#Dona Ana Beach

[zeldadorkie]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[boring-themes]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[midwestspitfire]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[joseolivarez]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[fallenforfallon]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[arsleprosa]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[theoldbluerockpalaceshow]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach #Algarve #Portugal

[ignacio197]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach Algarve Portugal

[boplocal]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach Algarve Portugal

[fancyh-art]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach Algarve Portugal

[slice-thrice]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach Algarve Portugal

[uwgaragestudios]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach Algarve Portugal

[dawefincher]

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal

#Dona Ana Beach Algarve Portugal

[itspetraveler]

Algarve, Portugália

Március közepén, két hónap után újra repülőre szálltam és Portugáliát vettem célba. Már régóta szerettem volna elutazni Faro-ba és az Algarve régióba, de sajnos nincs közvetlen járat Budapestről, így brüsszeli átszállással érkeztem meg Portugália déli részébe, a "világítótorony" jelentéssel bíró Faro-ba.

Első este igyekeztem átvenni a portugál életérzést, csak egy kicsit sétáltam a városban. Alig voltak az utcán este 8 óra körül, boltot nem igazán találtam és szinte minden üzlet be volt zárva hétköznap.

Másnap reggelre kinéztem egy brunch helyet és ettem egy finom acia bowl-t, majd nyakamba vettem a várost. Céltalanul bolyongtam, csak pár épület volt tervben, "véletlenül" kis utcákba betévedve akartam megismerni a várost.

Faro-ban a tengerpart kicsit kívül esik a városközponttól, csak valamilyen vízijárművel lehet megközelíteni és mivel más városokba is szerettem volna utazni, így délután elbuszoztam Albufeira-ba. Egy órányi buszút után érkeztem meg az írekkel teli nagyvárosba. Szent Patrik nap miatt úgy tűnik mindenki ide utazott.

A következő napra készülődve gondoltam megnézek egy előzetest a sziklás tengerpartról és elzarándokoltam a Praia dos Arrifes tengerpart részhez:

Az előzetes nagyon jól sikerült, mert az utolsó napomon Lagos-ba vonatoztam és a terv térképem szerint szinte csak tengerpartokat jelöltem be megtekintésre.

Lagos 1,5 óra vonatútra fekszik Faro-tól Nyugat felé. Faro, az Algarve régió központja, azonban Lagos a legnépszerűbb a turisták körében. Jó ötletnek tűnt ez az utazás, és ezek a városok, mert sejtésem szerint nyáron tele van minden nevezetes kilátópont és minden strand.

A városból kiérve a parton haladtam és sorra néztem meg a sziklás strandokat.

Strand_1: Beach Estudantes

Strand_2: Praia de Dona Ana

Strand_3: Praia do Camilo

Strand_4: Ponta da Piedade

A strandok után még volt időm a vonat indulásig, így megebédeltem, majd sétáltam a városban. Megnéztem a lagosi várat, erődöt, templomot és andalogtam a kis portugál utcákban.

Este visszaérve már csak a pihenés maradt, mert másnap a gépem nagyon korán, hajnalban indult hazafelé.

Ez a pár mondat nem mutatja meg igazán hogy mennyire jó volt ez a néhány nap. Próbáltam feltöltődni, begyűjteni a nap melegét és pihenni - annak ellenére hogy több mint 15 km-eket sétáltam naponta.

Utazni mindig megéri! Új dolgokat, új helyeket lehet megismerni a világban. A legtöbb helynek van egy saját, egyedi megjelenése, varázsa, ezekre érdemes felfigyelni és megélni. ☀️

#portugal #algarve #weekendtrip #holiday #travel

[mygainyear2024]

Day 6 Lagos, the one in Portugal!

The sun rises quite late here, but it was light when I left the apartment at 7.50 am to catch the train to Lagos.  The streets were quiet but typically there were men wandering, men drinking beer (I imagine homeless), people walking dogs, a dude who hit me up for 50 cents after I said English! I followed it up with “no coins”! 

I thought I might see the Canadians I met earlier in the week, who told me about the monthly market in Lagos, at the train station and I did! I quizzed them about the safety of the cliff walk to Alvor. Apparently there’s the cliffs, then there’s an actual path! They told me about a café in the caves which I will check out.

On board, the ticket inspector came around and I said “it's on my phone” and got ready to show him, then he said “Jody?”…ummm I’m being monitored 😂 

The Lagos train station was very clean and so were the toilets, and I didn’t have to pay for any toilets all day!

Lagos was Eva's (of Upwork) first recommendation about where to base myself in the Algarve. It was interesting to compare it to where I am in Portimão. From my experience, a few days in Lagos would be great, but I think it's a bit far from other parts of the Algarve.

I did some research before today, first stop a latte, bypassing the markets, at The Studio Coffee Roaster, they roast their own coffee, it was fantástica at €2.50! I did walk past some market stalls along the river, so many fake cork bags! So that was one leg down the Avenida dos Descobrimentos. I then headed back and passed the mercado / fish markets, then on to the weekly farmers markets, then followed the google directions to the monthly gipsy market. Hmm a row of vans and stalls around an oval, mostly full of cheap crappy kitchen products, clothes, more fake cork bags etc. So a second time back along Avenida dos Descobrimentos, passing a really interesting outdoor women's art exhibition, to a recommended homewares store for authentic Portugese products (I purchased a pottery coffee mug to use now and a cute figurine - pictures tomorrow) and had a wonderful conversation with the store owner, which included a short conversation about Marilyn Monroe! I was keeping my eye on the time as I had a lunch reservation at Tasca do Kiko for tapas (recommended by Eva), before my boat tour; however the store owner indicated that I didn't make it to right markets. So I hightailed it for my second loop. When I got closer to where I was supposed to be and wondered where these bloody markets were I asked some people, they said I was heading in the right direction but it seemed to be back where I’d already been.  I said there were vans in a circle on an oval with cheap stuff and they said “yes, we call it the pants market!” I did see a few stalls with undies 😂

I asked their advice about an alternate lunch spot. I went to Artesão at the Marina for a fresh tuna sandwich and chips (very yummy) and tried to delay my boat trip as the weather had also turned a bit ugly, but too late to change. 

I met two young French women who were waiting for the same boat tour. They have just started their 5 month journey around Europe in a van, sounds wonderful, not the "in a van part, although it would be a step up from hostels maybe).

The boat was pretty small, seating about 9+ passengers plus the skipper and some other dude! The skipper announced the waves were about 3 metres high, I thought he was joking!! I'm so pleased I didn't have wine with the fresh/slightly raw tuna sandwich. We headed for Ponta da Piedade, about 2.5km south of Lagos. According to google it's a dramatic wedge of headland with contorted, polychrome sandstone cliffs and towers. On calmer days boats can pass through. Along the way we passed other interesting historic sights, original walls of the old city (the remainder were destroyed in the earthquake of 1755 which I keep hearing about) and Praia da Dona Ana Beach, according to the skipper, named in the top 10 European beaches (not sure what year, as it doesn't seem to be as recent as he suggested).

He also pointed towards Sagres, which apparently has amazing sunsets, I may get there and then 30 kms from Sagres, is the southern most point in Europe.

Then I headed back up Avenida dos Descobrimentos for my fourth leg to visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira (fortress) and another recommended homewares shop and GeIícia - Italian Gelato (another three scoops - speculoos (spicy cinnamon cookie), fondente intenso and salted carmal, before heading back to the train station (28,448 steps today).

I will go back to do the walk out towards that rugged coastline from the cliff tops and a set of 230 stairs down to one of the many beaches, and maybe the board walks of Lagos, and potentially get to the tapas spot. The temperature is set to increase to high 20°s next week though!

[algarvecavetours]

Navigating Paradise: Discovering the Beauty of Boat Tours in the Algarve

Exploring the Algarve by Boat:

Embarking on a boat tour in the Algarve opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to discover secluded coves, rugged cliffs, and charming fishing villages that are inaccessible by land. From leisurely cruises along the coastline to exhilarating excursions to remote islands, there's a boat tour to suit every preference and budget.

Key Highlights and Experiences:

Cave Exploration: One of the highlights of boat tours in the Algarve is exploring the region's stunning sea caves, including the iconic Benagil Cave. Marvel at the intricate rock formations, hidden grottoes, and emerald-green waters as you navigate through these natural wonders.

Dolphin Watching: The waters of the Algarve are home to a diverse array of marine life, including playful dolphins that frolic in the waves. Many boat tours offer the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, providing a memorable and educational experience for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Beach Hopping: With its myriad of pristine beaches and secluded coves, the Algarve is a paradise for beach lovers. boat tours algarve you to discover hidden gems such as Praia da Marinha and Praia da Dona Ana, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply bask in the sun on untouched shores.

Sunset Cruises: As the day draws to a close, embark on a romantic sunset cruise along the Algarve coast. Witness the sky ablaze with hues of orange and pink as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters – a truly magical experience that will leave you breathless.

Planning Your Boat Tour Adventure:

When planning your boat tour in the Algarve, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

Tour Duration: Decide whether you prefer a short excursion or a full-day adventure, taking into account your interests and itinerary.

Type of Boat: Choose from a range of vessels, including traditional sailboats, motorized yachts, and spacious catamarans, depending on your desired level of comfort and style.

Activities: Consider the activities and attractions you'd like to experience during your Private Boat Cave Tour Algarve , whether it's cave exploration, dolphin watching, or simply soaking up the sun on deck.

Seasonality: Be mindful of the seasonal variations in weather and sea conditions when planning your boat tour to ensure optimal safety and enjoyment.