The Arrival
Just landed in Portugal and wow—the view from the plane was insane! The coastline looked like something out of a postcard, with super blue skies and golden beaches.
First stop: Ericeira to see my friends. It’s this adorable little town way quieter than Lisbon, with cute cobblestone streets, tiny shops, and restaurants serving the freshest seafood ever. Honestly, it’s so chill here—perfect for just relaxing, hanging out, and soaking up those summer vibes!
Ericeria-Chill Vibes & Sea Breezes
Seafood here is next-level—so fresh, it’s like the ocean’s right on your plate. I love how chill everything is: you can just sit outside, sip some sparkling water, and feel the breeze while you eat. Everyone’s super friendly, too! I even learned to say “abrigado” as thank you (so proud). The people here are so polite and always happy to share a bit of their culture.
On the Road to Benagil- Exploring Epic Caves
One of the highlights of our journey is a visit to the city’s historic district. Here, we delve deep into the city’s past, exploring ancient ruins, centuries-old monuments, and fascinating museums. We’re not just observers, but active participants in the story of this place, each step bringing a new discovery, a new connection to the people who once walked these streets.
The boat ride to Benagil Cave was kinda choppy—so glad I had my scopolamine patch on! But honestly, it was totally worth it. Seeing the cave in real life was amazing, and we even searched for other crazy rock formations along the coast. There’s this awesome hiking trail that links them all together, so you can explore more once you’re back on land. Such a cool adventure!
Tasting Traditions: Pastel de Nata & Legendary Chicken Feasts
Trying pastel de nata all over Portugal has become my favorite snack break—there’s literally a new version in every town! It’s the best with a coffee, just like the locals do. A family friend who recently visited Portugal recommended we check out Sr Frango Restaurante for their famous chicken, so that’s we did- so juicy and worth it! On side note, sardines are definitely a staple here—they’re everywhere, from markets to home kitchenware, and totally part of Portuguese food culture.
Sintra Magic: Exploring Quinta da Regaleira & Portugal’s Fairytale Pena Palace
Quinta da Regaleira, which was built in early 1900s, was such a cool find—way less crowded than I expected and honestly felt like stepping into Harry Potter’s world. Quinta da Regaleira was the perfect break from the heat—so much shade, and wandering the gardens was very relaxing. It’s also much closer to the train station, unlike Pena Palace, which was quite the hike up the mountain.
The hike up to Pena Palace was definitely a workout, but so worth it! The castle looks like something straight out of Disneyland—bright colors, romantic towers, and quirky architecture perched right on top of the mountain. The views from up there are absolutely breathtaking, making every step totally worth it. It’s one of those places that feels magical the moment you see it!
Porto Through My Mom’s Eyes: A San Francisco Connection
Porto felt extra special because my mom was born in San Francisco and kept saying how much the city reminded her of her childhood—the gentle hills, the cable cars…. It brought back so many memories for her. We both loved exploring the city, trying all the delicious food, snacks, and super fresh fruit. Porto really has a vibe that feels both new and familiar at the same time.
Porto’s waterfront was so pretty—colorful buildings, cool bridges, and the whole place smells like sweet port wine. We visited Livraria Lello, the famous bookstore that is said to have inspired the Harry Potter series. It really felt magical inside! Palácio da Bolsa was incredible, especially the super ornate Arab Room—so much gold and detail everywhere, it looked like a palace from a movie. I finished the visit with (of course) another pastel de nata, the perfect sweet treat after all that glam!
Lisbon’s San Francisco Vibes and a Michelin-Starred Surprise at Sala
Lisbon kept reminding my mom and I of San Francisco at every turn—gentle hills, vintage cable cars clattering up the streets, and the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge that looks just like the Golden Gate. But the real highlight was scoring a reservation at Sala, which got its first Michelin star right after we booked! Every course was a work of art, beautifully plated and bursting with local flavors. The chef’s creativity really shone through, telling a story with each dish and using the freshest ingredients from around Portugal. I couldn’t stop taking pictures—every plate was almost too pretty to eat!
Reflections
Reflecting on my time in Portugal, I can honestly say this country is even more beautiful than I expected—laid back, affordable, and full of amazing food at every turn. From the San Francisco vibes of Lisbon, with its cable cars and iconic bridge, to magical castles in Sintra and creative Michelin-starred dining at Sala, every experience felt unique and special. The people are warm, the scenery is stunning, and there’s always something delicious to try, whether it’s a fresh pastel de nata or local seafood. I’d definitely come back again—Portugal is a place that makes you want to stay longer and explore even more.
