Lagos Algarve - history, majestic coastline

As much as I like walking around towns I definitely came for the cliffs and the water, so when we were going to Lagos I googled in Farol da Ponta da Piedade so we could start off with a good walk to warm our legs and body up for a nice lunch.  :).  The views and walk were everything you expected from this beautiful country. 

Every where I looked I was awestruck.  My camera was clicking, archways, caves, rocks looking like they erupted from the ocean, beautiful tones of green and blue.  The coastline went for miles. 

There were lovely little boats skimming back and forth through the arches and around the rocks.  At first we thought they must have come from the town but they were actually at the bottom of these stairs  The only way to them was down the stairs and then back up again. 

Walking around awestruck can be a little dangerous, between looking around, taking pictures, whenever I turned around too quickly I had a little vertigo, which usually resulted in a little scream.  Jim, Doug and Lindsey thought for sure I was pitching over the side a few times.  I found I could stand near the edge, but if anyone walked towards me, whoosh off my balance would go.  Needless to say I did not climb the peak below.  I was getting vertigo just watching them, at one point there must have been 20 people and dogs on the point.  I was ready to vomit.  

These kayaks were towed out from the town and then towed back in when their time was up.  What a great way to spend a couple of hours.  Next time.  

This cat is thoroughly enjoying sunning itself at this restaurant.  Looking very relaxed for a town that was absolutely full of dogs of all sizes.   

Off to the town of Lagos for some exploring and most importantly lunch.  2 Irmaos (2 brothers) is a lovely little restaurant looking over the square and the water.  The food and wine were delicious.  

Needless to say this was not on my lunch plate.  :)

Lagos was famous for it’s contributions to the Age of Discovery.  Henry the Navigator lived most of his life here.  It also housed Europe’s first slave market in 1444.  With its coastal location Lagos was constantly under attack from the Moors, Spanish, and English.  From 1576 to 1755 it was the capital of the Algarve until it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake and tsunami.  Nowadays Lagos is one of the most visited cities in Portugal.  With lots of restaurants, bars and hotels there is always lots to do and you can walk everywhere. 

This is Fort da Ponta da Bandeira, built in the 17th century where the River Bensafrim enters the sea.  These forts were very important in keeping the Portuguese save from pirates and those dastardly Spaniards.  

New meets old.  

A very bustling town with lots to do during the day and at night.  Definitely where I would want to stay if I was in my 40's.  Or at least think I was still in my 40's.  LOL.

Benagil, Walk, Boat, Caves and a quick Dip

Benagil Cave another find on instagram and oh what a find.  Ever since I started seeing pictures of it on Instagram it has been my number 1 on my list of places to visit.  The fact that there was a boat involved was a bonus.  There is nothing better than getting a view of the land you are visiting from the ocean that surrounds it and is so important to its life.  This clever entrepreneur set up a shop between 2 cliffs and has boats running all day long when the weather isn't too rough.  I shudder at what it is like in the summer time.  I can't recommend visiting these places off season enough, you can definitely do more exploring and less waiting your turn. 

We booked right at the cliffs with the Benagil Tours Taruga and they were great.  It's probably a good idea to book online.  There are lots of tours from different towns, but we really loved this one. 

There were also lots of paddle boards and kayakers enjoying the water and visiting the caves.  The water was only 17 degrees, I was glad I was in a boat.  After booking our seats, we had a 2 hour wait so we went off to look at the caves from the clifftops.  An easy walk with amazing views. 

Looking down into the Benagil Cave, they have a fence around it but everyone goes over the fence to get as close to the end as possible.  Crazy when you think of it as I am sure over the years pieces have fallen off.  During high season you would probably be lucky to get this close to the edge. 

Nothing like lunch after a long walk.  Pescador looks down on the beach between the 2 cliffs, has a wonderful menu and wine list and lovely staff to go with the location.  I had a vege curry and Jim had a tuna salad, delish 

This is definitely on my list next visit.  LOL  I don't think I could even climb up the pathway.  Lindsey and I enjoyed just watching :)

Some of the cliffs have tunnels to get to them.  Now what's my excuse!!!!!!!!!!

And we're off these boats just skim along the water going in and out of the caves at full speed.  Thankfully we had a calm day and were a middle tide. 

There were big caves easy to get in and out of.  And then there were little caves that you had to put your heads on you knees and were pitch black on the way in.  I don't know how Captain John knew when to stop.  He had to time it perfect with the waves going in and out of the caves so he didn't hit the sides, or top of the opening.  Lots of laughter and shrieks. 

Let's make it totally perfect by adding in a lighthouse. 

This is the heart cave.  We really lucked out with the sky as well, so blue with white wispy clouds, everything was so vibrant. 

The shore was dotted with caves. 

This is the actual famous Benagil Cave, you can swim to it or kayak or paddleboard.  Next time. 

The colours were amazing, from the water, to the walls to the sky through the hole. 

There were so many beaches that you could only get to by water.  Definitely picturing James Bond lying on one of these with his current interest.  Now which James Bond would I pick.  Come on down Sean :)

Yes this cliff face definitely looks like an old man.  Captain John knew all the spots and added some local colour. 

The departing and landing were quite exciting.  Backing in at full speed and jumping on the boat in between swells and yes you do have to get in the water to do it so dress appropriately. 

We survived.  Now are we brave enough to go for a dip. 

Yes we are, 2 quick ones, it was mighty cold and quite choppy for a calm day.  I guess with the beach being between 2 cliffs the waves had a little more oomph to them here than out on the ocean. 

Our Bond Men.  If they had speedos on they would definitely remind me of Daniel Craig. 

On the way home we made a stop at Praia de Albandeira a beautiful little resort town right on the beach.  The owner of the restaurant was telling us that there was a big storm in early March and it took all the sand away from the beach which is why there are these little rock pools below.  It happens every few years and the townsfolk have fun playing in the pools and then a storm comes and the sand comes back. 

So many shells and so many embedded right into the sandstone.  Shows you how wild the sea is here.  Now we just have to find a rental right here for next year :).