Portugal trip 2023/2024: good and not so good

To put it simply: the beautiful or wonderful impressions clearly dominate.

What we particularly enjoyed, or rather, what stood out to us most positively:

• The friendliness and hospitality of the locals, in contrast to some other countries we've visited. They never made us feel like we were just tourists or intruders.

• A relaxed way of life.

• The smooth, anticipatory driving style of the locals, again in contrast to the other countries we visited. Many of our driving mistakes, especially in the numerous roundabouts, were readily forgiven.

• The landscape, especially in the Algarve, is certainly unique in the world and indescribably beautiful.

• Here, for example, is the Benagil Cave, which we explored once by boat from below and once on foot from above.

• Mild temperatures even in winter

• Ceramic tiles – azulejos – are ubiquitous on many houses and floors

• An incredible number of storks in every village

• Finally, sunshine and vitamin D again

• Indescribably beautiful sunrises and sunsets

• Impressive waves, especially on the Atlantic coast

• Numerous good tavernas offering mostly fresh fish

• Unlike many other countries, there seems to be a functioning waste separation system. Most small villages already have underground collection bins.

• Not least the now much-loved Pastel de Nata

What struck us as rather neutral

• Is that rural depopulation is also well advanced here. There are many empty, dilapidated buildings along the way. This isn't just in the countryside, but also, for example, in Lisbon. As our guide explained, this is due to some very protracted inheritance disputes with a very leisurely justice system.

• Like most major European cities, Lisbon is "great" inside and on the ground floor. But if you look one floor up, or even in the suburbs and the slums, it's simply "disgusting."

• There were a striking number of pushy beggars in every city or town we visited.

• Portugal, too, seems to be flooded with cheap labor from Nepal, Pakistan, and India, who have to support their families from here.

• English is spoken mainly in the tourist hotspots. Understandably, the older generation doesn't really speak English, and certainly not Spanish!

As you can see, the positive impressions clearly outweigh the negative ones, so we have decided to definitely visit the Algarve again.