Darren’s Diary: Portugal + Azores
The standout of our recent trip to Portugal and the Azores was clear: their culture embraces families. When you have kiddos in tow, being met with a big smile, a fast pass to the front of the line, and a ball or some crayons, makes all the difference in the world.
The Algarve was the focal region of our sojourn. With Europe's influx of visitors during summer, Caitlin and I are always on the lookout for less frequented locales where authenticity still prevails. We sought out beaches nestled against the border of Spain to explore hidden caves, and lagoons, as well as small islands off the coast, one complete with a beachside seafood restaurant that seemed to conjure out of the salt mist.
The seaside town of Tavira stole our hearts—it held all the charm you seek from a European village without an over-touristed feel. Joining locals to watch a football match was a highlight for our soccer fanatic, Charlie, who turned eight on this trip. He was chuffed when gifted a personalized “football” kit and is now Ronaldo's biggest fan.
Our carefully selected properties included discreet kids’ clubs and activities that balanced providing outlets for the boys while maintaining a sophisticated feel. This allowed Caitlin and me moments alone to connect with fresh perspective during our time away from the cadence of daily life.
Off the coast, the archipelago of islands that comprise the Azores has remained relatively undeveloped. We selected São Miguel, the largest island, to pair with our mainland exploration. The island is brimming with unspoiled scenery ... rolling green hills (Europe’s only tea plantation), coastal cliffs, black lava fields, bubbling thermal springs, green caldera lakes, and prolific hydrangeas.
The Azores are a mecca for surfers, from hosting international competitions to providing surf school for newbies. The vibe is relaxed ... think tunes, cervezas, and watching soccer beachside. Further off the coast, the boys were enthralled by rare species of whales and dolphins putting on a show around our boat.
The terrain is a hiker's dream with abundant views from all footpaths. Opportunities to canyon down waterfalls and mountain bike abound. We chose to explore the island’s interior via ATV—I can still hear the boys' joyous shouts "GO FASTER"!