Travels to Portugal: A Photo Adventure

Landscape & Environment

March 21, 2020 ·

Peter Dulis

Editors note: It might seem tone-def to post a travel-shoot article given the current state of things. This was written before our current situation. We hope it can be an inspiring escape or inspiration to plan for you!

Portugal is the hot new photo travel destination: Learn why …

Lisbon was ranked No. 18 on TripAdvisor’s 25 world’s best destinations for 2019; and Portugal made USA TODAY’s own list of 2019’s hottest destinations. GOBankingRates.com also listed Lisbon among cities where you can spend less than $100 per day. So why is Portugal such a hot destination for travelers? Well, it’s got a gorgeous landscape, friendly people and it’s inexpensive.

The best time to visit Portugal is either from March to May or September to October, because the weather is still warm, hotel rates are cheaper and there are fewer crowds than in summer.

All photos were taken with either my Canon EOS 6D camera using a collection of my favourite lens – EF-16-35mm F/4L IS USM / EF-24-105mm f/4L IS USM / EF-70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.
Hope you enjoy the photos!

Lagos Portugal Sunrise

This photo was taken with my Apple iPhone 7 – just goes to prove that fabulous photos can be taken with just about any camera or iPhone – the key is to follow the light and a learn a few elements of composition.

There are so many stunningly beautiful places in Portugal. From mountains to sea cliffs, to the beaches and wonderful coastlines.

Portugal’s coastline – A land of extremes

Portugal is also one of the safest European countries and crimes rates are very low. It is ranked 13th in the ranking of world’s safest countries. After doing much research, we found that Airbnb type rooms were readily available all over Portugal at great rates. We stayed in Lisbon for a few nights for $193 Cad. per night for 2-bedroom, 2 baths at the heart of old historical Lisbon. We afterward travelled down to Lagos in the Algarve region and stayed in a 2-bedroom apartment right by the marine within walking distance to the beach for $95 Cad. per night. Split between 2 couples, that was a bargain. Portugal has so much to offer, from the fabulous Port wineries to the landscapes, to the dining – and all for a very reasonable price.

Portugal prides itself in being a land of extremes. Jagged black cliffs bookend this picture-perfect beach. We caught the last summer sun as we visited Portugal’s stunning coastline. In Sagres, where Europe dissolves into the ocean, there is a rugged coastline with stunning beaches. This photo was taken from on top of the cliffs with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-70-200mm lens; in AV mode; at f/18 with an ISO setting of 100.

Sunrise Over Lagos Marina

Lagos is a fishing town and has been for thousands of years. The sunrise over the marina was spectacular. We stayed about 5 minutes away at an Airbnb. At night time the marina is lined with restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day. I love this place. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-24-105mm lens; in AV mode; at f/11 with an ISO setting of 5000.

Lagos Sunrise

The town of Lagos is situated on the beautiful western Algarve region in Portugal. The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland are one of the finest natural features of the Algarve. I wandered out early and climbed down to sea level to capture the sunrise. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-24-105mm lens; in manual mode; at f/22 with an ISO setting of 500, 6 sec exposure with 10 stop ND filter on tripod.

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade Sunrise

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade have fantastical rock formations which feature majestic 20-metre- high ochre cliffs, calm green-blue waters and some of the most stunning rock formations, sea arches and caves that you will ever see. I got up early in the morning to scout out this area and start shooting before the sun came up. I was surprised to find many early risers had gotten up early to see the same thing. I always love it when I can capture a silhouette of people to add into my landscape photos. It gives a bit of a perspective. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-16-35mm lens; in TV mode; at f/4 with an ISO setting of 1600, 1/100 sec exposure.

Magical Skies of Ponta da Piedade Cliffs

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland are one of the finest natural features of the Algarve. This dramatic limestone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-24-105mm lens; in AV mode; at f/11 with an ISO setting of 125, 1/40 sec exposure.

The Lighthouse of Ponta de Sagres

Portugal’s “end of the road” is found at windy Cape St. Vincent – the most southwestern tip of Europe. The Lighthouse of Ponta de Sagres sits on the very edge of the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and has a beautiful windswept and remote feel about it. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-16-35mm lens; in AV mode; at f/18 with an ISO setting of 100, 1/30 sec exposure.

Praia do Camilo Beach

The Praia do Camilo beach is idyllic, set amidst the golden cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland, the sands are soft and golden, and the sea waters calm and crystal-clear. To get to Praia do Camilo, you have to descend down a long wooden flight of stairs of about 200 steps. I loved going here early in the morning and waiting for the golden glow to rise up over the ocean. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-16-35mm lens; in AV mode; at f/11 with an ISO setting of 3200, 1/40 sec exposure.

Praia do Camilo Beach tunnel

Praia do Camilo consists of two small beaches that are connected through a cave hole tunnel. There were fabulous photo opportunities as I climbed through the various tunnels. Here the tide was sweeping in and out, almost filling the tunnel. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-16-35mm lens; in AV mode; at f/18 with an ISO setting of 2000, 1/30 sec exposure.

Praia do Camilo Beach

As you climb down the flight of 200 wooden steps – this is what awaits you. I love to get up early in the morning and to explore the wonders of God’s creation. You never know what you’ll come across. Sometimes you can plan to be in the right spot at the right time – other times its serendipity and the magic just happens. To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-16-35mm lens; in manual mode; at f/9 with an ISO setting of 100, 30 sec exposure with 10 stop ND filter on tripod.

Whimsical Castles in Sintra

The village of Sintra, just outside Portugal captivated me from the moment I first saw its whimsical architecture and gorgeous scenery. It’s castles and surrounding area looks like a fairy-tale fantasy. With over ten national monuments to visit in this relatively small town, Sintra is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in all of Portugal. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF- 24-105mm lens; in AV mode; at f/11 with an ISO setting of 100, 1/250 sec exposure.

The Iconic Yellow Streetcars of Lisbon

The Lisbon trams are one of the best ways to move around Lisbon and are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The mustard-yellow streetcars are truly one of its most iconic symbols. Be prepared to walk a lot up and down hills. This photo was taken with my Canon 6D camera with an EF-24-105mm lens; in AV mode; at f/5.6 with an ISO setting of 100.

Lisbon Sunset

As we left Portugal, we had a great dinner at this lovely restaurant right by the tree. As we watched the sun go down, we bid farewell to Portugal. We will take back many fond memories of this fabulous place. This beautiful country is bathed in natural beauty and there are an abundance of unbelievable panoramas and views just waiting to be discovered. If you are looking for something special – check out Portugal.

We hope you enjoyed our adventures to Portugal and will stay in touch with us.

Peter Dulis is an award-winning photographer & large format-printing executive having worked with Canon Canada for the last 14 years. “I’ve had the chance to meet & work with some incredible people in the industry. Photography isn’t just about making photographs; it’s about choosing a life of curiosity, exploration, and wonder, immersing yourself in the world around you. Follow us on our adventures –

www.photographyadventures.ca

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Peter Dulis

March 2020

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Peter Dulis

See all articles by Peter Dulis

Peter Dulis is a Canadian photographer and visual storyteller living in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been published in a number of magazines such as Graphic Arts Magazine, Visual Wilderness, Luminous Landscape, Photo News and has been recognized for photography excellence. “I’ve had the chance to meet & work with some incredible people in the industry. Photography isn’t just about making photographs; it’s about choosing a life of curiosity, exploration, and wonder, immersing yourself in the world around you.” Peter shares many of his tips and techniques in his monthly newsletter https://photographyadventures.ca/newsletter-sign-up/