Hello simply happy fam! It’s Travel Tuesday!
In this post, I’d like to spotlight my spring trip to the Algarve from a few years back. I have been dreaming of visiting the golden cliffs and blue waters of the Algarve again this year because it was so refreshing; it truly feels like a deep exhale!
Here are 7 places to find your own “simply happy” moment on the coast:
1. Take a Walk on Mars
You don’t need SpaceX to visit another planet! The red cliffs at Praia da Falésia are otherworldly! They look like a Martian landscape, and the contrast of the orange clay against the deep blue ocean is just… wow. It is especially magical at sunset when the red clay glows.
2. Visit Olhos de Água Beach
This beautiful beach is famous for its olheiros—”freshwater eyes.” At low tide, freshwater springs bubble up through the sand, creating little “eyes” on the beach. It is the most precious reminder to find joy in tiny, everyday wonders.
3. Shop at Local Markets
I love visiting local markets; they are full of energy, colors, and fresh local produce. Instead of buying “stuff,” look for one thing that serves a purpose and has a story and a soul. Head to the local markets in Loulé or Olhão to find hand-woven baskets or hand-painted pottery. It’s all about choosing items that actually mean something to you!
4. Hop on a Sightseeing Bus
Wait—is a bus “curated”? Absolutely. Intentional living is about reducing stress. Letting someone else drive the winding coastal roads allows you to actually be present and enjoy the view!
5. Get Lost in the Old Town
There is nothing more romantic than the white-washed walls, blooming bougainvillea, and cobblestones of Faro’s Cidade Velha. Wandering through history is free, but so restorative for the soul.
6. Go on a Dolphin Search
Being out on the water, feeling the salt air in your hair, and waiting for a dolphin to jump… there is nothing more “present” than watching a pod of dolphins break the surface of the Atlantic.
7. Explore the Benagil Sea Cave
The Algar de Benagil is the iconic sea cave with a hole in its roof for a reason. The light coming through the top of the cave is like a spotlight from heaven. For the best view, I recommend joining a small boat tour or renting a kayak with a group, as the currents are no joke!
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We’ve all had that one travel moment that impressed us the most. For me, it was walking on Praia da Falésia; those red cliffs are truly jaw-dropping. What’s yours? When was the last time you forgot to check your phone because you were so present?
