Postcards from Portugal
What first pulled me toward Lisbon was the striking mix of colorful houses, terracotta rooftops, and those iconic yellow trams weaving through the maze of cobblestone streets. One reason Lisbon is a paradise for photographers is the sheer variety of subjects to capture. If you’re drawn to intriguing characters and candid street portraits, you’ll find them at every turn. Do you prefer narrow, winding streets lined with historic buildings? Lisbon has plenty. If sleek, modern architecture in open spaces is more your style, you won’t be disappointed either. Whether your aesthetic leans towards vibrant colors or classic black and white, Lisbon offers an endless array of opportunities.
A quick visit to this city in 2022 had left me craving more, and two years later, I finally made it back, this time, ready for a road trip.
In June of 2024, we set off from Lisbon, making our way down to the Algarve, eager to explore beyond the capital’s vibrant streets. And as a bonus, it turned out to be a surprisingly affordable escape from Brussels (won’t ever say no to that), making it all the more tempting to pack our (camera) bags and hit the road.
A city of colours, contrasts and many, many hills
We started the trip in Lisbon, a city that effortlessly blends its rich history with a vibrant, modern pulse. Against all odds (and my usual habits), I stuck to just my trusty Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 while roaming the streets. Shocking, I know. But let’s be honest, hauling a telephoto and a prime or two up those endless hills would have left me with more back pain than photos.
One of my favourite spots was Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most charming district, where trams squeeze through tiny streets, and every corner has a few different compositions for a photo. Once we ticked off the main spots, we embraced getting lost in the alleys. Graça, just uphill (because of course, another hill), felt like Alfama’s quieter side, fewer tourists, but more authentic opportunities for people-watching.
Pro tip: get there early for that soft morning glow… or just accidentally wake up too late and pretend you meant to catch the midday chaos (which was the case for us).
Another favourite was zig-zagging through Chiado’s lively streets before tackling Bairro Alto, where the grid layout made us feel like we sort of knew where we were going. By the time we reached Príncipe Real, we were rewarded with a quiet park, locals going about their day, and a perfect opportunity for a telephoto shot of the bridge (which I regretted not bringing at that very moment).
For a unique perspective of Lisbon, it’s absolutely worth taking the quick ferry across the Tagus River to Almada, especially around sunset. From the other side, you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of the city bathed in golden light. Plus, this area is home to some fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal with stunning views back towards Lisbon, making for a perfect way to end your day of exploration. One of them is Ponto Final. Hidden across the Tagus River from Lisbon, Ponto Final is a waterfront gem in Almada. Getting there isn’t straightforward though. You’ll first need to take a 20-minute ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas. But the real adventure begins after you step off the boat. From the terminal, a one-kilometer walk takes you past a stretch of weathered, seemingly abandoned warehouses. If you didn’t already know about Ponto Final, you’d never guess a restaurant awaited at the end of that lonely pier.
We made our way there around 6 PM, just as the sun was beginning to set. Even at that hour, the heat was relentless, and with no shade along the way, we arrived a little sweatier - and a little tanner - than when we started. But as the evening wore on, the temperature dropped fast. Before long, we were wrapped in blankets, sipping wine, and digging into fresh seafood as the sky turned gold and pink.
For those lucky enough to snag an outdoor table (you should really book in advance), the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The iconic Ponte 25 de Abril stretches across the river, Lisbon’s waterfront glows in the distance, and sailboats drift by as planes descend into Humberto Delgado Airport. At sunset, with the city lights flickering to life, it’s hard not to have an amazing experience.
Ponto Final, captured on film (Canon AE-1, 50mm f/1.8 - Portra 800 film)
Basecamp Sagres
Leaving the city's chaos behind, we headed south towards Sagres, chasing Portugal’s stunning coastline. You can take the faster highway, but the real charm lies in the scenic coastal route: rugged cliffs, sleepy fishing villages, and endless ocean views that make you wonder why you ever settled for grey skies and drizzle back home.
One of the unexpected highlights was Vila Nova de Milfontes, a charming coastal town that felt like the perfect escape from tourist crowds. Sadly, we had to cut our visit short if we wanted to reach Sagres before nightfall, because as much as we love spontaneity, sleeping in the car wasn’t on the itinerary.
Sagres became our home base for exploring the Algarve, and honestly, we couldn’t have picked a better spot. There’s something wild about this town, maybe it’s the relentless wind, the towering cliffs, or the feeling that you’re standing at the edge of the world. That feeling hit hardest at Farol do Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwesternmost point and, for me at least, an absolute highlight.
From Sagres, we took a detour inland to Monchique, a small town tucked into the mountains. The winding roads leading up to it were lined with cork trees and eucalyptus forests. It was a totally different vibe from the coast, more rustic, more peaceful, and filled with hidden nooks that made for some interesting street photography.
Somewhere between all this exploring, we stumbled upon Praia do Burgau, a coastal village so charming that we couldn’t resist visiting twice. With its whitewashed houses tumbling down towards the sea, it felt like a tiny slice of the Mediterranean tucked away in the Algarve, if it weren't for the crushing waves.
Why experiences will always outshine more gear
This trip reinforced something I’ve always believed: spending money on experiences - on traveling, exploring, and immersing yourself in different environments - will always have a more profound impact on your photography than simply buying more gear. I know I mentioned in an earlier blog post that I suffer from “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” sometimes and it’s true, but just bear with me here. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the latest lens or camera body will make you a better photographer, but in reality, the best way to improve your craft is to get out there and shoot.
Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, forces you to adapt to new lighting conditions, and challenges you to capture the essence of a place in a way that feels true to your own vision. And honestly, Portugal is one of the best places to do just that.
