Family Adventure on Portugal's Costa Vicentina

A Vicentine Welcome
After a smooth flight from Berlin to Lisbon and a scenic drive down the coast, we finally arrived at Costa Vicentina, ready to immerse ourselves in Portugal's wild beauty. The air is fresh, carrying the scent of pine and the distant sea, and the landscape is a tapestry of vibrant greens and earthy browns. It's a welcome change from the urban landscape of Potsdam, and I can already feel the stress of app development melting away.

Our first stop was the breathtaking Praia da Amoreira. The drive itself was an adventure, with winding roads offering glimpses of the stunning coastline. As we parked the car, the kids, especially Mateo, were practically bouncing with excitement, eager to explore the beach. Klara and I exchanged smiles, knowing this was exactly the kind of escape our family needed. The initial plan was to take it easy on our first day, but as always happens with us, the explorer's gene took over.

Praia da Amoreira is unlike any beach I've seen. The unique blend of river and sea creates a stunning landscape. The water was a bit chilly, but Mateo didn't seem to mind at all, splashing around with the other kids. Klara, ever the architect, was captivated by the way the river met the ocean, carving intricate patterns in the sand. I was busy snapping photos, trying to capture the raw beauty of the place. It’s a photographer's dream, with the cliffs, dunes, and azure waters creating a stunning canvas.

We spent a good part of the morning exploring the beach, building sandcastles, and chasing the waves. I even tried my hand at paddle boarding, though I must admit, I spent more time falling into the water than actually standing up. Mateo found this endlessly amusing, of course.


Experience the tranquility of Praia da Amoreira, the stunning beach destination in Algarve, Portugal with golden sands and breathtaking landscapes.

Around lunchtime, our stomachs started to rumble, reminding us that we hadn't had a proper meal since breakfast. Luckily, Bar da Praia was right there, perched perfectly overlooking the beach. We snagged a table with a view and ordered a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to hearty sandwiches. The food was simple but delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. The perfect start to our culinary exploration of the region.


Discover delicious local cuisine at Bar da Praia in Odeceixe - where stunning views meet fresh seafood delights.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found in the simplest moments, shared with the people you love.

After our delightful lunch, we decided to explore further up the coast, heading towards Farol Cabo Sardão. The drive was incredibly scenic, with dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views at every turn. The landscape here is rugged and wild, a stark contrast to the more manicured beaches of the Algarve. I couldn’t help but think about how different this was from the landscapes of my childhood in Los Ángeles, Chile, yet there was a similar untamed spirit to it.

As we approached Cabo Sardão, the wind picked up, carrying with it the salty tang of the Atlantic. The lighthouse itself is a striking structure, standing sentinel against the crashing waves. We parked the car and walked along the cliff's edge, marveling at the dramatic scenery. The kids were fascinated by the nesting storks, which seemed to be everywhere.

The Farol Cabo Sardão is not only a functional lighthouse but also a place of immense natural beauty. The views from the cliffs are simply stunning, stretching for miles along the coastline. We spent a good hour exploring the area, taking photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere. It was the perfect spot to appreciate the raw power and beauty of nature. I read somewhere that the lighthouse door faces the sea due to a misunderstanding, which I found amusing.


Experience the breathtaking beauty of Farol Cabo Sardão, where the cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean in stunning harmony.

By late afternoon, we were starting to feel the effects of our early start and the day's adventures. We decided to head back towards our accommodation, a charming eco-lodge nestled in the hills near Carrapateira. But first, a quick stop at Ponta Branca, a local bar known for its relaxed vibe and stunning sunset views.

Pont'a Pé was exactly what we needed – a laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, and ice-cold drinks. We sat outside, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in a riot of colors. Mateo, usually bursting with energy, was content to sit quietly, sipping his juice and watching the world go by. Klara and I savored the moment, feeling grateful for this time together as a family. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of the delicious regional food we had sampled when we got back home to Potsdam.

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurante Costa Vicentina, known for its fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. We ordered a variety of dishes, including grilled fish, seafood rice, and a hearty stew. Everything was delicious, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect way to end our first day on the Costa Vicentina.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante Costa Vicentina in Lisbon - where fresh seafood meets vibrant local culture.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today was a whirlwind of activity, from exploring stunning beaches to savoring local cuisine. But more than that, it was a day spent connecting with my family and appreciating the simple joys of life. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love to travel, to experience new cultures, and to create lasting memories with the people I love.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Rota Vicentina, specifically the Trilho de Pescadores (Fishermen's Trail), and visit the Museu do Mar e da Terra da Carrapateira. I’m particularly excited about the hike, as I’ve heard the views are incredible. Plus, Klara is keen to learn more about the local marine and terrestrial ecosystems at the museum. Mateo, of course, is just excited to run around and explore. I’m also hoping to visit the Vicentino Wine Shop to pick up a few bottles of local wine to enjoy later in the week.

Costa Vicentina has already captured our hearts, and I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings. It's a world away from my life as a mobile app developer, but somehow, it feels like exactly where I need to be right now. I am also happy that I didn't forget any of the trip essentials, although I still regret not bringing a travel guidebook on Portugal and snorkeling gear. It is something I will try to amend tomorrow!

Good night from Costa Vicentina!