I live in a popular European destination and these are the big differences that make Brits stand out at the beach
COME summer in Portugal, you can guarantee that the beach is the place to be.
As well as locals, the sands will be packed with tourists – many of whom are Brits like me.
Since moving to Lisbon in summer 2020, I’ve spent a lot of time enjoying life by the seaside.
And I’ve had plenty of time, from my sunlounger, to notice a thing or two about the differences between how various nationalities act as soon as they hit the sand.
This is how I can now tell the Portuguese and Brits apart from a mile off by the coast…
Beachwear
Stereotypically speaking, you can usually identify each group by the items we choose to wear to the beach.
The Portuguese often opt for understated swimwear – in more low-key colours and patterns – with practical clothes over the top.
In contrast, Brits tend to opt for bright colours, jazzy patterns and generally treat going to the seaside like it’s somewhat of a catwalk.
Add in if it’s a hen or stag do and then we’re instantly recognisable – with the locals normally avoiding fancy dress like the plague.
Sun care
We all know we should slather on the SPF at regular intervals on the sand, but the Portuguese tend to be much better at it.
They will religiously apply sun protection, spend stretches of time in the shade beneath an umbrella and avoid the hottest hours around early afternoon.
Brits, on the other hand, often underestimate the impact of the direct sun rays – and on most beaches you’ll see a burnt red Brit or three.
In fact, it’s such a regular occurrence that the locals’ jokey nickname for us is ‘bife’ – the Portuguese word for beef steak.
Activities
As well as our appearance, the Brits and Portuguese have rather different views about how they like to spend their beach time.
Many of us would be content to lie horizontal in the sunshine all day – maybe with a trip to buy an ice-cream.
Locals, on the other hand, can barely sit still – constantly heading in and out of the sea for a swim or to surf.
They also love nothing more than playing a game, with kicking around a football such a regular occurrence that you’ll get hit with a ball in the face at some point.
Booze
Just like a heatwave day back home is often cue for a drink for Brits, so is a trip to the beach on holiday.
When faced with a sea view, it can seem rude for us not to celebrate with several pints or another cooling alcoholic beverage.
In contrast, the Portuguese will usually be hot on the H20, and will depart the beach a lot less dehydrated.
If they do fancy a beer, it will be a Sagres or Super Bock, which come in bottles significantly smaller than a pint.
Picnic
Oh, and while the Brits will tend to refuel at the nearby beach bar or shop, the Portuguese like to bring everything with them for their sandy day out.
That includes a full-on picnic of homemade dishes, sometimes with crockery and cutlery, as though they’re dining on their own patio.
With the exception of a ‘bola de berlim’ – a Portuguese doughnut traditionally sold by a vendor who walks up and down the beach all day.
At the same time, the locals will bring beach umbrellas, chairs, wind breakers and cushions for hours of comfort – although, it must be said, we’d probably struggle to get everything on the plane…