Finding New Horizons: Erasmus Experience in Portugal – Part 3

Travel experiences during my study exchange

Today I’d like to share one of the biggest advantages of taking part in the Erasmus exchange programme – the opportunity to travel and truly get to know the country where you’re living during your exchange.

Portugal has a well-developed transportation system, and travelling by train or bus is a great way to explore new places. Every time I had even a little free time between classes, I would hop on a train or bus and set off to discover a new city.

During my four months there, I was able to explore many beautiful towns and cities. Each place I visited deserves its own story – and I’m excited to share a few of them with you. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be inspired to explore them yourself.

Costa Nova, a striped village by the ocean

Let’s start with Costa Nova, a charming fishing village nestled between the Aveiro Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Its full name is Costa Nova do Prado. Since my exchange took place in the city of Aveiro, getting to Costa Nova was easy – just a 30-minute ride on a local bus.

Costa Nova looks like a picture-perfect postcard. The village immediately catches your eye with its colourful striped houses lined up along the main street, creating a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for a slow, relaxed walk and just taking in the charm of these unique houses.

If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss the local market, as I’m sure you’ll find something delicious there. After that, you can head toward the ocean, where golden sand dunes and a long wooden boardwalk along the shore await. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful walk – or simply to sit by the ocean, listen to the waves, and enjoy the moment.

So, now you know about this small, cosy, and incredibly photogenic village with its colourful houses by the Atlantic Ocean.

Nazaré, the town of giant waves

Another place I’d love to tell you about is Nazaré, a charming coastal town. Once a quiet fishing village, it has now grown into a popular travel destination.

The town’s main beach is long and covered in soft golden sand, loved by both travellers and locals. It’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, or try out some water sports. Lining the beach, you’ll find plenty of cosy cafés, small shops, and restaurants. The whole area feels lively and full of energy.

Walking along the beach, you can spot traditional fishing boats and local fishermen selling dried fish laid out on wooden racks – a truly atmospheric and unique sight.

There’s also a lively town market not far from the beach. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth a visit just to enjoy the colours, the scents, and the authentic local atmosphere.

High above the beach lies another part of Nazaré – a district perched on a cliff with stunning views of the ocean. You can hike up there on foot, but the most fun and scenic way to reach it is by taking the funicular. At the top, you’ll find several viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramas that are simply impossible to look away from.

But perhaps the most famous attraction in Nazaré is its giant waves. From October to February, surfers from all over the world come here to ride these legendary waves – some reaching over 30 metres in height! The best place to watch this incredible natural phenomenon is from the cliff at São Miguel Arcanjo Fortress, where you’ll also find a lighthouse. Inside the fortress, there’s a small interpretation centre where you can learn more about how these waves are formed and see photos and portraits of some of the world’s most renowned surfers.

If you ever find yourself in Portugal, don’t miss the chance to visit Nazaré. It’s a place that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal

Braga is located in the north of Portugal, just 50 kilometres from Porto. This city is considered the spiritual heart of the country. It’s home to the residence of the archbishop.

The best way to discover Braga is simply to wander through its historic centre. It is almost entirely pedestrian-friendly and full of charm: cosy squares, ancient streets, picturesque gardens and, of course, countless churches and chapels. A walk through Braga feels like a journey back in time.

The architecture of the old town is beautifully preserved, and the many inviting cafés offer the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching local life go by. The historic centre is quite compact, making it easy to explore on foot and fully soak in the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere.

Just five kilometres from the city centre, nestled on a scenic hillside, lies one of the region’s most impressive landmarks – The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which you can easily reach by local bus.

This architectural complex is especially famous for its remarkable baroque staircase, with over 500 steps symbolising a spiritual ascent to heaven. As you make your way up, you’ll pass numerous statues, chapels, and fountains. And once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the city.

Braga is truly one of those places where it’s easy to slow down, let go of the rush, and simply enjoy the moment.

Final thoughts

During my exchange, I also had the chance to visit cities like Porto, Guimarães, Coimbra, Lisbon, Tomar, and the stunning Batalha Monastery. Each of these places holds its own special memories, but those are stories for another time.

This was my Erasmus journey, and honestly, I would say it was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. Discovering the world through the stories of other people was truly priceless. The programme offers a unique opportunity to be in one place surrounded by different cultures – constantly learning, exploring, and growing.

Once again, I was reminded of how different we all are with our own mindsets, habits, and ways of seeing the world. And that taught me to be more patient, more understanding, and, at times, more open. This time abroad truly shaped me and shifted my perspective in many ways.
It’s a beautiful thing that our world is so diverse and makes exploring it all the more fascinating. And so, the journey continues.