Learning My Adopted Country: Portugal 🇵🇹🇪🇺

01/12/18 05:10

April 2018: Embracing Life in Portugal Beyond Óbidos

Spending a good part of April 2018 in Portugal was a truly enriching experience. Having an extended stay in Óbidos, both alone and with Kasia—my dear friend and co-owner of our house—gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture and explore the stunning surroundings that make this part of Portugal so special. This time wasn’t just about being a visitor; it was about slowly settling into the rhythm of life in my new home, understanding the customs, and feeling more Portuguese with each passing day.

While Óbidos itself continued to captivate me, I ventured beyond its medieval walls to discover nearby towns and villages, each with its own charm and history.

Caldas da Rainha: The City of Queens and Healing Waters

Just a short drive from Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha is known for its famous thermal springs, which date back to the 15th century when Queen Leonor of Portugal founded a hospital there. The town has since become synonymous with health and wellness, and its public park, Parque Dom Carlos I, is a lovely place to take a walk among lush greenery and sculptures.

Caldas da Rainha is also a vibrant hub for art and ceramics. The town’s Bordallo Pinheiro Ceramics Factory, known for its whimsical, nature-inspired designs, is a must-see. The bustling daily fruit market, one of the oldest in Portugal, offered me a chance to interact with locals and sample delicious regional produce.

Peniche: The Maritime Gateway

Further west, the coastal town of Peniche is famous for its strong fishing heritage and dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Once a strategic fortress protecting Portugal from invaders, the Fortaleza de Peniche, now a museum, tells stories of the country’s maritime history and its darker days as a political prison during the dictatorship of Salazar.

Peniche is also a paradise for surfers, drawing enthusiasts from around the world to its iconic beaches such as Supertubos, known for its powerful waves and world-class surf competitions. I enjoyed walking along the coastline, taking in the fresh sea air, and marvelling at the stunning rock formations shaped by centuries of oceanic forces.

Atouguia da Baleia: A Step Back in Time

The small village of Atouguia da Baleia, steeped in history, was once an important inland port before the coastline receded. The name, meaning “Whale’s Harbour,” is a reminder of the days when whales were spotted from its shores. Walking through its quiet streets, I admired the beautiful Igreja de São Leonardo, a Gothic-style church with Manueline influences, reflecting Portugal’s Age of Exploration.

Vau and Foz do Arelho: Where the Lagoon Meets the Ocean

The region around Óbidos Lagoon, with charming villages like Vau and the coastal town of Foz do Arelho, offers a different side of Portugal—where calm waters meet the fierce Atlantic. The Óbidos Lagoon, one of the largest saltwater lagoons in Portugal, provides a tranquil setting for birdwatching, kayaking, and simply enjoying the stunning scenery.

Foz do Arelho, with its long sandy beaches and rugged coastline, became one of my favourite spots to relax and reflect. The contrast between the gentle lagoon and the wild ocean waves crashing onto the shore was a mesmerising sight.

Fátima: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

A visit to Fátima was an interesting experience. As one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites, it attracts millions of visitors each year. The sanctuary, built in honour of the Marian apparitions to three shepherd children in 1917, is a place of devotion and contemplation.

Walking through the vast square in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, I observed the faithful, some on their knees making their way towards the shrine in an act of penance. The sense of peace and spirituality that envelops Fátima is truly profound, regardless of one’s beliefs.

Tomar: The City of the Knights Templar

The historic town of Tomar, with its magnificent Convento de Cristo, provided a glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar, and the grandeur of the convent’s architecture is awe-inspiring.

Walking through the cloisters and gazing at the intricate Manueline window, known as the “Janela do Capítulo,” I couldn’t help but imagine the lives of the knights who once walked these halls. Tomar’s charming old town, with its cobbled streets and riverside charm, was the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal.

Ericeira: The Coastal Gem

A bit further afield, the coastal town of Ericeira enchanted me with its charming whitewashed houses and breathtaking ocean views. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent seafood, it’s also one of Europe’s best surfing destinations, boasting powerful Atlantic swells that attract surfers from around the world.

I enjoyed exploring the town’s narrow streets, sampling delicious fresh fish at local taverns, and simply soaking in the relaxed, coastal vibe that makes Ericeira so special.

April 2018 in Portugal was a time of self-discovery and appreciation of my new home country. Each place I visited—whether it was the spa town of Caldas da Rainha, the coastal beauty of Peniche and Foz do Arelho, or the spiritual solemnity of Fátima—added layers to my understanding of Portuguese culture and history.

As I walked through these towns and villages, I felt more connected to the land and the people, slowly embracing the feeling of truly belonging to Portugal. The experience of exploring these places at my own pace allowed me to savour the beauty of the moment and look forward to more adventures in my new home.

Click here to access the album.

Picture galleries

Learning My Adopted Country: Portugal 🇵🇹🇪🇺