Discovering Portugal Through My Lens – By Roman Martin
My first photo journey in Portugal started back in 2018.
I remember Michael Chinnici, the company’s Founder and CEO, suggesting we explore Portugal and make it one of our pop-up photo destinations.
I agreed immediately, and we set our trip for June, just before the Iceland tour, yet another wonderful journey that I would love to share some other time.
I came with my family; that was the first time I had brought my family on a work trip. My son was two and a half years old, and I remember it was a massive challenge for us. Yes, we discovered that later.
Our first destination was Lisbon. We stayed at the Epic Sana Hotel, which was an excellent choice. Michael knows how to pick great hotels, and our guests know that. If you need a tip on where to stay anywhere in the world, ask Michael 😉
“Discovering Portugal: From Lisbon’s Historic Trams to Porto’s Ribeira – A Journey Through Time and Beauty”
Lisbon is full of life, a great city, and safe. People are great, and the country is amiable. It is the friendliest country I’ve ever been to.
Today’s Lisbon is a mix of modern and historical influences, each very evident throughout the city. Much of the city has undergone a renewal, providing modernization where it was needed. The old charm of the city are still very visible, and still very accessible. Taking the famous Tram 28 through the winding, hilly roads of the city is something everyone should do.
The cobblestones beneath my feet told me stories of a bygone era and invited me to partake in the beauty and magic that surrounded me
The “lifts or elevators” in Lisbon are basically funiculars that help locals and tourist climb the steep and long slopes that are so characteristic in Lisbon a comfortable and convenient way
In the heart of Lisbon’s vibrant LX Factory district, you can find more than 50 shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and bars
The energy of the LX Factory is infectious, and I find myself drawn back year after year, eager to witness the new talents that have emerged and the innovative creations that have come to life. It is a place that never fails to captivate me, and I am grateful for the inspiration it brings me each time I visit.
Since my first visit to Lisbon, I have made it a point to visit the LX Factory every year. This vibrant and eclectic space, nestled in the heart of the city, is a haven for artists and musicians alike. Each time I step foot into the factory, I am enveloped in a wave of creativity and inspiration.
The LX Factory is a melting pot of talent, with young people showcasing their products and performances for all to see. It is a place where passion and innovation thrive, where every corner holds a new surprise waiting to be discovered.
And so, the cobblestone street in Lisbon’s LX Factory became known as the place where dreams were made, where music reigned supreme, and where the beauty of Portugal was celebrated in all its glory
The golden sand stretched for miles, and the turquoise waters sparkled in the sunlight!
Our next stop was Sintra, a charming town just outside the city. The famous Sintra district, located about 30 minutes west of Lisbon, is beautiful. It’s filled with palaces, castles, and mansions for the Portuguese elite.
The Castle of the Moors and the National Palace of Pena are some of the finest castles in Europe. Sintra is known for its stunning palaces and gardens, and it lived up to its reputation.
The colorful buildings and lush greenery made for some incredible photo opportunities. We spent the day exploring the various palaces and gardens, soaking in the town’s history and beauty.
The small town of Cascais, located south of Sintra, was once a sleepy fishing village. But now, it serves as a popular destination for beach holidays. With plenty of excellent restaurants, a charming historic center, and a collection of artists’ studios, it makes an excellent day trip.
However, the best part was yet to come.
The National Palace of Pena stands out as the renowned jewel in the crown of the Sintra Hills. The surrounding park, in close harmony with the magical character of the palace, triggers emotions of mystery and discovery. In its nooks and corners, our gaze gets lost amongst its charms
There are numerous beautiful beaches on the West Coast, making it hard to pick just one.
The golden sand stretched for miles, and the turquoise waters sparkled in the sunlight. It’s not close to Lisbon; it’s a day’s drive, but we stopped frequently to capture Portugal’s diverse landscapes and cork trees. It was a unique experience to see Portugal’s beauty and diversity.
It was a hidden gem, and I couldn’t resist capturing its natural beauty. We spent a few days exploring the coastline, enjoying the breathtaking scenery, and creating lasting memories. If you want to see the beauty of the Algarve coast, you need to jump in the boat and spend an entire morning in shooting and sailing. It’s a bit of an experience, mainly because many small caves await you to explore them.
The golden sand stretched for miles, and the turquoise waters sparkled in the sunlight.
Nestled along the stunning Algarve coast lies the enchanting Benagil Cave, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. For many, it is the ultimate spot to bask in the beauty of nature and experience a sense of tranquility like no other.
However, even the early risers are not immune to the allure of Bengali Cave. No matter how diligently one may arrive at the break of dawn, the coveted spot is already abuzz with activity.
Nestled along the stunning Algarve coast lies the enchanting Benagil Cave, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
These beaches are fantastic for those looking to explore the Algarve’s quieter, more secluded spots, offering everything from adventurous cove explorations to peaceful retreats surrounded by natural beauty.
Next, we visited Porto, which is famous for its port wine and historic architecture. We stayed in a fantastic hotel near the center, and from there, we meandered through the narrow cobblestone streets, photographing the stunning buildings and lively atmosphere.
When visiting the charming city of Porto, one location simply must not be missed—the iconic train station. Nestled in the city’s heart, the Sao Bento Train Station is a true architectural masterpiece, boasting stunning “azulejo” tiles that depict Portugal’s intriguing history.
Porto, also known as Oporto, is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. It is the capital of the Porto District and one of the Iberian Peninsula’s major urban areas.
We stayed in a fantastic hotel near the center, and from there, we meandered through the narrow cobblestone streets, photographing the stunning buildings and lively atmosphere.
We visited the Livraria Lello bookstore, which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The Dom Luis I Bridge was the highlight of Porto, especially during the sunset. It is a fantastic structure and a marvel of pictures, and behind it are rustic and old Porto buildings—a breathtaking moment.
Nestled along the stunning Algarve coast lies the enchanting Benagil Cave, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
“Layers of Time: A Glimpse of Porto’s Historic Charm”
The Douro Valley could as easily be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic of its landscapes.
One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Douro Valley, a picturesque wine region with terraced vineyards lining the hillsides. The landscape was breathtaking, and I captured some truly stunning shots of the rolling hills and winding river. We also had the opportunity to visit a few wineries, where we learned about the winemaking process and, of course, sampled some delicious port wine.
As our time in Portugal ended, we reflected on our incredible experiences and the beautiful sights we had captured through my lens. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the historic charm of Sintra, the stunning coast of the Algarve, and the scenic beauty of the Douro Valley, Portugal exceeded our expectations.
As we boarded our plane to London and then Iceland, I knew Portugal had left a lasting impression on me. The vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality made for an unforgettable trip. I couldn’t wait to share my photos and stories with others, hoping to inspire them to discover the hidden gems of Portugal for themselves.
As a first-time traveler to Portugal, I was captivated by its charm and allure. Now, after several tours and hosting numerous guests, the excitement and beauty of this place still attracts me. Join me as I embark on another journey to Portugal in August 2024 for a 9-day photo adventure.
“Verdant Vistas of Douro Valley: A Tapestry of Vineyards Under a Sapphire Sky”
During my travels with PWA, I have used different cameras, such as Pentax and Fujifilm, paired with Formatt Hitech filters. These filters enhance the colors and tones in my photographs, creating a visual masterpiece that truly captures the moment’s essence.
Now, you, too, can experience the beauty of photography with PWA. Join me on one of our tours and try out the same cameras and filters that have brought my travel experiences to life. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to capture the world in all its glory with Photo Workshop Adventures.
Story by Roman Martin
