Home to dramatic landscapes, white washed cities, and lots and lots of beaches.
Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. It’s usually the sunniest region and very popular in the summer for its endless beaches. I went in winter. A bit rainier, but the landscapes were even more dramatic.
Algarve is full of resorts and beach towns. The historic cities of Lagos, Faro and Tavira are huge draws. Hikers delight in all the cliffside hiking trails the area has to offer.
This post will cover multiple places I saw along the Southern Portugal coast, including Lagos. Faro and Tavira, also in Algarve, will be in the next one.
Lagos
Lagos has had a very long history of being controlled by various groups from the Phoenicians, to the Romans, to the Visigothic and then the Moors. Finally back in Christian hands in the 13th century. However, not much remains from this early history. There was a really bad earthquake.
Algarve was one of the most affected areas of the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake. The earthquake was a magnitude of 8.5-9, one of the worst earthquakes ever to hit Europe. No construction was built to withstand a normal earthquake, let alone one this strong. Cities in Algarve crumbled from the shaking, fires destroyed whatever wasn’t destroyed by the immense tsunami that hit shortly after the earthquake. It was said that the tsunami wave hit the top of Lagos’ city walls. The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake affected much of the country, which is why you can find a ton of 18th century architecture throughout the country.
Jana Irving Our brief exploration of Lagos starts with Santa Maria de Lagos.
Jana Irving Very gloomy day.
Jana Irving Pavement designs everywhere.
Jana Irving The Porta de São Gonçalo, part of the Castle of Lagos.
Jana Irving Forte Ponta da Bandeira, a more “modern” fortification from the 17th century near the castle.
Jana Irving Lagos went all out for these designs in the pavement. I approve.
Jana Irving Not even a 5 minute walk from the Forte Ponta is Lagos’ famous cliffs.
Jana Irving I got to see just a small bit before it decided to rain again.
Jana Irving Time jump to later in the day where I explored the area around the main shopping and restaurant area.
Jana Irving Portugal is known for its tiled buildings. Kind of obsessed.
Jana Irving Portugal is famous for its Azulejos, blue and white tiles. However, you can find tiles of all types and colors.
Jana Irving So cute little houses. I love all the bright colors.
Due to the questionable weather I had on my first day in Lagos, I decided to do all my planned hiking for the entire trip in one day, over 10 miles. I now laugh at myself thinking that was the most hiking I would have to do. The whole trip was hiking, except it was on pavement, instead of trails.
Jana Irving This day, by far, had the best weather of the entire trip.
Jana Irving Such a dramatic landscape. The entire coast has a fenced boardwalk with viewing areas. I totally stayed on the boardwalk the entire time. /s
Jana Irving Not a view from a viewing platform.
Jana Irving Gorgeous.
Jana Irving The famous Ponta da Piedade. Not well seen early in the morning.
Jana Irving Absolutely gorgeous.
Jana Irving From the other side of the peninsula. The trails go on and on.
Farol do Cabo de Sao Vincente
After the rain started in Lagos, I hopped in the rental car. I figured I might as well drive to a new location while it was raining. I was determined to get to the Farol do Cabo de Sao Vincente. A storm rolled through when I drove up the day before. I’m glad I went back.
Jana Irving The lighthouse sits the the southwestern most point of Portugal.
Jana Irving The views are gorgeous.
Jana Irving Praia do Beliche. The rain came back for a while but blue skies shortly there after.
Jana Irving Zooming in you can see the lighthouse.
Praia da Marinha
Marinha Beach is a popular area along the coast between Lagos and Faro. It’s a great place to do some cliff walking.
Jana Irving It’s popular for a reason. I’m so surprised I scored a parking spot.
Jana Irving The most of the southern coast of Portugal has a trail along the dramatic cliffs.
Jana Irving Beaches can be found along the coast. Most are pretty small and are in little coves.
Jana Irving Some beaches are only accessible at low tide or by boat.
Jana Irving I just couldn’t get enough of these cliffs, but I had one more place to go still.
Jana Irving Do watch your step though. Only the giant holes are fenced off. These go all the way down to the water level.
Praia de Sao Rafael
Sao Rafael Beach is an area near Albufeira. It’s another great cliff area.
Jana Irving The cliffs aren’t as tall here, but they are still dramatic.
Jana Irving Here you can see how high the waves can get hitting the cliffs.
Jana Irving Gorgeous.
Jana Irving A door and window. This area is less developed and there are no fences surrounding the holes.
Jana Irving Case in point.
Jana Irving Dramatic waves.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a few photos from a couple of stops on the western coast of Algarve.
Jana Irving Arrifana Fortress, a ruin on the edge of the cliffs from 1635.
Jana Irving The views are just amazing.
Jana Irving Hard to see but the striations in the cliffs are very interesting.
Jana Irving Pontal da Carrapateira, a natural area.
Jana Irving Apparently a very popular place for surfing.
Jana Irving I was going to walk in that direction, but the rain started pelting.
Jana Irving Povoado Islâmico da Ponta do Castelo. A break in the rain to see some ruins of a seasonal Islamic fishing settlement on top of the cliffs from the 12th-13th centuries.
Jana Irving Another dramatic landscape.
Algarve is gorgeous. However, visiting in January isn’t the greatest time for exploring it. So, if you can go in the Spring or Fall, visit then. The Summer will probably be a hellscape of hot weather and people.
Tune in for my next update where I explore more of Algarve!
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