Portugal is located in the most western part of Europe, and is often overlooked compared to countries like France, Spain, & Germany. During the summer months, many Europeans will travel for holiday to the Algarve region, located in southern Portugal. Local restaurants, hotels, and clubs come alive with music, sangria, and dancing. The jaw dropping picturesque beaches along the dramatic coastline are painted in an array of colorful umbrellas. This place has it all…romance, parties, relaxing on the beach, boat cruises, nature, outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, beautiful people, and some of the most delicious seafood my palate has ever touched.
I rode the train from Lisbon to Faro, rented a car and drove the coastline back up to Lisbon. There are many hidden gems along the whole Algarve region, and the coastline changes dramatically as you travel along the coast. I’ll take you through what i’ve experienced…
Historic Lisbon – A city dating back to the historic Neolithic era
Lisbon Aquarium – One of the best i’ve seen
Sintra – Masonic Initiation well, Quinta da Realeira, UNESCO World Heritage site
Descend deep into the earth step-by-step, passing through dark caves, only to be reborn again when you resurface to the sunlight. Perhaps “reminiscent of the Divine Comedy by Dante and the nine circles of Hell, the nine sections of Purgatory and the nine skies which constitute Paradise.”
Historic city of Faro – I walk alone at night meandering through dimly lit cobblestone streets, where the first settlements of humans dates back to Paleolithic age. It is the most southern city in Portugal.
Megaliths in Faro – Driving in the middle of nowhere
Praia de Cacela Velha – The ocean waters will create islands during high tide. A beach you can walk to during low tide, or take a small boat when the water is too deep to cross.
Praia de Arrifes
Praia de Benagil – Located in a small fishing village in the Algarve
Farol da Ponta da Piedade – Sunrise
Sagres – The most southwestern tip of Europe
Praia da Fateixa Monte clerigo
Praia das Adegas
Praia do Banho
The 5 speed Clio that took me through the Algarve, and back to Lisbon. Thank you for being good to me. I will miss you…
Portuguese Local Cuisine
Steve and Lydia – It was a great experience in Sintra together, and glad to be part of your adventure.
To the people I met dining at A Venda, sharing dinner, laughs, and conversation at a community table was a memory and experience I won’t forget. Thank you.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions around where i’ve eaten, and been. I’d be more than happy to answer them. There’s just too many places to write about…
Portugal, I’ll be back to visit your northern region one day…Obrigado… Saudade
Sincerely Yours,
Clifford S. Toy
Clifford Toy - Adventure of a Lifetime 