Portugal Is for Lovers, Foodies, Surfers, and Me
- Avery Merritt
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
I didn’t go to Portugal looking for anything in particular. I just knew I needed an adventure—something beautiful, something grounding, something that would shake me out of autopilot. Spoiler alert: Portugal delivered.
Over the course of just a few days, my friend and I made our way from Lisbon to Porto, stopping in Nazaré along the way, then heading north to Melgaço and the edge of Peneda-Gerês National Park. We didn’t stay long in any one place—just enough to taste, to see, to feel.
Here’s what I discovered along the way…
Portugal Is for Lovers
...and by lovers, I don’t just mean the couples sipping wine on rooftop terraces (though we saw plenty of them). Portugal felt made for anyone who loves—beauty, culture, stories, peace.
In Lisbon, we arrived early evening after traveling all night. We were ready for a hot meal and a warm bed. Driving through the city gave us a quick peek at its charm, but the real reward came when we finally made it to Java Rooftop for dinner. The meal hit the spot—but the mango bread pudding for dessert? To die for.
Even with just one night there, the city wrapped around us like a warm welcome. It felt romantic in the broader sense—inviting you to slow down and take it all in.
Portugal Is for Foodies
Let’s be real—Portugal fed my soul and my stomach.
We only had a taste of each place, but wow did it count. In Lisbon, we snacked on warm, flaky pastéis de nata. In Nazaré, we ducked into a cozy café to escape the rain and indulged in chocolate croissants and coxinhas—comfort food at its finest. But the real standout? At Tasquinha de Melgaço, I had one of the best burgers of my life. It was a twist on the classic Francesinha, layered with rich flavors and topped with a sauce that blended beer and tomatoes into a masterpiece. I’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to recreate it in my kitchen ever since.
Portugal Is for Surfers
We didn’t catch the monster waves in Nazaré (we just missed them!)—but that didn’t stop the place from feeling electric. This little fishing village has made a huge name for itself in the surfing world. Thanks to the underwater Nazaré Canyon just offshore, the waves here can reach up to 80 feet—making it one of the most legendary big-wave surf spots on the planet. Every winter, surfers from all over the world come here chasing records, adrenaline, and a little bit of madness.
As we passed through on our way to Porto, we strolled the beach until it started to rain, then drove up to the cliffs. We did a little shopping, stopped to see the famous deer-headed statue, and just took it all in. The ocean was calm that day, but the stories of those monster waves still hung in the air like salt spray.
Even without surfers on the horizon, Nazaré felt wild in the best way.
(P.S. If you’re into surfing or just want to explore Portugal’s coastal vibe, you might also want to check out Ericeira—Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve—and Peniche, another big name in the surf scene.) Portugal Is for Me
This trip reminded me that even a short getaway can leave a lasting mark.
Traveling with a fellow foodie and adventurer, I found so much joy in the little things—slowing down, taking the scenic route, saying yes to dessert (every time).
In Peneda-Gerês National Park, we hiked to a waterfall tucked between mossy rocks and trees, its steady rush the only sound for miles. We wound our way through narrow roads, spotted wild ponies and goats roaming free, and pulled over just to take it all in. It was quiet, a little rugged, and exactly what I needed—like a deep breath I didn’t know I’d been holding. The kind of place that reminds you how beautiful the world is when you pause long enough to notice. Would I Go Back? In a Heartbeat.
I’d love more time in Porto, and yes—I still want to see the Nazaré waves in all their glory. We only had a day in Porto, but it was long enough to fall a little bit in love with it. The colorful buildings, the bridges, the Douro River sparkling in the sun—it all felt like something out of a storybook. We wandered aimlessly, snapped too many photos, and maybe even tasted a little port wine before continuing north. But even as a quick trip, Portugal gave me everything I didn’t know I needed: flavor, nature, connection, and a little spark I’d been missing.
It turns out, Portugal really is for lovers, foodies, surfers...and most definitely for me.
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