Athlete Valeriya Gogunskaya on a lesser-known side of Portugal

Freestyle-dancing longboarder Valeriya Gogunskaya is forging a new skate community in Portugal, called Longboarding Days and Nights, and she runs her Longboard Camp on the country’s Silver Coast, north of Lisbon.

Living in Póvoa de Penafirme

I live in a small village called Póvoa de Penafirme in Praia de Santa Cruz, near the renowned surfing hubs of Ericeira and Peniche. Depending on the day, I can hear the murmur or the roar of the surf; I can feel the nortada wind messing up my hair, and I’m astonished every time I witness how our beaches change between low and high tides. This area is a natural phenomenon that is raw, powerful, and vast, offering space to breathe and miles-long coastlines to explore.

Top Activities for Visitors

The Silver Coast is incredibly rich with charming beaches and traditional fishing towns. Renting a car is advisable to explore them one by one. In Praia de Santa Cruz, consider:

• Hiking along the cliffs
• Visiting Porto Novo valley by the river
• Taking a surf lesson for an adventurous experience
• Flying in a vintage plane at the local aerodrome for a unique view

For food, Boca Santa restaurant is a must-visit for tender octopus (o polvo à lagareiro), grilled squid, fish soup, garlic bread, and sangria enjoyed on a terrace with ocean views. Afterward, you can unwind at Bronzear Beach Bar, enjoying music by a good DJ at sunset on weekends.

For snacks and delightful desserts, Max Café is a popular choice. Although vegan options are limited in our small town, the Max vegan burger is particularly delicious. If you wish to discover more, Alcofa Bio is a bulk store with a café that offers exciting pastries, nut butters, homemade cookies, and refreshing juices. For an authentic Portuguese experience, walk into a local café for a coffee and pastel de nata.

The Joy of Longboarding

I started my longboarding journey in 2014 while at university in Finland, inspired by the Endless Roads video from the Longboard Girls Crew. Since 2017, I’ve been dedicated to building a longboard dancing and freestyle community here in Portugal through events and camps. The docks of Alcântara in Lisbon is my favorite training spot due to the long, smooth surface perfect for skating. Whenever I seek a magical sunset, I return to the praceta in Santa Cruz, adjacent to the Boca Santa restaurant.

Exploring Lisbon’s Charms

In Lisbon, I always visit Copenhagen Coffee Lab for delectable sweet treats, particularly their buns with cardamom or cinnamon. The Santos area is great for strolling and indulging in some window shopping while observing the lively atmosphere at stylish cafés or wandering through the quirky streets of Alfama. Recently, I enjoyed a street-art tour with Street Buddha, which was an insightful way to discover the city while spotting impressive works by both local and international artists.

Other Favorite Spots Across Portugal

Last September, my friends and I explored Setúbal and Serra da Arrábida for climbing and kayaking adventures—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. For a refreshing change from the ocean, don’t miss out on the river beaches (praias fluviais) especially those located on the Zêzere River. One of my latest discoveries is Arouca in northern Portugal, famous for its long suspension bridge, Arouca 516, which measures an impressive 1692 feet. The area also offers scenic hiking trails alongside rivers with breathtaking views of hills and waterfalls.

Follow Valeriya Gogunskaya on Instagram @valeriya_gogunskaya