Sometimes I feel really small on the road. Not in terms of my height, because I’m overweight on average for a woman, but more so emotionally. Do you know this feeling? When you suddenly realize how big the beautiful wide world is. And how wide and mighty the ocean is. At least, I get this feeling every now and then as I sit on the beach listening to the light noise, my gaze widening, and just surrender to my thoughts. I already had one or the other valuable idea there, I looked forward to insights and allowed inspirations. You definitely feel somehow uncanny and small compared to the big sea. Everything that was so heavy on your shoulders suddenly doesn’t seem that big anymore. And you will be amazed. Marvel at the power and incredible beauty of nature.
That’s what happened to me once again on the wild shores of Portugal. On these natural beaches with their rugged cliffs and meters high waves. It may not be for everyone, but – as I’ve learned – it’s for my taste. It was kind of England for me, but right in the south. I have said this to many whom I have praised loudly. It’s about the summer in Portugal, where there is always a light wind blowing along the coast and goosebumps in normal summers, but feel very pleasant during the current heat wave.
west before south
When I wake up, I see Portugal’s west coast in front of me. The much-lauded Algarve in the south is beautiful – no doubt about it – but also very crowded. The west, with places like Sines or Vila Nova de Milfontes, is more deserted, more original and more authentic. Somehow calmer and more relaxed. Unless you’re going upstairs with your camper and spending the night directly on the cliffs, you can either stay in a small hostel in town or look for an agritourism farm further inland.
Small fishing villages, where surfers make pilgrimages from all over, are part of the landscape here. Not much in between: dusty roads lined with eucalyptus bushes and cork oaks. In between – as it would be said here in Switzerland – you are driving off-road. All roads somehow lead to the beach, you just have to dare to choose the path. Garage roads aren’t always tarred, and getting there is an adventure.
You have to make it to these beaches, which Google says are difficult to access, which requires walking over rocks and sneaking through bushes. It’s not that bad after all. It’s a little more tiring than a day you normally spend at the beach. Because enjoying Mother Nature’s masterpieces comes at a small cost: There’s always a path somewhere between the cliffs – of course you have to climb the slope again in the afternoon. But it’s worth it, because below, a paradise awaits for those who want to feel especially close to the sea in its original form. Who likes meter high waves that you can plunge into just like when you were a carefree kid.
Far and yet so close
And: Portugal in Europe! I’m sure you don’t always have to take long strides in the summer. Of course, distant places are always wonderful: colorful Mexico, idyllic Mauritius, culturally rich Thailand – all well and good, but you can really save this for the colder months. When the weather starts to get really icy again in Switzerland, it’s worth flying away. But write? Just great in Europe!
Whoever embarks on a journey to this country, which is somehow completely different from neighboring Spain and also seems much more remote than it is, will be rewarded with (still) unspoiled nature. Once again to a place I entered as a stranger, to finally leave a piece of my heart there. Because that’s exactly how: Portugal, you touched my heart. Wild beaches, which are natural wonders and scream for adventure, and your wonderful jewellery.