Seaside Serenity in Portugal's Coastal Belt

In December 2022, Europe experienced its usual formidable cold winter, making it an unfavorable time to visit the sea. However, for some strange reason, we were craving to see the sea. Despite the less than perfect weather, we didn't hesitate and booked our tickets to one of the beautiful coastal belts of Portugal, situated along the mighty Atlantic Sea. With hearts brimming with excitement, we boarded the flight to Faro, Portugal.

As soon as we arrived in Faro Airport, we hailed an Uber, and in no time, we reached our hotel. To our delight, the hotel was incredibly close to the beach, making our trip idea of relaxation by beach even more perfect. The name of our lovely hotel was PortoBay Falésia, and it felt more like a luxurious resort. With relaxation decks that seemed to stretch towards the beach, and lush greenery surrounding extended seating areas, we knew we had found the ultimate getaway for relaxation.

As we stepped into the hotel, a gentle rain began to fall, unexpectedly adding a magical touch to the environment. It was as if nature itself was joining us in creating wonderful memories during our stay.

As the rain eased a bit, we decided to take a leisurely stroll in search of a seafood lunch, ideally by a beautiful seabeach. Since it was the offseason, not many restaurants were open, but the upside was that we found an extremely clean and serene environment due to the lack of tourists. We happily wandered through the peaceful streets of Albufeira area until we reached Olheiros de Água Doce beach.

And guess what? The most amazing thing happened - we had the entire beach all to ourselves! Can you believe it? It felt like we had discovered a hidden paradise just for us! The sound of the waves, the soft sand beneath our feet, and the cool breeze made the experience even more wonderful. We couldn't have asked for a better moment to enjoy our beachside getaway.

The colorful houses, cozy restaurants, and refreshing breeze truly captured our imagination, and we can't stop admiring this wonderful experience. When hunger struck, we knew we had to have a proper seafood lunch right by the beach. We ordered a bunch of seafood dishes, but the Calamari dish, in particular, won our hearts. Having seafood while sitting by the mighty Atlantic beach was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me.

The lunch and the overall experience nourished both our stomachs and souls. It was pure bliss, and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment to enjoy the goodness of life by the sea.

With our stomachs satisfied, we decided to embark on a challenging hike to reach a small viewpoint near the beach. The viewpoint acted as a vantage point, providing us with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the beach. However, the rain had made the hike-way quite slippery, and the strong wind added to the challenge, making this seemingly easy hike a bit dangerous. But our determination pushed us forward, and we persevered to reach the top.

Finally, we made it to the summit, and the sight that greeted us was nothing short of incredible. The majestic Atlantic stretched as far as the eye could see, and the waves against the cliffs created a mesmerizing scene. It was a moment of triumph, and the view made every step of the challenging hike worth it.

We spent the rest of the day exploring other viewpoints. As the rain and wind got stronger, we decided to head back to the hotel. It was the time of the football world cup, so we gathered with other guests at the hotel to enjoy a match on the big screen.

To our surprise, we noticed that all the other guests in the hotel, apart from us, were mostly retired people who were enjoying their time near nature. They were singing, dancing, and having a lot of fun. It was truly an inspiring revelation for me that age is just a number.

Seeing them living life to the fullest, embracing joy and adventure, made me realize that age shouldn't limit us from enjoying every moment and cherishing the simple pleasures of life. It was a heartwarming and eye-opening experience that left a lasting impression on me.

The next morning began with a luxurious breakfast at the hotel. The comfortable weather, with a gentle rain, made the surroundings lively and charming. We took a seat facing the swimming pool and nature, and every bite and sip of our breakfast brought us immense joy and satisfaction.

Done with breakfast, we eagerly headed to the beach. Our hotel, conveniently situated on the bank of the beach, provided us with a direct connection to the beach. Taking the beautifully designed staircase from the hotel, we quickly made our way to Falesia beach.

As we arrived, we were greeted by the magnificent presence of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. The crashing waves and gentle breezes took our breath away, leaving us in absolute awe of nature's grandeur. For the next few hours, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the beach, taking relaxing walks and simply marveling at the stunning scenery.

In those moments, my restless soul found peace. The tranquility and serenity of the beach filled my heart with contentment, and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect place to unwind and connect with nature.

The weather suddenly turned adverse within the blink of an eye, heavy rain accompanied by a sandstorm started. The sandstorm was so strong that it felt like sand was stinging our skin like bullets. In a rush, we immediately headed back towards the hotel, but unfortunately, we were completely soaked and covered in sand and mud.

Once we reached the hotel, we wasted no time and took a hot shower to wash off the sand and mud. After freshening up, we decided to unwind and relax with a soothing session in the indoor pool and Jacuzzi. It was the perfect way to escape the stormy weather outside and rejuvenate ourselves. Despite the unexpected turn of events, we still managed to find comfort and tranquility during our stay at the hotel.

After that, we headed to the hotel's restaurant for lunch. We decided to try the seafood pizza and squid ink pasta with seafood. Surprisingly, the squid ink pasta won our hearts, offering a nice warm feeling during the stormy weather.

The rest of the day was spent cozily lying in the observation deck, where I immersed myself in a good book on my Kindle. The rainy day, coupled with the delectable food and incredible view, provided the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. In those quiet moments, I couldn't help but feel profoundly grateful for all the privileges and blessings Allah has bestowed upon me. Alhamdulillah!

With proper rest and relaxation, we headed towards Paria da Marinha the next day. This stunning beach in Portugal is often considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, thanks to its picturesque setting. Tucked away between towering cliffs, it boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The fine golden sand invites sunbathing and relaxation, while the surrounding nature reserve offers hiking and exploration opportunities.

Paria da Marinha's unique rock formations, shaped by years of erosion, create natural arches, caves, and pools, adding to its charm and appeal. Visitors can embark on boat tours or rent kayaks to explore these fascinating caves. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment, immersing ourselves in the wonder and enchantment of Paria da Marinha.

Next, we headed towards Praia do Carvoeiro. As we strolled along the charming streets, we couldn't help but admire the beauty of the neighborhood. The cozy restaurants and cafés, along with the colorful building architecture, added to the joyfulness of our walk.

On our way, we stumbled upon another beach with crashing waves. Captivated by the mesmerizing sound of the sea, we couldn't resist stopping to savor the experience until sunset. I even ventured forward and stood on a rock to get a better view, fully immersing myself in the beauty of the sea. It was a moment of pure serenity and connection with nature's raw power.

As the sun went down, we found ourselves in a cozy restaurant, ready to indulge in some delightful seafood. We ordered an array of dishes, but it was the Portuguese delicacy, Cataplana, that truly captured our hearts. The freshness of the seafood, prepared by a skilled Brazilian chef, was an absolute delight to our taste buds. It was a culinary experience that we would cherish forever.

As it was offseason, the restaurant was empty, allowing us to have a heartwarming exchange with the owner and the chef. Their hospitality was truly exceptional as they graciously allowed us to step into the kitchen and witness the magic behind preparing the food. It was a special and memorable experience, getting a glimpse of their passion for culinary artistry. The warmth and camaraderie made our dining experience even more enjoyable and unforgettable.

The next day, we embarked on a full-day beach trip, exploring several amazing beaches. The sunny weather and pleasant temperature added to the allure of these charming coastal destinations. Each beach we visited had its own unique beauty, and we were captivated by the breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters.

Our first stop was Praia dos Estudantes, a charming beach nestled along the coastline of Lagos, Portugal. This picturesque cove beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As we stepped onto the beach, we were immediately captivated by its natural beauty and the soothing sound of waves crashing gently against the shore.

Praia dos Estudantes is known for its inviting turquoise waters and soft golden sand. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, it offers a cozy and secluded atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape. The clear waters beckon you to take a refreshing swim, while the scenic surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for relaxation and unwinding.

After relishing those blissful moments in the sea, we decided to head uptown to grab some snacks and also to enjoy the breathtaking view from the top. As we ascended, the panoramic vista of Lagos unfolded before our eyes, showcasing its coastal beauty and charming architecture.

Continuing our journey, we stumbled upon a few other stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. However, it was Praia do Camilo that stole our hearts and became our absolute favorite.

Praia do Camilo is a hidden gem nestled amidst picturesque cliffs and lush greenery. Accessible via a steep staircase leading down from the cliffs, it offers a sense of adventure and exclusivity. As we went down, the breathtaking view of the turquoise waters and the golden sandy shore left us in awe.

Once we reached the beach, we were enchanted by its intimate and secluded atmosphere. The crystal-clear waters were inviting us to take a refreshing swim, and the towering rock formations created fascinating nooks and caves to explore. It was a true paradise for beach enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

After a full day of exploration, we were tired but contented. As we completed our dinner, we found ourselves having a wonderful time with a giant chessboard in the hotel's open-air area. The refreshing breeze, soft lighting, and delightful conversation created a magical ambiance that left a lasting impression on our hearts. Under the starry night sky, we laughed, and enjoyed each other's company, making cherished memories that would forever stay with us.

As the time of departure arrived, we reluctantly bid farewell to this unforgettable journey. It had been one of the most relaxing and soul-satisfying trips of my life, where I completely disconnected from work and immersed myself in the beauty of nature. Amidst all the serenity, I had completely forgotten that it was my birthday.

But to my sweet surprise, Tabassum had arranged a delightful birthday treat for me! A cute birthday cake appeared, and with each bite, a little cupcake of happiness exploded inside me.

It was the perfect ending to this incredible trip, leaving my heart and soul overflowing with joy. This coastal belt of Portugal will always remain special, as here my heart found peace and my soul found refuge.