For many years, I imagined the countries of the Iberian Peninsula as places of endless nightlife and music flooding the streets.
'A land where even the sun learns to slow down,'_ _were the words my father once used to describe Portugal. I considered them nonsense until I experienced this contradictory side myself.
For several weeks, the neighborhood of Monte de Caparica became my home base. It offered me a view of Portugal completely different from what we usually see in the media — lively, bustling, noisy.
This area, on the southern bank of the Tagus River, stood out in contrast. Unaffected by tourism, it showed authentic Portuguese charm. The architecture retained typical houses with azulejos - traditionally painted tiles, but it is also enriched by more modern residential buildings. It doesn’t necessarily feel like a place to admire, but a place to live.
Mornings in Monte de Caparica moved at a slow pace. A warm breeze with the scent of the nearby sea accompanied the sun rays. Streets lined with small shops, cafes, and restaurants enticed with the aroma of the well-known pastel de nata. But the gastronomic experience didn’t end with this sweet treat. The starring role was taken by locally loved seafood, which transported the mind to the nearby beaches.
Costa da Caparica stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. The cold water was a pleasant refreshment during the days of tiring sun. Surfers especially longed for the wild waves. The beaches seemed endless, decorated with golden sand, created for moments of relaxation. Coastal bars proudly offered a variety of sangrias and melodies that completed the local atmosphere.
Portugal provides an eternal variety of days — from quiet and peaceful mornings in Monte de Caparica to colorful evenings of bustling Lisbon, which seems to never sleep. It is a country of natural connection between the ocean, culture, and relaxation.
