Experience Portugal w/Annette

Experience Portugal w/Annette Experience Portugal is about places, people and experiences that make Portugal special. By Annette Jeppesen Cruz.

From cities and landscapes to food, traditions and small everyday moments — shared with curiosity and warmth.

23/06/2026

🍷 A Taste of Portugal in the Algarve 🇵🇹

One of the best ways to experience Portugal is through its food. A traditional Algarve meal is much more than just a main course – it’s a journey through local flavours, fresh ingredients, and centuries of culinary tradition.

Start with olives, cheese and fresh bread, enjoy some of the Algarve’s famous seafood dishes, savour a classic Portuguese Bitoque, and finish with a delicious almond and carob cake, followed by a strong Portuguese coffee.

Simple. Authentic. Delicious.

If you’re visiting the Algarve, don’t just look for the views – taste the region too. Every meal tells a story.

Which Portuguese dish would you most like to try? 🇵🇹👇



www.myexperienceportugal.com

22/06/2026

🚗 Take the Scenic Route to Algarve 🇵🇹

If you’re driving from Lisbon to Algarve, do yourself a favor and skip the motorway.

Instead, follow the breathtaking Costa Vicentina Route along Portugal’s wild southwest coast. This is one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe, taking you through dramatic cliffs, endless beaches, charming fishing villages, and some of Portugal’s most unspoiled landscapes.

One of the highlights along the way is Vila Nova de Milfontes, where the Mira River meets the Atlantic Ocean. But the journey doesn’t end there.

Continue south through the stunning Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, passing spectacular viewpoints and hidden beaches before reaching Cape São Vicente — the southwesternmost point of both Portugal and mainland Europe.

Standing at the famous 0.0 km marker, it’s hard not to feel inspired. For centuries, this was considered the “end of the world.” Today, it’s the perfect place to pause, take in the endless Atlantic views, and appreciate the raw beauty of Portugal’s coastline.

This route isn’t about getting to Algarve as quickly as possible.

It’s about enjoying the journey.

🌊 Wild Atlantic Ocean
🏖️ Endless beaches
📍 Cape São Vicente – Europe’s southwesternmost point
🚗 One of Portugal’s most scenic drives
📸 Countless photo opportunities along the way

Have you ever driven the Costa Vicentina Route?

🇵🇹 Discover more hidden gems and travel inspiration at:
www.myexperienceportugal.com

🍺 Why do Portuguese always order small beers?If you’ve ever sat at a café or beach bar in Portugal, you may have noticed...
20/06/2026

🍺 Why do Portuguese always order small beers?

If you’ve ever sat at a café or beach bar in Portugal, you may have noticed something curious: most locals order a small beer instead of a big pint.

The reason is simple: the Portuguese sun! ☀️

When temperatures climb, a large beer can quickly become warm and lose its fizz before you finish it. A small beer stays cold, crisp, and refreshing from the first sip to the last. And when it’s empty, you simply order another one.

The best part? Beer is still surprisingly affordable in Portugal, especially if you stay away from the major tourist hotspots. In many local cafés and restaurants, a small draft beer can cost far less than what you’d pay in Northern Europe.

So next time you’re in Portugal, do as the locals do:
🍺 Order a small beer.
❄️ Enjoy it ice cold.
☀️ Repeat as needed.

Have you adopted the Portuguese way yet, or are you still loyal to the half-litre pint? 😄

🥾 Have you ever dreamed of walking all the way to Santiago de Compostela?The Portuguese Camino from Porto is one of the ...
16/06/2026

🥾 Have you ever dreamed of walking all the way to Santiago de Compostela?

The Portuguese Camino from Porto is one of the most beautiful pilgrimage routes in Europe – and you don’t have to be religious to enjoy it.

Over approximately 12 days, you’ll walk through some of the most beautiful parts of Portugal and Spain, following the iconic yellow arrows and scallop shell symbols all the way to Santiago.

The journey begins in Porto, one of Portugal’s most vibrant cities, before taking you north through charming coastal towns such as Vila do Conde, Esposende and Viana do Castelo. You’ll walk alongside the Atlantic Ocean, cross ancient bridges, pass vineyards, forests and historic town centres, and experience a slower way of travelling.

Some of my personal highlights include:

🌊 The coastal section between Porto and Vila do Conde
🏰 The historic centre of Viana do Castelo
⛪ Crossing from Portugal into Spain at Tui
🍷 Enjoying local food and wine after a long day on the trail
🥾 The sense of achievement as Santiago de Compostela finally comes into view

One of the reasons so many people choose the Portuguese Camino is that the daily stages are manageable, the route is well marked and there are plenty of accommodation options along the way, from traditional pilgrim hostels to charming guesthouses and hotels.

The Camino is not just about reaching Santiago. It’s about the people you meet, the conversations you have, the places you discover and the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life for a while.

If walking the Portuguese Camino is on your bucket list, I highly recommend starting in Porto and allowing yourself enough time to enjoy the journey rather than rushing to the destination.

You can find more Portugal travel inspiration, itineraries and travel guides on:

👉 www.myexperienceportugal.com

Have you ever walked a Camino – or is it still on your travel wish list? 😊

☀️ Heading to Algarve this summer?The beaches are incredible, but Algarve has so much more to offer when you’re ready to...
16/06/2026

☀️ Heading to Algarve this summer?

The beaches are incredible, but Algarve has so much more to offer when you’re ready to explore beyond your sunbed.

Here are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss:

🌊 Take a boat trip to the famous Benagil Cave
🏰 Wander through the historic streets of Silves and visit its impressive red castle
📸 Watch the sunset at Ponta da Piedade near Lagos
🦩 Explore the lagoons and birdlife of Ria Formosa Natural Park
🌅 Drive to Sagres and Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern tip of mainland Europe
🍷 Visit a local winery and discover Algarve’s growing wine scene
🏘️ Stroll through the charming town of Tavira, often called the prettiest town in Algarve
🐬 Join a dolphin-watching tour along the coast
🥾 Walk part of the spectacular Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
🛍️ Visit traditional markets and discover local crafts and flavours

Whether you’re visiting for a week or longer, these experiences will help you discover the Algarve that many tourists never see.

Which of these would be first on your list? 👇

For more Portugal travel inspiration, visit:
www.myexperienceportugal.com

LagosPortugal Tavira BenagilCave Sagres RiaFormosa PortugalGuide TravelInspiration

🌿🚠 Discover Monte – Madeira’s Most Charming Hilltop Escape! 🇵🇹If you’re visiting Madeira, Monte is a place you simply ca...
15/06/2026

🌿🚠 Discover Monte – Madeira’s Most Charming Hilltop Escape! 🇵🇹

If you’re visiting Madeira, Monte is a place you simply can’t miss.

Start with a visit to the beautiful church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, one of the island’s most important pilgrimage sites. Then experience one of Madeira’s most unique traditions: the famous wicker basket toboggan ride, where skilled carreiros guide you downhill in a hand-crafted basket sled.

And don’t leave without exploring the breathtaking Monte Palace Tropical Garden. With exotic plants, hidden pathways, koi ponds, waterfalls, and stunning views over Funchal, it feels like stepping into another world.

✨ Three unforgettable experiences in one magical location.

Have you tried the famous basket sled ride? Let me know in the comments! 👇

📍 Monte, Madeira
🌐 More Madeira travel inspiration: www.myexperienceportugal.com

☀️ Madeira Is Not Just a Winter Destination 🌴Many people think of Madeira as a place to escape the cold winter months. B...
14/06/2026

☀️ Madeira Is Not Just a Winter Destination 🌴

Many people think of Madeira as a place to escape the cold winter months. But have you ever considered visiting in summer?

Imagine swimming in crystal-clear natural pools, hiking along scenic levadas, enjoying spectacular mountain views, and relaxing in pleasant temperatures while much of Southern Europe is experiencing intense heat.

From stunning landscapes and colorful flowers to local food, poncha, and Madeira wine, the island offers unforgettable experiences all year round.

Have you visited Madeira in summer? Let me know your favorite spot! 👇

🌐 More Madeira inspiration: www.MyExperiencePortugal.com

📍 Capela dos Ossos – Évora’s Most Unforgettable ChapelWhat happens when thousands of bones become part of a church’s arc...
13/06/2026

📍 Capela dos Ossos – Évora’s Most Unforgettable Chapel

What happens when thousands of bones become part of a church’s architecture?

Hidden inside the Church of São Francisco in Évora, the famous Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is one of Portugal’s most fascinating and thought-provoking monuments. Built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century, its walls and columns are covered with the skulls and bones of around 5,000 people.

As you step inside, you’re greeted by a powerful message about the fleeting nature of life. It may sound macabre, but the chapel was created as a reminder to cherish the time we have and reflect on what truly matters.

Whether you visit for its history, architecture, or symbolism, Capela dos Ossos is an experience you won’t forget.

Have you visited this extraordinary place in Évora? 👇

🇵🇹 More travel inspiration, tips and hidden gems from Portugal can be found via the link:

https://www.myexperienceportugal.com/travel-guides

🇵🇹💚 Have you ever visited a river beach?When summer temperatures rise in Portugal, most people head for the coast. But s...
12/06/2026

🇵🇹💚 Have you ever visited a river beach?

When summer temperatures rise in Portugal, most people head for the coast. But some of my favourite places are actually far from the ocean.

Hidden among the mountains of Serra da Estrela lies Loriga, home to one of Portugal’s most beautiful river beaches. Here you’ll find crystal-clear freshwater, breathtaking scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy seaside resorts.

It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a sun-warmed rock, listen to the sound of flowing water, and completely lose track of time. 💚

What surprises many visitors is that Portugal’s river beaches are often exceptionally well maintained. Many offer lifeguards, visitor facilities, and can even be awarded the prestigious European Blue Flag – the same international distinction given to outstanding coastal beaches.

Have you ever visited a Portuguese river beach? Which one would you love to discover?

👇 Share your favourite in the comments.

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