The Travelling Chicas: On the Algarve in New Year's Eve winter

Okay. So I went to Portugal in 2012 seeking some sun in the middle of winter. Lisbon was amazing. But then our plan was to travel south towards an imaginary sunny coast.

Ridiculous. Going to a summer place in winter is definitely not the greatest idea I ever had. And I have to say, I did feel a bit disappointed with having been that stupid. But it was my first year in Europe and I was full of ridiculous ideas back then.

Funnily enough I also convinced my friend Maria to come with me. She lived in Spain and wanted to do this route trip from Lisbon to Faro (Algarve), and sun tan. Well, not exactly what happened.

Let's say, in winter, summer places feel lonely, empty and depressing. The scenery in Portugal is amazing, as the coast line is impressive. However, the constant saudades brings you down. I was craving to be most of the time, partying in Lisbon, rather than alone in the beach with Maria moping about missing her boyfriend.

But we did end up travelling the coastline, and spent our rather almost miserable New Year's Eve in a place called Tavira, where I was lucky enough to meet Jurriaan, a good looking, kind-hearted dutchman who later became my boyfriend.

Bilanova

Cabo San Vicente

Tavira

Sintra

Places we visited:

Cascais - Typical beach place, however seemed a bit more lively as people live there all year round, as it's close to Lisbon. It's a good place, however did not love it.

Bilanova de mil fontes - We stayed in a beautiful hotel Hotel Mil Reys and ate amazingly well at Ritual. Really worth going. Argentinean couple were running the place and the food was amazing.

Cabo de San Vicente - it the most western spot in Europe with a beautiful view to the Atlantic.

Sagres - It's a surf place in the south/west part of the Algarve.

Lagos - a bigger city, however did not like it given that it was winter. Maybe in summer it has its charm with nice people around it. But at this time it didn't because

Albufeira - I don't think this was a nice place. It was a city prepared for english tourism. We didn't see much, as what we saw we did not like at all.

Tavira - This is actually the place we stayed for New Year's Eve. It was not special, however what made it different was there was a river separating the town, and that you were close to a beautiful white beach that could be accessed by taking a boat to this island. There was a small shop called casa de portas which was worth visiting.

Casela Velha - a charming small town where apparently Maddonna spends her summers.

Faro - quite charming however nothing special. Maybe in summer its's worth it. The mini stones floors were amazing.