I have visited many countries, but one of the most beloved has become Portugal. There is some kind of attraction in it that makes you return again and again to old places, seek new ones, and this is only possible with an individual tour to Portugal. Having arrived, I always immediately rush to the ocean to say hello. How different its sound at Cabo da Roca is from all others! It replies exactly, roaring that it is glad too… The water everywhere here is very clean and transparent, without any film or coating. The coastal area is well-maintained everywhere, and if you get to the Pyrenees, the soul will be utterly delighted by the virginity of nature in the mountains.
Maybe because I am a wanderer at heart, but I never stay long in cities and don't settle in large hotels. I start my journey somewhere from Faro, in the south of the country, and gradually, following the map, move up along the coastal towns, deviating from the ocean only to wander into a vineyard and enjoy local wine with delicacies.
When it comes to food, I have a 'quirk' – I always cook myself, or at least watch the cooking process. How pleasant it is, sprawled on the table like a cat, listening to the sizzling on the baking sheet of a fish I caught myself! In the local small restaurants, they always kindly agree to prepare our catch. Some chefs can even be persuaded to follow our recipes, but more often they refuse, sending you to continue lounging on the table. I don't know if I'm a savage or a child of the metropolis, but by the ocean I only eat seafood and vegetables. Portugal has an extraordinary folk cuisine, and sweets are elevated to the rank of national treasure. The locals, by the way, somehow think that the tastiest food is cooked in the capital. Perhaps they know better…
Portugal is diverse and multifaceted. It has borrowed 'pieces' from many cultures for its 'patchwork quilt.' Christian shrines, Moorish castles, Jesuit treasures… Portuguese people fervently believe in their uniqueness and will fiercely defend their opinion against arguers. Religion in these parts is an obligation for every honest person; a non-believer is suspicious to them. I do not advise blaspheming here, even in a low voice – the fact is that a good half of Portuguese people understand Russian swear words. They will quickly expose the blasphemer!
A pretty girl in Lisbon has a hard time because of the undressing glances of numerous fiery handsome men with a pirate appearance. Ocean, romance, single (and sometimes not) machos… It's easy to lose your head if your own fierce corsair is not striding nearby.
In summer, the capital and big cities host many festivals, fairs, and touradas. Tourada is a type of bullfight where the bull is killed not in the arena, but in the pen after the fight, and the rider-toreador is assisted by eight unarmed forcados. The bustling, crowded cities of Portugal will leave many vivid impressions. A breath of air for those suffocating in their human flow will be the coast far from civilization, for example the Azores Islands. They are truly beautiful, and the fruits grown on some of them are the best in the world. Unlike the mainland part of the country, the islands are under the influence of a tropical climate, so it should be noted that the local colors, sounds and aromas initially cause sensory overload.
Individual tours to Portugal are good because the country is always beautiful whenever I go there. It has always seemed to me that this is truly a paradise on Earth.