Part of our “Latergram ” series. This trip took place June 2022.
PORTIMAO, ALVOR
Today we will explore the waters and caves of Portimao in the Algarve.
Join an Exciting Algarve Boat Tour to See Dolphins, Whales, and the Famous Benagil Cave!
We departed Portimão Marina in the early morning, the Algarve coast still in its soft pre-noon light, the Atlantic glittering beyond the river mouth. The 2.5-hour cruise, led by a multilingual marine biologist, promised two distinct worlds: the open ocean, where wild dolphins and whales move on their own schedule, and the golden limestone coast with its extraordinary sea caves. The boat cleared the harbour bar and turned west, and the cliffs began — amber and ochre, sculpted by centuries of Atlantic swells into arches and grottos and hidden beaches that are simply invisible from shore.
We were hoping the weather would have been more sunny seeing how it was the beginning of July. I was still able to get some great images of the weathered and rugged coastline.
LUNCH IN ALGARVE
Sadly, I must admit, I didn’t document where we had another fabulous lunch. Must have been all the wine that was flowing pretty much the whole trip.
What I do remember is that this small, family run establishment had a great table set up, plenty of delicious white wine options to pair with our food. And as you can see, I was a little goofy with the bread. But hey, have some fun while your traveling.
VALE DO LOBO
After lunch we visited a really nice little resort town right off the beach called Vale do Lobo. I had more pictures but apparently they didn’t all get uploaded or may I delete them but the area and properties were beautiful.
Vale do Lobo is a golf resort in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Vale do Lobo comprises one of the three corners of the Golden Triangle of the Algarve’s most affluent and expensive communities.
The community hosted the Portuguese Open, part of the PGA European Tour, in 2002 and 2003.
AP CABANAS BEACH & NATURE-TAVIRA
Tavira is a small city on Portugal’s Algarve coast. It straddles the Gilão River, which reaches the sea through the inlets and lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Tavira Island has a long, sandy beach, plus salt pans that attract flamingos, spoonbills and other wading birds. In the center, medieval Tavira Castle has city views. The Santa María do Castelo Church houses the tombs of 7 knights killed by the Moors.
Winding down another day here along the southern coastal towns was delightful. Warmer than we had expected, but lots of afternoon sun to soak in and enjoy our surroundings at the resort where we are staying. Might need to find a cold beverage and a hammock to chill in for awhile…
And that’s a wrap on day 9’s activities. See you back here tomorrow.
