A Belarusian created a project with authentic trips to Portugal — what's its unique feature?
For some time, Portugal remained in the shadow of other, more mainstream European countries, which attracted tourists from all over the world. But today it is one of the most popular destinations not only for travel, but even for emigration: warm climate all year round, ocean, food and nature to choose from, as well as rich culture and the hospitality of the Portuguese themselves.
Lisbon. Photo: Alexander Spatari / Getty Images
Kiryl Atamanchyk once fell in love with Portugal, just like many Belarusians who have been there – at first sight. As a result, the project My Portugal Moments was born – an authorial, warm guide to Portugal by people who treat it like a second homeland.
We asked Kiryl Atamanchyk about the peculiarities of these tours, how they differ from numerous online guides, and why Belarusians should learn from the Portuguese.
Kiryl Atamanchyk, creator of the My Portugal Moments project. Photo: personal archive
"We first saw Portugal somewhere around 2009, and back then it was indeed very underrated, getting lost among other destinations. But it's a country with an incredible concentration of history, light, and sincerity. By the way, in terms of their sincerity, the Portuguese are quite close to Belarusians.
There's no artificiality here that you sometimes encounter in popular European capitals. Plus, Portugal is a country that can offer almost everything you want: forests, mountains, beaches, the ocean, islands, history, cuisine, entertainment. All this captivates people, and now Portugal is already included in many rankings for tourists," says Kiryl Atamanchyk.
Retro trams — a Lisbon highlight. Photo: "Nasha Niva"
Photo: Westend61 / Getty Images
Initially, Kiryl showed Portugal to friends and relatives, helping them discover it. Gradually, this turned into a business idea.
"With like-minded people, we decided to create a service that helps people not just 'visit' the country, but live their emotional moments in it. Our project is for those who want to understand, not just 'be there'. This includes guests who come to Portugal for the first time, and those who have already been here but want a deeper experience. Therefore, our main audience is primarily curious travelers who value comfort, authenticity, and their time."
How the famous Portuguese dessert — Pastéis de Nata — is prepared. Photo: "Nasha Niva"
Azulejo ceramic tiles can be found on buildings throughout the country. Photo: "Nasha Niva"
Kiryl argues that while Google and artificial intelligence only provide information, they offer a deep experience, a complete immersion in culture.
"Artificial intelligence knows facts, but we know context and emotions. My Portugal Moments is not a mass tour shop. It's living knowledge of context: why this place is important, how locals feel about it, when is the best time to go and with what mood. We create routes through personal experience, mistakes, discoveries, and love – something that cannot be copied by an algorithm. Given that there is more and more artificiality around us, we strive for communication with people, their emotions, and wishes."
Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is a surfer's paradise. Photo: "Nasha Niva"
To book a trip with the My Portugal Moments team, simply contact them online. You will then be offered a live conversation to understand your request, and afterwards, a personalized proposal will be prepared. Applications are accepted in several languages – Belarusian, Russian, English, and Portuguese.
"We help with the route, program, logistics, and pre-trip consultations. The cost depends on the format (individual, couple, group), duration, and content. We don't work 'by template,' so each time it's a unique story. However, we do not assist with visas (that's not our profile)."
Kiryl says that Belarusians definitely have something to learn from the Portuguese – for example, the ability to enjoy the moment.
"Belarusians are very hardworking and responsible, but due to various circumstances, we sometimes lack the ability to simply sit on the shore, exhale, and watch the sunset, without thinking about plans for the next year. Portugal teaches you to take care of yourself and your inner peace. To appreciate simple things, to be in contact with the ocean, nature, and your own traditions. The Portuguese are very reserved at first glance, but sincere, delicate, and deeply humane."
Trips with the team are conducted in a "slow tours" format – where the traveler does not rush and enjoys the country and the journey slowly.
Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of the European continent. Photo: Botond Horváth / Getty Images
Currently, My Portugal Moments offers tours in Lisbon. Plans include Porto, Central Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores.
"The new Algarve region is almost ready for launch. If we have enough strength and time, we might open Alentejo by the end of the year," says Kiryl.
"It's worth noting that we haven't finished developing all the offers in Lisbon yet. We strive to personally visit every location we suggest. As you understand, this takes a lot of time. On the one hand, we aim for the widest possible 'menu,' but on the other, we create 'gems' that might appeal to a more niche audience."
Look for various ideas on how to discover Lisbon on the My Portugal Moments website. Or contact the project team directly – and they will help you make your trip to Portugal unique. You can write not only via the website but also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn – wherever is most convenient for you.
Comments
составить план путешествия по Греции на 3 дня для философа, интересующегося философией Древней Греции, и получил подробнейший план.
Я бы однозначно потратил лишние деньги не на "авторский, ламповый проводник по Португалии ", а на более комфортабельное путешествие, или просто на то, чтобы пробыть на 1 день больше.
Кстати, к статуе Аристотеля в Салониках я как-то добрался без помощи "авторских, ламповых проводников"