Several years ago, I spent some time in Portugal.
I had never really thought about going to Portugal for vacation, but it was winter in the US and we wanted to go somewhere warm. It ended up being one of my favorite vacation destinations.
We spent a few days in Lisbon and the rest of the time on the Atlantic Coast. Fishing is a huge part of their culture. Every morning the fishing boats would go out and every evening they would return. We had a seafood stew and a small “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant that I still talk about today. It was the best I’ve ever had. I have found in my travels that to find the best food, ask the local people where they would eat. Often times it’s a small place that you would never find if you were out walking around on your own.
The sunsets and sunrises were amazing and the people were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I haven’t been back since that trip, but I would love to go back again some day.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
Beautiful photos!!
Thank you, Carol.
I feel as if I’m there but now I am desperate to find that fish restaurant.
I probably wouldn’t be able to find the restaurant if I tried. We just had an address and gave it to the taxi driver. I’m still trying to recreate the fish stew but haven’t come close yet. 🙂
Wow! Wonderful photos, Maralee!
Thanks, Carissa.
Wonderful shots – really nice. Definitely on my bucket list!
Thank you, Tina. I want to go back and see more of the country. I only saw a small part.
Absolutely stunning photos!
Thank you very much.
Amazing gallery, and that first photo knocked the socks off me … Stunning colors. Portugal is a brilliant destination – the colors and people, but the food – had problems to find something good .. if it wasn’t about steaks.
Thanks, Viveka. Its funny – while we were there I don’t think we ever had steak. It was all about the seafood.
Yes, I love seafood … but not for 8 days … and I no’t fan of beef neither.
I’ve been there an
I’ve been there and share your opinion, Maralee! Portugal is a beautiful country with very nice people. You should also visit their mountain region in the North one day – it’s also stunningly beautiful.
Unfortunately they have big problems with their economy and unemployment these days…
Best regards from Stefan
Thanks, Stefan. I’d like to go back and visit the north. It is unfortunate that they are having such economic problems.
You have really managed to capture the colours of the country… beautiful…
“I have found in my travels that to find the best food, ask the local people where they would eat”.
I have the statement above to be true. I remember visiting Jamaica and asking someone where the best place is for jerk chicken. They took us to a local restaurant that had the feel of someones back yard and I can say even though that particular trip was taken 12 years ago that I can remember the food as though I just ate it last night.:-).
Beautiful photographs and thanks for sharing because I would never have thought about Portugal as a vacation destination.
Your Portuguese boats are amazing! you should print them and hang them on your wall.