Most travelers of Portugal know Lisbon, some go to the Algarve in the south. Mainly for classic beach vacations in holiday resorts. Not as well known, though, is the natural part of the country.

Laying open to the grand Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese coast seems endless, with steep cliffs and beautiful sand beaches. The sea is in the west, and the sunsets are beautiful and vivid. At this time of the day, sailing ships tend to roam the horizon, even enhancing the kitschy scenery. You will probably have the companionship of seagulls around you; they seem to enjoy the sunsets as much as humans.

Even less known is the “hinterland”. The country’s north especially offers a lot to the backpacker, with high mountain ranges and magnificent castles. The weather tends to be a bit cooler in these regions, perfect for a hike in the evening. So what are you waiting for? The adventure awaits!