The Relaxing Vibe of Portugal
Yoga, Hiking and Sightseeing in Southern Portugal
Due to unforeseen events, I needed a break from my regular everyday life last spring. I usually book a yoga retreat when I need to focus on myself and my healing. I found a yoga retreat in the Algarve with a Swedish group.
Landing in Faro for the first time, I had a full day in the city. As I was in a peculiar mood with low energy, I did not spend too much time sightseeing but went to the beach to relax and see the Atlantic Ocean. My aim for the day was to relax, spend some time strolling, and not have an agenda. Faro felt very relaxed and chill—just a place to hang out and chill.
The next day, I went to a retreat center in the region of Borderia and Carrapateira in the Algarve. The retreat center was in a fantastic area surrounded by greenery and ocean views. I particularly liked one of the yoga buildings, which was shaped like an octagon.
The yoga retreat was all-inclusive; our meals at the yoga center were tasty, healthy, vegetarian, and vegan.
In my leisure time, I went hiking and explored the coastline. This region is excellent for hiking and camping—lots of campsites. The maps are marked with trails and distances. As a tourist, the trails are easy to follow, and I also use Google Maps for getting around the trails. I would love to return for hiking in the hills and camping on the beaches here.
In springtime, nature is lush green and blooming. Sunny days provide us with energy. We who live in northern Europe and Scandinavia always severely lacking sunlight and warmth during winter and spring.
Hiking trails along the Algarve coast with information in English, well catered for tourists. Rota Vicentina offers good hiking and cycling paths.
After the yoga retreat, I visited a friend and spent some days around Sintra. This was my first time visiting Sintra; I found this city very romantic and charming, with all the castles and forts.
Sintra is a special place, and many tourists come here too. But you can find quiet places without tourists, which is my specialty when traveling. To find those spots where tourists don’t go. Even when it is a bustling time.
Even in Sintra, I could easily walk around and explore the sights. I hiked up to the Moorish castle and enjoyed the view of the surroundings.
Eating in Portugal
Both in Faro and Sintra, I had the opportunity to try Portuguese specialties. I was happy with the big breakfast plate I got in Faro, so great vegetarian options are available everywhere I went for meals.
I do like fish and seafood. I cannot remember when I ate a tuna steak as I rarely eat fish nowadays, so eating a tuna steak was a real treat.
I could eat pastel de nata every day. Pastel de nata is a sweet classic Portuguese custard tart, and I had one pastel de nata every day after the yoga retreat. Too much healthy food left me with an appetite and an urge to satisfy my weakness for sweet pastries!
Oh, but I also tried a few other desserts, such as tiramisu, and a Portuguese cheesecake typical of Sintra called Queijadas de Sintra. Do try one if you are in Sintra. I love tasting local specialties, especially if they are sweet.
