We rented a car from Lisbon’s airport.  At the intersection, there was a skillful juggler looking for tips. At this place we almost got into an accident not once, but twice.

Our goal was to drive south for three hours to Portugal’s Algarve region.  This southernmost area is a mecca for beach and sun worshipers.  It was favored by the Moors in 800A.D., and now by Americans and northern Europeans for retirement.

We drove over the Vasco da Gama Bridge which is considered the longest bridge in the European Union, over seven miles long.

We drove the turnpike roads.  We could tell that most Portuguese people do not use the turnpike as it is expensive.  We drove literally miles without seeing any other cars.

The terrain is hilly.  It was different than driving the American west.  Every so often there were dedicated rest areas with a gas station, bathrooms and a restaurant.

Our destination was the old town of Lagos.  I always think of Africa when I say this word.  Thankful for Siri, we did find our hotel after driving past it, Lagos Avenida Hotel.

We had a balcony room overlooking the channel and harbor.

Breakfast was a major highlight as the restaurant is recognized by Michelin. We could actually order steak or even Lollypop lamb chops, or both.  There was even champaign.

The pool area is extremely inviting, but the weather was a bit cool for March.

Our room was rather odd, though, as the bathroom and shower were enclosed in all glass.  I could see Kathie silhouetted behind the curtain!

Our car was parked across the channel.  We saved ourselves $50 by not parking at the hotel.  Two memories come to mind.  One was the small food delivery truck.  It just had this odd sense of humor.

The second memory was the “Charlie Chaplin” guy that played music all the time by the walkway.  I eventually talked to him and found out his native land is Hungary. He just loves Charlie.  I did leave him a few dollars.

We choose Lagos for its “Old Town” charm.  The streets were decorated in scenic tiles.

A number of buildings did catch our eyes.

At one end of town was an old fort, typical of many of these Portuguese villages.

We found a superb Indian restaurant, Delhi Darbar.  We enjoyed the chicken curried dishes.

On another occasion, we came across an excellent Chinese restaurant, My Foods.  They had the best sauteed vegetables and curried Shrimp.

There are many million-dollar condo’s now in Lagos.  We did come across this idyllic home from the past. It is probably still a million dollars as it had a view of the ocean.

There are considerable number of beaches and resorts.  Laced between the beaches are dramatic cliffs.  Lagos has their fair share of cliffs.

Our hotel had a huge picture of the famous cave of Benagil, which is actually east of Lagos.

 With the help of Siri, we actually found the top of the cave.  It was protected with a wooden fence with “Do Not Enter” signs.  Unfortunately, the ocean was rather rough that day and we could not even take a boat that would have left us off at the cave’s entrance. Most of the boats were up on the beach!

We did manage to make it to Praia da Corredoura.  An extensive boardwalk enables one to get up close to the cliff’s edge.

They warned you on not getting too close.  Also, don’t put your blanket where the beach and cliffs meet due to falling rocks.  People have hurt themselves.

 

Most of the people that travel to Algarve drive west to the southernmost point of Portugal.  As the famous Portuguese poet, Luis de Camoes once said, “Where the land ends, and the sea begins.”

Going through the town of Sagres, the road turns to Cape Sagres.  It was here where Henry the Navigator had his famous seafaring school.  A number of famous discoverers attended here like Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan (who was credited in circumnavigating the globe)), and Vasco da Gama who found the water route to India.

Henry helped pioneer a new ship called the Caravel and an instrument for navigation called the astrolabe. With each voyage that came back to Sagres, Henry would thoroughly interview the lucky sailors who survived.

Today, there is a fort from circa 1800 that comprises the area of the school.  Unfortunately, the real school was destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, which occurred only 50 or so miles from here.

For a few dollars, visiting the fort and area is worth it. In the center of the complex is a huge sundial.

Further west is actually the southernmost point, Cape St. Vincent.  We arrived on Monday and found out that the lighthouse was closed. All was not lost as we had this picture taken of us.

 We came back on Wednesday and everything was open!

We spotted fisherman 100 feet up casting their lines.

Close by is a plaque of a young German man who died off these cliffs.  It is not only a memorial, but a reminder on how dangerous this area is.

Not far from Cape St. Vincent is a fort where by legend, Sir Francis Drake, hid-out for a time.

Not far from the village of Sagres, we came across a shop that sold “plates.”  Yes, plates of all sizes and makes.  The shop was closed both times we visited—it was March and not the busy summer season.

 We did leave some unfinished business in the Algarve.  It did rain several days which was actually good as we both had colds.  Sometimes you just have to rest.

 

Our next adventure was driving up north to a Medieval town called, Evora. That story is in a future blog. Thank you for joining us on our Portuguese sojourn.