Portugal

Lisbon and Porto

In 2022, we traveled through Portugal, spending time in Lisbon and Porto as part of a longer journey that also included Spain (see Spain in the drop-down menu). Both cities offer an easy, welcoming introduction to the country, rich in history, full of character, and well-suited to a slower pace. Lisbon’s walkable neighborhoods, historic trams, and riverfront views invite unhurried wandering, while Porto’s compact old town, riverside wine lodges, and long-standing craft traditions reward time spent just a little off the main paths. Traveling mostly on foot and by public transit made it easy to support small businesses and enjoy seasonal regional cuisine along the way.

Azores Islands

In June of 2025, we spent two weeks exploring the Azores Islands, and quickly fell into their easy rhythm. Spread across nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, the days unfolded naturally—morning walks around crater lakes, afternoon soaks in natural hot springs, and scenic drives where the views were reason enough to slow down. Whale watching, coastal paths, farm-to-table meals, and small towns where locals still wave as you pass made it a place that felt both wild and welcoming. We explored at our own pace, spent most of our time outdoors, and left completely smitten—refreshed, unrushed, and already plotting a return.