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.
Wandering Jana Our brief exploration of Lagos starts with Santa Maria de Lagos.
Wandering Jana Very gloomy day.
Wandering Jana Pavement designs everywhere.
Wandering Jana The Porta de São Gonçalo, part of the Castle of Lagos.
Wandering Jana Forte Ponta da Bandeira, a more “modern” fortification from the 17th century near the castle.
Wandering Jana Lagos went all out for these designs in the pavement. I approve.
Wandering Jana Not even a 5 minute walk from the Forte Ponta is Lagos’ famous cliffs.
Wandering Jana I got to see just a small bit before it decided to rain again.
Wandering Jana Time jump to later in the day where I explored the area around the main shopping and restaurant area.
Wandering Jana Portugal is known for its tiled buildings. Kind of obsessed.
Wandering Jana Portugal is famous for its Azulejos, blue and white tiles. However, you can find tiles of all types and colors.
Wandering Jana 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.
Wandering Jana This day, by far, had the best weather of the entire trip.
Wandering Jana Such a dramatic landscape. The entire coast has a fenced boardwalk with viewing areas. I totally stayed on the boardwalk the entire time. /s
Wandering Jana Not a view from a viewing platform.
Wandering Jana Gorgeous.
Wandering Jana The famous Ponta da Piedade. Not well seen early in the morning.
Wandering Jana Absolutely gorgeous.
Wandering Jana 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.
Wandering Jana The lighthouse sits the the southwestern most point of Portugal.
Wandering Jana The views are gorgeous.
Wandering Jana Praia do Beliche. The rain came back for a while but blue skies shortly there after.
Wandering Jana 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.
Wandering Jana It’s popular for a reason. I’m so surprised I scored a parking spot.
Wandering Jana The most of the southern coast of Portugal has a trail along the dramatic cliffs.
Wandering Jana Beaches can be found along the coast. Most are pretty small and are in little coves.
Wandering Jana Some beaches are only accessible at low tide or by boat.
Wandering Jana I just couldn’t get enough of these cliffs, but I had one more place to go still.
Wandering Jana 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.
Wandering Jana The cliffs aren’t as tall here, but they are still dramatic.
Wandering Jana Here you can see how high the waves can get hitting the cliffs.
Wandering Jana Gorgeous.
Wandering Jana A door and window. This area is less developed and there are no fences surrounding the holes.
Wandering Jana Case in point.
Wandering Jana Dramatic waves.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a few photos from a couple of stops on the western coast of Algarve.
Wandering Jana Arrifana Fortress, a ruin on the edge of the cliffs from 1635.
Wandering Jana The views are just amazing.
Wandering Jana Hard to see but the striations in the cliffs are very interesting.
Wandering Jana Pontal da Carrapateira, a natural area.
Wandering Jana Apparently a very popular place for surfing.
Wandering Jana I was going to walk in that direction, but the rain started pelting.
Wandering Jana 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.
Wandering Jana 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.
Check out my next update where I explore more of Algarve!
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