Obidos, Portugal, August 2021

In September 2021, after a long period of being unable to travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, I finally made my way back to Portugal. The excitement of boarding my flight to Lisbon in Newark was immense—I had been waiting for this moment for so long.

Portugal welcomed me with wonderful weather, which allowed me to travel extensively, revisiting familiar places and exploring new ones.

Óbidos – Home and Heart

As always, I spent time in Óbidos, a town that never loses its charm. Walking through its medieval streets, past whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillaea, reminded me why I love this place so much.

One of the highlights of this visit was hosting my dear friend Maria and her husband Mahindra. Together, we explored Óbidos and Foz do Arelho, sharing great conversations and enjoying the relaxed pace of life.

Exploring the Silver Coast and Beyond

With so much time in Portugal, I took every opportunity to travel around:
• Lisbon – Always a vibrant and lively city, filled with history, tiled facades, and delicious food.
• São Martinho do Porto – A small seaside town with a beautiful natural bay, perfect for walks along the promenade.
• Foz do Arelho & Praia do Bom Sucesso – Stunning coastal areas near Óbidos, with golden beaches, strong Atlantic waves, and scenic golf courses. The Bom Sucesso Golf Course, nestled between the ocean and Lagoa de Óbidos, is one of the most picturesque in the region.
• Ferrel & Peniche – Famous for surf culture, where Karolina and her husband took surfing lessons, making the most of Portugal’s fantastic Atlantic waves.
• Alcobaça – Known for its impressive monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês.
• Nazaré – A town famous for its record-breaking waves, where surfers from around the world come to challenge the ocean.
• Caldas da Rainha – A town rich in thermal spa history and known for its lively markets and ceramic traditions.
• Figueira da Foz & Quiaios – I visited with Kasia and her boyfriend’s family, enjoying the mix of beach life and forested hills.
• Aveiro – Often called the Venice of Portugal, with its colourful moliceiro boats and charming canals.
• Montemor-o-Velho – A historic town with a magnificent castle overlooking the Mondego River, offering breathtaking views.
• Cascais & Ericeira – Two stunning coastal towns, each with their own character—Cascais for its elegance and marina, and Ericeira for its surf-friendly atmosphere.

A Visit from Brussels

Towards the end of my stay, I had another special visit—Karolina and her husband came from Brussels to spend time in Óbidos. We explored the town together and took a trip to Peniche, where they were thrilled to try surfing lessons—a must in this part of Portugal!

A Perfect Return to Portugal

This trip was exactly what I needed—beautiful places, great friends, and the joy of rediscovering a country I love. Whether wandering the medieval streets of Óbidos, admiring the wild Atlantic coastline, or sharing special moments with friends and family, every day felt like a gift.

Portugal had treated me well once again, and I left knowing I would always be back.

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