Hey everyone, and welcome to a new chapter of our trip here in southern Portugal. Before we dive in, I just want to thank all of you who have recently subscribed — it means the world to me, and I truly love connecting with you in the comments. By the way, you can now enable subtitles in your own language on my videos, which I hope makes it easier to follow along.

This trip has been a little different for us. Instead of rushing from one thing to the next, we decided to embrace the spirit of slow travel in Portugal. For me, slow travel is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about moving at a gentler pace, savoring small details, and letting the experience unfold without hurry.

In this post, I’ll take you along as we visit some of my favorite beaches, return to a beloved eco hotel, and simply enjoy the unpretentious luxury of slowing down in the Algarve.

First Stop: Praia da Falésia

On our way to the west coast, we made a quick stop at one of my absolute favorite beaches in Portugal — Praia da Falésia. Its long stretch of golden sand framed by dramatic red cliffs always takes my breath away.

We didn’t stay for long this time, just enough for Lara to enjoy a little play and for us to soak in the view before continuing on. Even short visits to places like this remind me why slow travel in Portugal feels so rewarding — it’s about savoring a moment, even if it’s brief.

Soon after, it was time to continue our drive toward today’s destination: a return to one of the most charming hotels we discovered last year, Hortas do Rio, tucked away on the far western coast of the Algarve.

Arriving at Hortas do Rio

When we finally arrived at Hortas do Rio, I couldn’t help but feel excited to be back. We stayed here last year and instantly connected with the owner, so it felt a little like returning to see an old friend. The hotel itself is simple yet beautiful, blending seamlessly into the surrounding nature.

Before I could relax, I needed to unpack. I know not everyone enjoys that part, but for me it’s soothing — like claiming a space and making it feel like home, even if only for a couple of days. Meanwhile, Joen and Lara were outside playing, which gave me a moment to quietly settle in.

I’ve realized I’m a bit of a control freak when it comes to packing and unpacking — it’s always been “my job” when we travel. And yes, sometimes a single colorful shirt out of place will bother my eye! But once everything was neatly arranged, I could finally exhale and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this little oasis.

Unpretentious Luxury and Poolside Relaxation

What I love most about Hortas do Rio is its feeling of unpretentious luxury. It isn’t about grand lobbies or polished glamour — it’s about being surrounded by nature, tucked away in a rural setting where life feels beautifully simple. There isn’t much around except a small village, the sound of birds, and open fields. And honestly, that’s exactly what we love.

Instead of rushing out to explore, we spent the afternoon by the pool. Sometimes the best part of travel isn’t chasing new sights but giving yourself permission to do nothing at all. The hotel grounds were so calm that we didn’t feel the need to leave.

As the day slipped into evening, it was finally wine o’clock. Joen took charge, pouring glasses while we sat back and enjoyed the moment. We don’t usually drink much, but there’s something about vacation that calls for it. Later, we spent time around the fireplace with our friends, talking until the night gently carried us to bed.

It was simple. It was cozy. And it was exactly what we needed.

Waking Up Slowly

The next day began quietly, as mornings always seem to do when we travel this way. Lara was up first, nudging me for her early walk. She’s not exactly a morning enthusiast, but a little stroll is always necessary. Joen, on the other hand, was still snoozing, so I let him sleep while Lara and I enjoyed the soft morning light.

One of the things I love most about being here is the connection to the land. Staying at Hortas do Rio makes me crave a garden of my own — the feeling of stepping barefoot onto grass, like I did as a child. There’s something grounding about it, something that feels missing in everyday life.

And then came breakfast. Oh my… the hotel breakfast here is pure heaven. Each morning the sweetest staff prepare a plate full of local goodies — cheeses, fresh bread, fruit, and simple homemade treats. Much of it comes directly from the property itself, grown right here on the land. Sitting down to eat, I couldn’t help but think: if this isn’t slow travel in Portugal, then what is?

Exploring Carrapateira and Beyond

From the hotel, it’s only about a kilometer and a half to the nearest beach, so we decided to walk through the dunes instead of driving. The path itself was beautiful — golden sand stretching out endlessly, with the wind shaping the landscape into rolling curves.

When we finally reached the beach, it felt almost untouched. Even though it was a Saturday, there were hardly any people around. That’s one of the things I adore about this part of Portugal — it offers peace where you least expect it.

Lara ran free, chasing her ball and exploring the edges of the water. Watching her play so happily reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to be about big adventures. Sometimes the joy is found in these small, ordinary moments by the sea.

We stopped at a tiny beach café hidden among the dunes for cold drinks and fresh juice. I couldn’t help but think about the effort it must take to bring everything out here. Yet, sitting with a cold glass in hand, overlooking the endless sand, it felt so worth it.

This stretch of the coast captures the essence of slow travel in Portugal — wild, serene, and perfectly unhurried.

Dinner in the Village

That evening, we wandered into the nearby village of Carrapateira for dinner. Even though it’s small and quiet, especially in winter, there was a new restaurant called Alecrim that had recently opened. I was curious — and hopeful — that the food would live up to its charming name.

The menu had an Italian-inspired twist, and to our delight, everything was delicious. From the homemade pasta to the simple but thoughtful flavors, it felt like a real treat. What struck me most, though, was the dedication of the people running the place. In a village this quiet, especially outside of the busy summer season, keeping a restaurant alive must be a challenge. And yet here they were, creating something beautiful for both locals and travelers.

Sitting there with Joen and Lara, sharing good food and conversation, reminded me once again why I value this slower way of traveling. Supporting small, local businesses and savoring simple evenings out is a big part of what makes slow travel in Portugal so meaningful.

Cafés, Beaches, and Coastal Towns

The following morning, we started the day at a small organic vegan café in town. Even though Joen and I don’t follow a vegan lifestyle anymore, we still love vegan food, and this place was exactly the kind of cozy spot I adore. Joen ordered an açaí smoothie and a slice of chocolate cake, while I treated myself to a chai latte. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and delicious.

From there, we drove down to Monte Clérigo, a tiny coastal town with one of the most breathtaking beaches. The entrance to the beach alone was enough to make me stop and stare — cliffs, waves, and soft sand rolling out endlessly. Lara was in her element, racing around with her ball, though we had to watch closely to make sure she didn’t eat too much sand in her excitement.

The day flowed slowly and beautifully, with no rush to be anywhere. We enjoyed simple food — olives, bread and butter, and a few gyozas — while soaking in the atmosphere. Around us, dogs played freely, families strolled, and the ocean set its steady rhythm in the background.

This combination of good food, wide-open beaches, and small coastal villages is exactly what makes slow travel in Portugal so special. It’s not about checking places off a list — it’s about letting a place shape your day.

Majestic Nature of Southern Portugal

Before heading back to the hotel, we made one last stop at the cliffs nearby. It had been five years since our last visit, and I had almost forgotten how majestic they are. Towering rock formations, carved by time and waves, stood proudly against the endless Atlantic.

This is what I love most about Portuguese nature — its diversity and power. Within a short drive you can go from rolling sand dunes to dramatic cliffs, from lush green valleys to quiet coastal villages. Every landscape tells a different story, and together they create a country that feels endlessly rich and alive.

It reminded me of when Joen and I first moved to Portugal seven years ago. Nature was the very first thing we fell in love with, and it continues to be the heart of why we stay. No matter how many times I see these views, they still take my breath away.

Moments like this also capture the essence of slow travel in Portugal. It’s about pausing long enough to really feel the place — letting the cliffs, the ocean, and the sky sink into you, instead of rushing past them.

Closing Reflections

As our trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel deeply grateful. This was the first vacation in eight years that wasn’t overshadowed by work — and it felt transformative. We gave ourselves permission to slow down, to rest, and to simply enjoy life as it unfolded.

The sun, the ocean, the land, and the fresh air were exactly what we needed to reset. Sometimes, to live fully, you need to step away from the routines of everyday life and allow yourself to breathe differently. That’s what this journey gave us — the reminder that slowing down is not wasted time, but often the richest part of life.

I even wonder if Lara felt it too. Animals have such a way of reflecting our energy, and she seemed just as relaxed as we were, soaking up the vacation vibe in her own way.

As we prepare to return to Madeira, I know I’ll carry these days with me. The beaches, the food, the quiet villages, and above all, the feeling of true rest. This is what slow travel in Portugal means to me — not just a trip, but a way of reconnecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.

Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Until next time, hugs x