When traveling, you start to notice the little things and gain an appreciation for places that have their own unique atmosphere. Seaside towns come with stunning scenery, crashing waves, ever-changing climates, and endless room for exploration and adventure. This is a look at moments by the water in Lisbon, Portugal, and Almáciga and Adeje, Tenerife.
In Southern Tenerife, I walked down the coast near the town of Adeje until I could not go any farther and listened to the waves crash on the rocky shore. The waves stirred first, drew out, and then came crashing back. You could see the strength of the current. Nothing has reminded me more of home than that sound.
Sometimes traveling solo can be daunting. You need to keep important items on you, stay vigilant, and take chances to go places and do things on your own. Despite the fears, it’s worth it. When everything quiets down, you realize how small in the world you are, knowing how much of it you still have to see — not even just through your own perspective, but others you meet as well.
This rocky beach in Lisbon stands next to a castle, where moss has overtaken the surface and waves smooth over jagged stones. Everyone on the shore walks out and explores the beach, each in their own little world. Some look out toward the water or bridge and observe the rocks, and each person seems to stop, admire, and make up stories behind the washed-up seashells.
The coast is quiet at 6:45 a.m. in Almáciga, Tenerife. Most of the hostel is asleep, and the occasional car drives by. Book in hand, I struggled to focus. The morning sun was subtle but there, and the cool breeze gradually woke me up. Very different from my usual city mornings. There was nothing left to do but close my eyes and appreciate the moment.
A little miniature model store in Casanaga, in northern Tenerife, was just one of several trinkets around the space. Instruments, books, longboards, and surfboards filled common spaces, and it all just fit. When traveling, if you can, go to that place that’s a bit farther out, talk to people, try things you can only get there, and take notice of the little things like this tiny house. You’ll walk away with priceless experiences and memories.
Castelo de São Jorge in Portugal gives stunning views of Lisbon's river in both directions. The area also holds a lot of history, and with some imagination, you can almost place yourself into what a typical castle day might have looked like when it was active. (P.S. This is a great place to pretend it’s your castle and appoint your friends as council members, archers, knights, and such while admiring the architecture and history.)
Lisbon’s Oceanarium sits right next to the water and showcases animals and organisms found in both nearby waters and from farther out, like this ray and Magellanic penguin. It offers an immersive learning experience. The Oceanarium also has several ongoing conservation projects that visitors can track and get involved in, so it is definitely worth a visit!