#Norway Road Trip with a toddler

[whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday]

Norway Road Trip with a toddler

If you ever considered visiting Norway, I have one thing to say to you - Go! Go! Go! CI could easily become a number one fan of this country and send messages to a random people convincing them to go there, but I am already nr 1 fan of Mia and it takes all my spare time. One is for sure - it is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been to (and I’ve been to many) and I don’t even know how to start describing it, as all the words coming to my mind are more or less like “magnificent”, “stunning”, “incredible”, “unspeakable”, “unique”.

Here are some basic and useful info:

- internet - we got a SIM card at Telia, it gives you 10GB for a week and each week you’re there you can add 10 euros and get another 10GB. The only problem was that we could not charge it online by using a German credit card (only Norwegian works). It was a problem, as there’s not too many stores you can recharge it on a way. Having a Norwegian friend could be helpful. I didn’t have one so I ended up asking a salesman in a store to buy it for me and I gave him cash.

- costs - travelling around Norway in a motorhome is a great idea. You loose all the big costs like accommodation, camping sites, restaurants and cafes. In Scandinavia there is this beautiful law that land belongs to everyone, which means that you can park wherever you wish (of course not at someone’s backyard). We did free camping all the time. We cooked in a van and took a shower over there as well. There’s a lot of places where you can refill the water and get rid of the black and grey one. There is also this magical machine, where you place your toilet cassette inside and it does all the work for you (if you ever emptied one, you know what I mean. And… you will never forget the first time you take care of “this business”). Products in shops are a bit more expensive, that’s true. But what can you do, you need to eat plus it’s a very small price to pay for all the beautiful things you’ll see around. You can save money on drinking water, as it’s everywhere around.

- currency - we used a card everywhere, I did not use an ATM once.

- sleeping - anywhere, just like this. There’s so many beautiful spots over there. We did not plan overnight stops, we stopped wherever we love a place. The beautiful thing is that you can make a campfire in Norway. You will see so many prepared by previous travellers places for a fire. You can also use the campground, which are very well prepared and offer a shower :D

- food - I read somewhere that you do not travel to Norway for food. I think that this person did not try delicious fish they have. Another friend told me that she used to spend all her pocket money on fish when she was a kid. I am not surprised at all. They also have amazing local meat and goodies from a forest like blueberries in sugar - definitely recommended! We did not eat in restaurants, we cooked almost all the meals. We like to cook out of local products, it’s exciting and it’s fun to search for new goodies in a local store.

- Norway with a toddler - I think that there’s no better country to travel with a toddler. You have a beautiful animals everywhere, stunning views, many playgrounds. We could not go on a trekking as Mia was simply not interested. Not at all. But we still managed to see stunning places and experience a lot just by driving. Finding a place to stop and explore is not a slight problem and you can share your knowledge of plants and animals with them (mine is not impressive but for Mia I was a plant specialist). The thing about Norway is that, except for a beautiful nature, there’s not much to do. It helps to disconnect, focus on what’s important - hugging and kissing your kid. Just remember that your toddler will not stay happy only with kisses, it needs entertainment. If I can give you one advise about a toy that made our journey so much easier is a modelling clay aka plasticine - Mia loooooooves it! She could spend hours playing with it and making up her strange and super cute stories. She cooked many cakes and pizzas out of it.

- highway - is paid. You can register online and they will send you a bill via email.

- while travelling in Norway you will most probably use some ferries. Nothing to worry. You just go wherever you wish and when you get to the port, you wait in line of cars and give your card or cash before boarding. No need to go anywhere or book things. Easy. It’s also another way to see unique views.

- when to go. We went there in August and there were not that many tourists. July is apparently very busy, but also warmer. I’d love to go back in winter, but for this Mia has to be slightly older and my camper van slightly younger.

Our route:

Let me just write that you don’t really need to focus on getting to places. The whole road to your destination is stunning. If I could, I’d stop each 20m and take pictures. Unfortunately, my kid will make my life a hell if I did so I didn’t. But I did admire it through the window.

Hardangervidda nasjonalpark - We went through while driving from Oslo to Odda. I remember being shocked how stunning it is. We could see the traditional houses with roofs covered in grass, horses and beautiful views. If Mia was more optimistic about trekking, I’d definitely do some. But for now I have a plan to come back when she’s older.

Eidfjord beautiful town with stunning fjords. We stopped there just to take some pictures as you cannot pass next to this view. They do have a good coffee as well :)

Odda - it’s not about Odda itself, but its surroundings. There are some beautiful trekking options in the hood and the town itself is pretty. Little houses on hills are cute as well.

Fjaerland we stopped for a night under a glacier. How crazy amazing is this! When I was travelling with Mia in New Zealand we had to take a helicopter to enjoy it. In Norway it’s just there, waiting for you :D

Skei I Jolster - was my coffee stop. I made my own coffee and stood there staring at this stunning view. There was a house just next to it. If they ever sell it, I’d love to buy it. So I guess I have to start saving 10 years ago.

Loen - one of my favourite spots. Turquoise water, stunning fiords and we had fun over there with Mia. On the end of the road, there’s a very lovely camping site.

Stadlandet - it’s surfers beach and there were many surfers over there. It’s one of these unique places where you have to go down with a very narrow curly road and need to look at all the stunning views on the way. The only minus I guess is that you cannot stop there just like it, you need to pay. It’s obviously more than worth it! We stayed for the sunset over the curly road and it was one of these pure happiness moments.

Runde - unfortunately I did not manage to take pictures of the island as Mia fell asleep on my hands and it was carrying her around for about 45 minutes. After this experience I had to wait a bit before driving as I could not operate the steering wheel. The Island is beautiful and I definitely recommend visiting.

Alesund and Stiftinga Sunnmøre Museum- it’s a village which is a museum. You can check out how they used to live in Norway and it’s pretty cool. You can visit an old shop, check out the buildings or go on a Viking boat!

Trollstigen - this is a hell of an experience, especially for a driver. You want to go down with this road! Not up, at least I prefer not to with my 23 year old van. I do not have a support in a steering wheel and I did it! Just look at all these curly roads.

Atlantic Ocean Road - each part of this road is stunning. These are small islands connected by many bridges. All of them covered with green grass (most probably in the summer) and tiny houses. Behind one, there’s a ship wreck.

Trodheim if I only could sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a view. Meantime, I kept running after Mia, which was pretty awesome as well.

Foldereid we stopped here on our way on the ferry to Lofoten. It’s not a special or a popular spot, I just truly enjoyed the surroundings and took 1000 of pictures over here.

Lofoten - is a unique place in Norway. I will risk writing that it’s a must if you want to see an unspeakable beauty of mountains thrown into a water. Lofoten includes islands connected by bridges or not (so you need to use ferry sometimes, but you don’t need to, depends on where you go). I think that the most popular part is at the end. We got there by ferry and started from there. If you travel without a toddler, I believe you can make some awesome trekking. But I do travel with one and she prefers short ones, which means 15 minutes max. We stopped at a few stops, but to be frank, the whole drive is simply beautiful.

Å

Reine

Hamnoya

Sakrisoya

Moskenesoya

Leknes

Heenningsvear

Husoy, Senja - a tiny town located on a tiny island which creates a spectacular view.

Oldervik - town at the end of a road. It’s something what I am glad I experienced as the way over there was filled with horses and beautiful sunrise and I woke up to one of the most beautiful mornings.

Nordkapp - I wanted to skip this part, as thought that I saw enough beauty in Norway and nothing will surprise me. I was obviously wrong. Nordkapp is a must in Norway, at least from my perspective. This is a place where you can hang out with reindeers and I mean it. I woke up to them in the morning. They were sleeping in front of my camper’s door. And I give you 100% chance that you’ll meet them a lot :) The area is also beautiful. I wanted to go there for a day, but I stayed for long. I can totally see myself staying there forever.

[sweetmomentslove]

Norway Road Trip with a toddler

[j0sgomez-blog]

By Michael Lanza

So, you’ve been an avid [circle all appropriate terms: hiker/backpacker/climber/trail runner/skier/kayaker] for years, and now you’re spending big chunks of your days changing diapers and your nights wondering when you’ll sleep again. You’ve never gone this long without getting out into the mountains, and you see no remedy for that shortfall in the foreseeable future. Your new baby is more wonderful than you’d ever imagined—and yet, you’re feeling a little despair over what’s missing from your life lately.

I know where your head is right now. And I have good news for you: I’ve seen the bright light at the end of the tunnel, and you can get there faster than you might think. Here’s how.

My family on a hike in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

First of all, I know it’s hard to take a long view when you’re so deeply buried in the day-to-day management of a hectic life. But as a father of two teenagers, I can tell you that growing children race through development stages—each one very different—with blinding speed. While in many respects the infant and toddler years are the most demanding (and cutest), and can seem eternal at times, they do pass. In my experience, parenting keeps getting better.

But for now, you need some strategies for surviving the early years of parenting, when you face the greatest demands on your personal time—and your sanity. The following tips reflect what I’ve learned from more than 18 years as a parent who has always strived to get outside as much as possible—dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, running, paddling, skiing—with my family whenever I can, but also, at times without them.

My family at a hot springs while backpacking in Idaho’s Smoky Mountains.

1. Ignore the Naysayers

You’ll hear too many parents say things like, “Oh, you won’t be out backpacking/climbing/skiing anymore!” Don’t listen to them. These comments tend to come from people for whom getting outside isn’t as important as it is to you. They don’t understand your lifestyle or how much and how often you need to get out there—or how hard you’ll work at accomplishing that goal, no matter the obstacles.

When my kids were babies and toddlers I’d put them in a front pack or a child-carrier backpack and go for a hike by myself. My wife and I took them camping, dayhiking, skiing, backpacking, paddling rivers, and climbing from the time they were very young—even though it was a lot of work—because it gave us time outdoors and helped turn our kids into young people who now love backpacking, climbing, skiing, and paddling with us. She and I also took turns solo parenting to let each other get outside—for an hour, a few hours, a few days.

If you’re that type of person, that’s what you’ll do—regardless of what other people think or say.

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My kids inside a favorite rock formation at Idaho’s City of Rocks.

2. Hike Your Own Hike

That’s a motto among thru-hikers of long-distance trails, but the message applies just as well to raising children. Just as there are many ways to tackle a months-long hike, there are probably almost as many styles of parenting as there are parents. Just like setting out on a long hike, those first steps on the path of parenting can get bumpy. You’ll fall down and end some days bruised, sore, and wondering what the hell you’re doing.

Just figure out your own comfortable pace and what you need and don’t need; it doesn’t matter whether it resembles someone else’s approach. You’ll get there.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

  The pack of kids on a five-day float trip down the Green River in Canyonlands National Park.

3. Embrace Good Advice

As much as you must hike your own hike as a parent, you will also meet other parents—some with kids older than yours—who, by all appearances, are doing it right. They get out as much as they like. Their kids actually like getting out with them, and seem like great kids.

Get to know those parents; they just might know some tricks you will find useful. At the least, they’re probably fun to hang out with.

Don’t miss my popular “10 Tips For Raising Outdoors-Loving Kids.”

My daughter, Alex, age six, on a family backpacking trip in Grand Teton National Park.

4. Take the Kids Outside Often

Both of my kids went on their first hike—in a front pack on my chest—within a few days after they were born. That was merely symbolic, of course. But those short walks were emblematic of the philosophy my wife and I embraced from the beginning of parenthood: Our kids would learn that getting outdoors together as a family is normal.

We dragged the kids out camping, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, dayhiking and backpacking, paddling rivers and climbing (when they expressed an interest in the latter)—doing everything we liked to do with our kids, even though it often meant going much slower when the kids were little, and involved much more work. Even at home, whenever we had to go somewhere in town within biking range, in reasonable weather, we biked there.

If you want your children to share your passions, start them young and do it with them.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Find out more here.

Alex, age nine, getting lowered off a cliff in Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park.

5. Stop Worrying So Much

Before they were out of grade school, our kids had backpacked in parks from Grand Canyon to Olympic and among grizzly bears in Glacier; sea kayaked through wet, raw weather and camped on remote wilderness beaches in Alaska’s Glacier Bay; paddled among alligators in the Everglades; trekked through cold rain and wet snow in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park; rock climbed 150-foot cliffs and rappelled into and crawled through slot canyons; and cross-country skied through snowstorms to backcountry yurts miles from the nearest road multiple times. (My award-winning book Before They’re Gone chronicles the year my family spent backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, and cross-country skiing in 11 national parks facing major threats from climate change.)

Bad parents, right?

Yes, we worry like any parents. We’re hyper-conscious about safety and ask a lot of questions. We’ve always tailored family activities to suit their ages and abilities. We’ve abandoned plans and turned back on trails when necessary.

But every time we’ve worried that we’re pushing our kids beyond their abilities, they have risen to the challenge and loved it.

It doesn’t matter whether your family tries to do what my family (or any other family) does; establish your own comfort zone. My point is this: Don’t over-worry about the kids. They’re often more resilient and adaptable than adults give them credit for.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure in Yosemite and other flagship parks using my expert e-guides.

A family backpacking trip on Zion’s West Rim Trail.

6. Find Other Parents Who Are Like You

Before your kids reach school age and start choosing their own friends, their friends will consist primarily of the children they meet through you—the children of your friends.

Seek out and cultivate friendships with people who share your interests and have kids the same age as yours.

Do things with families like that and your children will likely become good friends, which helps facilitate getting all of you outside more—and which becomes more valuable as your kids get older and want to have peers joining your family on outdoor adventures.

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  7. Negotiate With Your Spouse

You and your spouse may not always land on the same page when it comes to decisions over how much time you each want to spend solo parenting while the other gets outside, or even the return on effort invested to spend a weekend outdoors with little kids. Discuss these issues together, respect one another’s needs, and figure out where you can meet in the middle to achieve results you’re both happy with.

Want this lifestyle for your family? Use my “7 Tips for Getting Your Family on Outdoor Adventure Trips.”

My kids on a backpacking trip in Wild Basin, Rocky Mountain National Park.

8. Sleep When You Need To, Play When You Must

Sure, over time I’ve come to the acceptance that I can pass on an outing when I really need some sleep—and it’s okay to do that. But on many occasions, I’ve squeezed in a fun climb, hike, trail run, or dawn patrol ski tour because I got up really early and knocked it off before my family had finished breakfast. I’ve always been an early riser and viewed the hours when my kids are sleeping as belonging to me, and I like to make good use of that time, whether at home or when we’re on a family trip somewhere.

“Get Up Early” is one of my “10 Tips For Getting Outside More.”

My kids on a family backpacking trip in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness.

9. Accept the Occasional Disappointments

Kids get sick. Your spouse gets sick or has to work late. Kids have myriad special events you don’t want to miss: games, performances, school meetings, unexpected stuff. It never ends, it merely occurs in unpredictable cycles. You will occasionally miss planned and impromptu opportunities to ride, hike, run, climb, ski, paddle—the very moments you look forward to, that bring you deep and powerful feelings that your life is moving in the direction you prefer. That’s naturally disappointing.

Get over it and move on. Rather than dwelling negatively on what you missed, look ahead positively to the next opportunity to get outside—it will come. The right attitude really does make a difference. And the happy times of parenting outweigh the disappointments.

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips” and “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes.”

  My family on a multi-day hut trek through Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park.

10. Most of All, Enjoy It

This time is fleeting and changes happen rapidly. While that’s true of all childhood—and becomes ever more apparent when they reach their teen years—children grow and develop with blinding speed in those early years. If you work or go away too much, you’ll miss out on entire stages of physical and emotional growth in your kids. Neglect to give them your attention, especially when they need it, and you may end up like the father in that old Harry Chapin song, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” with a son who grew up just like him—and now has no time for his dad.

I remember friends—who were expecting their first just months after our first was born—asking me what I saw as the biggest change in my life when we became parents. My answer: “I suddenly have this brand-new, most-important person in my life.” It has really proven true over the years. Now my teenage kids are my skiing, backpacking, climbing, and paddling partners—and getting better than me at the technical sports.

Lie down in the grass with your kid and watch the clouds pass by. You might be shocked at how much fun it is. As the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon once said: “Enjoy every sandwich.”

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[echutti-blog]

A visual treat on the way to Darjeeling

by Srabani Haldar

As we whisked past the crowd in Sealdah Station, Kolkata, towards the platform, our heads were abuzz with the excitement of the upcoming road trip. We were making an overnight train journey to New Jalpaiguri that night. It was the last week of December. When we reached the destination station the next morning, our faces were flushed with both fatigue and exhilaration. Having bought some snacks for the journey from the station shops, we booked a Travera on share with a group of college friends. Finally, my family (including my parents, elder sister and her 2-year old toddler) and I, along with the other group, set off for Darjeeling.

At the onset of the journey, the car moved through the urban town of New Jalpaiguri. We had been told that the total distance was approximately around 70 Km. It had taken us close to 4 hours to reach our destination. We headed west, towards the Tinbatti More, keeping onto the Burdwan Road. After a while, as we watched through the window, the roadside houses and shops quickly transitioned into a lush, dense greenery and green-grey hills in the distance. Soon, we all were gazing at the dark green trees and shrubs on both sides of the winding road we travelled along. It was not chilly, but there was a nip in the air. It was an amazing feeling when the breeze gently brushed against my face as I looked out of the window.

Not before long, the car was moving amidst something that looked like a forest. The road was not too wide in that part. While we munched on the biscuits and chips we had bought from the station, the driver told us that it was the 'Shukna' forest. The trees loomed over the moving car, tall with thick leaves. Absorbed in small talk, we did not pay heed to how long it was before the forest had passed.

The next notable place, I recollect, was Pankhabari. The road at this juncture was extremely narrow, steep and meandering. Some of us were uncomfortable because of the hairpin curves and sharp bends in the road. I must mention that we all were in awe of the expertise and ease with which the driver propelled the car through the critical twists and turns. The ethereal scenic beauty of the place, on the other hand, was captivating. This road overlooked the famous 'Makaibari tea estate'. Some dwelling places could be seen at a distance, which we assumed to be the Pankhabari village. As the car moved ahead, we felt as though the clouds were floating beneath us.

A mellow music played on and we were enchanted by the sheer beauty of nature. We had stopped at a small roadside shop here to have lunch and buy drinks. Next noteworthy place on the way was Kurseong, a more residential town than the places we had left behind. Though the weather was very pleasant, we began to feel a bit cold. Kurseong evidently looked like a major tourist attraction, as many plush-looking hotels came into view for the first time along the journey. We also caught a glimpse of the toy-train-track at this place. Some of the streets here were a little populated and seemed to have multipurpose shops. From here, it is mainly the Hill Cart Road (also known as the Tenzing Norway Road or the NH-55), which goes all the way up to Darjeeling.

Further in the journey, the fascinating mountains and valleys, wrapped in smokes of cloud, kept us enchanted and spellbound. I felt as though there existed only the road that we were traversing, in the midst of a huge void. Finally, I remember the driver mentioning the Ghoom area, the highest point on our route. There was a thick mantle of fog and cloud surrounding us and the scenery did not change much from here onwards. The final stretch between Ghoom and Darjeeling was around 8 Km. The driver told us that there were different roads leading to Kalimpong, Gangtok and the picturesque Mirik, diverging out from Ghoom. At last, we began our descent towards the town of Darjeeling and it took us about half an hour from Ghoom to enter our final destination. On a liitle extra payment, the Travera had dropped us near our hotel at the Mall Road, thereby putting an end to our delightful road trip.

Darjeeling conjures visions of snow peaks, serenity of vibrant green hills steeped in splendour, a land of breathtaking beauty. Been to Darjeeling? Share your trip experience by creating your travel blog. 

[sweetmomentslove]

Norway Road Trip with a toddler

[sweetmomentslove]

Norway Road Trip with a toddler

[sweetmomentslove]

Norway Road Trip with a toddler

[sweetmomentslove]

Norway Road Trip with a toddler

[whatshouldieatforbreakfasttoday]

Portugal Road Trip with a Toddler

Portugal is breathtaking. Travelling around Portugal made me appreciate each little moment. Morning coffee on a beach, looking at the ocean, tasteful veggies and, obviously, all the traditional sweets.

We went there in a high season and it was still amazing. Especially the Northern part of Portugal, which is very van friendly, people helpful and sympathetic, the views spectacular. It felt like I’m in a country perfect for me. My problem is that I love to be on the road. I do not stay in one place longer than 1-2 days, as I am always curious what's next. Tomasz got used to it, Mia is just like me. Sometimes, when we found a perfect spot and I want to stay for longer, she simply said "let's go auto". She's the boss. I also love life in my campervan, which is not as photogenic as the previous one, but I love it like crazy. It means, that when I wake up somewhere on the coast with the perfect view of the ocean and I can accompany it with a good cup of coffee - it's my private heaven. I do not mind a very small space, nor showers from a cup. But it's me, so if you prefer a proper pressure in your shower, there's plenty of beautiful and not pricy campsites.

To start with I just want to write that it’s almost too easy to travel around Portugal in a van. We stopped at a campground only once as there was no need at all.

Some more practical knowledge:

-internet is easy over here, you can buy 30GB SIM card which worked everwhere :D

-highways are paid, at some parts there are only cameraswhich take pictures of your vehicle, so you have to pay it later on. We did it in a post office.

-laundry - you have Inter Marche supermarket with washing machine and dryer and well. It'slocated outside of the store,so you can make loundry (20 minutes) and meantime get some supplies. Easy and fast.

-places, where you can refill water, get rid ofgrey and black waste are almost everywhere. There is this website that can help a lot, I mostly used this one. For water you can always stop on a gas station, it's usually next to the air machine.

-showers - we took it in a van (super easy to refill water and get rid of the grey one), but you can find some on a beach and on gas station.

-stopping for a night - there’s so many beautiful spots to stop. It’s really easy. At some point I could not believe that we’re staying in such unique spots.

-food - we did cook a lot as we like it. But, seriously, Portugal is so delicious that you want to eat out from time to time. Obviously prices in Porto or Lisbon are higher, but when we stopped in smaller towns or villages we had meals of our lifetime for a surprisingly small price. There’s so many things to try… You can also buy an octopus or fish from a fisherman and BBQ it.

Our route:

First stop was in Caminha - Vilarelho. There was this long and beautiful beach, totally empty. Just. Behind a corner there were groups of people. I remember being surprised that they all stay in one spot, when the other beach is so much better. I went back an hour later and the wind almost blew me away. Now I get it :D But still, the beach is amazing. I am not a sunbathing kind of a person, so for a walk it was great.

There was also a beautiful little town with delicious ice creams, pastel de nata (it was my first tasting after a break so I had like 5) and beautiful tiles everywhere. There was also a great market, but as I was holding Mia on my hands all the time, no pictures from there.

In this beautiful town, it was the first and last time we stayed at a camping site.

Braga - wow! This is a city with a history and it’s simply beautiful. I was positively surprised that there was not so many tourists. Easy to park a van - another surprise. We had lunch at Mini Sport, which was such a cool experience! Only locals, delicious fish and super nice owners. Mia loved the fish as well, so win-win. This was also the town where Mia gave her first public performance - she started to sing on a street, kept doing it for the next 30 minutes and asked herself to sing one more time constantly.

Agucadoura - has a beautiful long beach. This is a beautiful little town and we did not see any tourist over there for 2 days. Just look at this beach! I had the happiest moment over there, while sitting in the evening in our van, windows open, watching sunset. Just beautiful! At some point local men came to me and asked if that was my van. I was sure he wants me to move it, but he suggested a better place to park it. It was a much better place and he made us stay there two days.

Porto - you have a whole guide over here.

Cappella Sr. Da Pedra - beautiful little chapel on a beach. When I got there it was super foggy and it looked like a scene from a horror movie, so cool! It was 6am, I was there all by myself and I loved it. We stayed there for a night, in a parking next to a beach.

Sabrosa - we got there to see all the wineries, but it got to 42*C, even the wind was hot so we run away. But it was stunning for a moment. If you get into this area, go to Restaurant Veladouro in Pinhao, the food was amazing!

Costa Nova - this little town loves stripes and each house is covered in it. It was full during the weekend, but I can imagine that off season, it’s much calmer over there. They have a beautiful long beach, great street market and quite awesome spots to park for a night almost on a beach.

Piodao - it was a treat just to get there. The views were stunning, my ‘Sweetheart’ almost gave up a few times and we could drive only on 1st gear at some points. But we did it and it was worth it. Maybe it’s because we got there around 9pm and left before 10am, but there were no tourists at all. This is one of the most beautiful villages I saw my life. So authentic. I met a woman doing her laundry in a pond, she was so friendly with Mia. This is also the place where Mia met a tiny dog and decided to become best friends with it. She sat there, talking to it and refused to leave.

Obidos - town surrounded with a wall, you can walk around it and be scared, as sometimes I just wanted to glue to a side. Obviously, it was worth it. All buildings are white with elements of yellow and sometimes blue. Portuguese towns are so beautiful. We stopped there for a lunch break, but I can imagine that it’s really beautiful early in the morning, when there’s not so many people around.

Peniche- it’s surfers area and you feel like you’re in Australia. Boards everywhere, many cheaper places for a bite and great mood. If I was only surfing…

Ericeira - is surfers’ favourite as well. A beautiful little town not so far from Lisbon. I liked walking around the narrow streets and to find a tiny restaurant or a store. I also love that it’s all white with elements of blue. Very photogenic.

Praia de Santa Cruz - beautiful town, very friendly with an incredibly beautiful coastline.

Praia das Azenhas do Mar - this is one stunning town on rocks. It is super tiny, has an incredible restaurant facing the ocean and a small natural pool with the ocean water. In the evening you can observe fishermen and it is so relaxing.

Nature Park of Arrabida - this is something! Green, impressive with hidden beaches.

Comporta - it’s kind of a Portuguese Venice, but not at all. It is something that you want to see and experience. Long narrow wooden bridges getting you into fishermen boats. The sunset was incredible.

Praia da Vigia - another of my most favourite beaches. It’s located in Melides and it’s 40km long. There are hardly any people around and I loved it. Mia was running around, there was a feeling of space and you can do some horse riding over there! Can you imagine riding a horse on a beautiful beach? It’s the most amazing experience!

Porto Covo - this is a lovely little town. In the morning, fishermen go to look for octopus in between rocks and it feels homey. I hope to go back in winter and stay in Casa da Cabeca da Cabra , so I can enjoy walks next town ocean and feel the atmosphere of this area.

Praia do Brejo Largo -it was not easy to get there and to leave as well, we even got stuck. But it was definitely worth it. During the season the beach was almost empty, at least in the evening. It also is beautiful. You can walk around the dunes, which was pretty awesome as well.

Zambujeira do Mar - we all loved it! It’s a small town located on a rock and it’s definitely impressive. Beaches were cool, people friendly, the food good, beer cold ;) It’s one of my favourite spots, such a sweet vibe. We were walking around with Natalie and photograph everything possible.

Praia de Odeceixe - beautiful spot for a night, but on the other side of the river. We even put some lights outside as it was so stunning over there. The beach is wide and I saw quite a few surfers. In the evening, it’s empty and perfect to wander around.

Sagres - we mostly visited the port. It is tiny but full of life. Early in the morning you can meet many fishermen and they were super friendly. They must be, as they all take care of the many cats living over there.

Fortaleza de Sagres - beautiful minimalism, stunning views, awesome walk. Even Mia did it!

Sagres is also called the end of the world and at night the sky is covered with stars which you centrally see. We stayed overnight in Raposeira, on the rocks and it was definitely worth having this drive. There was also a man driving in his van around all the crazy spots where vans usually stop and selling fresh veggies and fruits (home delivery, well… almost).

Monsaraz - I am not being original over here, but, yet again, a stunning town. I could stay there for weeks, just to watch the sunset. It’s located quite a drive form a coast, but it’s worth it! Go there! It will be hot, really hot, but thankfully there are lakes in this area, where you can cool yourself down. We did :) I remember sitting on stairs, waiting for a table in a restaurant, chatting with friends and feeling happy.

Odemira - magical beach stop. Parking on a cliff, I can definitely imagine staying there for a night.

Praia dos Estudantes - definitely worth checking out and definitely very early in the morning, unless you like crowds. Lagos is a busy place during the season.

Almancil - our last stop. South is beautiful, but during the season so crowded that it made me miss north. Nevertheless, definitely worth seeing. I hope to be back, but this time of the season :)