It was September 2017. For the first time, we were crossing the border of Spain to Portugal, driving our car with our dogs in the back. We were in for one of the best trips in our lives, and we had no idea.

As Brazilians, we had no clue. Traveling to Portugal was quite different than we imagined. We were expecting a bucolic, little country on the corner of Europe. Portugal then punched us in the face and showed us we were so wrong.

portugal, câmara de lobos, cabo girão skywalk, beach, cabo girão, clouds, coast, madeira, ocean, cloud - sky, sky, water, scenics - nature, beauty in nature, sea, tranquil scene, nature, tranquility, no people, day, architecture, city, aerial view, building exterior, horizon, outdoors, built structure, coastline, horizon over water, cityscape, 5K, CC0, public domain, royalty free
Portugal – home of some of the most stunning views in Europe

First impression: hey, the roads here are really good. I mean, REALLY GOOD. Honestly, I have no idea why Portugal has a speed limit. I feel as comfortable driving there as I do in the German Autobahns.

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Portugal Highways: surprisingly good!

Then, the landscape. After endless hours driving through Spain, Portugal feels like a fresh breeze! What a beautiful, lively view! The small cities nested in the mountains from eastern Guarda are just a charm. They slowly give place to a more beach-like panorama as you approach the coast.

Figueira da Foz Beach
Praia da Claridade – Figueira da Foz Beach View

Once we arrived at Figueira da Foz, we decided to grab something to eat. Another shock. The food was absolutely delicious. 

Francesinha - Typical food from Portugal
Francesinha – you have to try this!

I could still talk for hours about the weather, the beaches, the people, how happy our dogs were and everything that made us fall in love with Portugal, but let’s get to the point. Here they are…

9 things to know before traveling to Portugal!

9 things to know before traveling to Portugal

There’s just so much to say, it was quite hard to narrow it down to 9, I’ll admit. If you want to know more about traveling, don’t forget to check our column YES! Traveling with Dogs!.

For more touristic information in a poetic impression, check also Under the skies of Figueira.

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Have you been to Portugal? What did I miss on my list of things we should know before planning a trip to this beautiful, hidden gem of a country? Let me know in the comments below!

See you soon,
/R.
Sun with Style

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Portugalholidays4u

    Love the flow chart, and yes, the central Region has so much to offer.
    Remember when we first drove to Portugal from Spain, we missed the service station where you bought the toll tickets and had to drive back after 60 kilometres to try again, but the scenery was worth it, although I do think the customs must’ve wondered what on earth we were doing!

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