. A blend of hills, Atlantic wind, architecture, and flavors that quietly linger long after you leave.