The famous Algarve coast was next on our trip. We are spoiled with wonderful beaches in Florida, so wondered if the hype was going to be accurate. We found beautiful beaches that reminded us of California in terrain and temperature. We got to stay at a fancy resort located atop a cliff near a famous grotto that we later visited by boat. The local beach towns were fun to visit and I could see why someone who wanted a beach vacation would want to come here.
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| view from behind our resort, near Lagos |
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| local lighthouse near our resort |
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| main stairway at resort, a bit much? |
Our drive to Algarve area took us through farmland plains and corktree orchards. As we got closer to the southern coast, traffic picked up, as did the shopping centers, gas stations, radio stations playing top 20 songs. We already missed the quiet villages, but were curious about the draw of the Algarve. We arrived in Lagos where our resort, truly a resort - The Cascades - is located. We toured the complex (2 pools) and settled into our apartment before exploring. One of the advantages to this location is that it is on the cliffs overlooking the Grottos, a location we would realize is a destination. Itchy to move after the long drive, we hiked behind our resort, along the cliffs and down to the grottos and realized the local beauty.
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| view from our cliffs |
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| heavy waves at the grottos |
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viewing to the west
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| yes, you can walk down to the water, and swim....when its not stormy |
The Turk's birthday!!!! Dinner at the resort the evening of our arrival had some surprises.
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| tonights fresh fish list |
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| introductions to my fish choice |
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| fish is cooked, now being fileted! |
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| dinner |
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| Turk's surprise birthday dessert |
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| Turk even gets a candle |
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| exploring Lagos |
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| musicians everywhere |
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| side alley graffiti |
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| bachelor party? |
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| cute, popular family run restaurant |
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| Cataplana, Portuguese fish stew in a pot |
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| chef is 'the dad' and knows everyone! |
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| Lagos marina |
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| Lagos promenade |
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| lagos street art |
With rainy, windy weather, we toured nearby Algarve towns, Portimao (had a mall and we needed luggage to carry home the 22# family figs from Turkey), Ferragudo - a cute fishing village that seemed way more popular than we were led to believe.
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| Bridge to Portimao |
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| Portimao Storks...EVERYWHERE |
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| Ferragundo windy streets looking at marina |
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| tilework on local church |
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| Farragundo private home/castle |
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| afternoon cocktails - G&T, Aperol Spritz |
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| Storks take over Staples sign |
Finally the winds calmed and we got to go on a grotto and area boat tour after navigating around a marathon.
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| roads were closed so we did a lot of walking to boat |
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| kissing rocks |
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| heading under kissing rocks |
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| surprise holes everywhere |
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| seasoned sailors |
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| more arches |
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| glowing water |
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| Ruins along the cliffs |
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| hawk surveying for fish on the cliff |
More exploring along the southwest coast Portugal with open beaches, surfers, small fishing villages, national parks. Much quieter than the Algarve.
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| enjoying the views |
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| Carrapateira surfers, looks like Half Moon Bay! |
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| octopus and a view |
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| fishermen huts seem typical for Portugal |
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| Muslim fishing settlement 12th-13th cent |
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| Muslim/Moorish presence throughout Portugal |
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| Views along Carrapateria scenic drive/bike ride/hike |
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| reminded us of California |
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| despite dry crumbly soil, so many plants grow in the rocks |
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| so much pottery - thankfully store was CLOSED |
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| Paraiso Artesano-potter shop Vila do Bispo |
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| Sagres marina |
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| 15th century castle entrance |
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| attacked by Sir Francis Drake 1587 |
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| destroyed by tsunami from 1755 earthquake |
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| Entrance door |
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| Turk imitating Henry the Navigator |
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| Henry left for explorations from Sagres, here |
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| grounds are very rocky |
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| major dropoff, but fisherman had no fear |
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| deep water-filled hole within fort grounds |
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| interior of labrynth on fort grounds |
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| Portugues windmills - this one is now a residence |
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| 60% power from sustainable sources in Portugal, wind is big |
