Algarve, Portugal
The southern coast of Portugal, known as the Algarve, provides an ideal weekend getaway for some sun and sea. The waves are unreal shades of blue and green and glisten in the sunlight. The sand is dotted with European vacationers and seashells. Cliff and rock formations line the sea for dramatic effect.
Beaches
Let’s be honest, the reason to go to the Algarve is to visit the beaches. Every beach we set foot on was amazing, although many are quite crowded. These are a few of our favorites:
Hike along the coast between Carvoeiro and Praia da Marinha- there is a trail that connects numerous beaches, it's a perfect day trip: hiking with beach stops and snacks along the way. The best beach in this journey was Praia do Carvalho (a beach we entered through a cave). Praia da Marinha was a beautiful ending point with extravagent rock formations.
Praia de Benagil - a popular (read: crowded) beach, especially for cliff jumping and boat tours. We started our kayak trip from here and took to the rocky seas for exploration of the Grottos, like Benagil Cave, and other secluded beaches such as Praia da Corredoura (common name: Dead Bird Beach). Go for the double kayak.
Lagos beaches – Although Lagos was too touristy for my liking, you can’t complain about the beaches. Our favorite here was Praia do Pinhao because it was smaller and less crowded, perfect for a morning lounging in the sun. Another worth visiting is Praia da Balanca which is easiest to access by boat, or you can do what we did and scramble down the rocky hillside.
Food & Drinks
Most of what we did in Portugal is eat, or find activities that in some way include eating. And this is for good reason, the food is amazing. Some places to visit and foods to try:
Green wine – The most drinkable of all wines, seriously. It’s a little bit bubbly and oh so delicious. We must have had 10 bottles on our stay here – you can get it at almost any restaurant. Our favorite place to share a bottle (or two or three) was Boneca Bar and Restaurant, a small establishment in the cliffs by the water.
Earth Shop & Coffee - Admittedly the most visited venue on our visit to the Algarve. This cafe served as a "work from home" environment, afternoon heat hideaway with sparkling lemonade, and best of all the most perfect European breakfast - soft boiled egg, assorted breads (yes, including a croissant), fruits, marmalades and honey, cheese (obviously), fresh squeezed juice and a coffee. My dream land. Inside they sell local goods and tasty treats to buy for later.
Vila Joya – Two star Michelin restaurant that we were fortunate enough to enjoy on our visit. The set menu included many fun surprises, local flavors and wine pairings. We sat with a view over the ocean and watched the sun set orange and the moon sparkle on the water as darkness set. An evening to remember!
Algar Seco - This was the hotel closest to our Airbnb in Carvoeiro and we spent time by the pool eating a delicious seafood lunch. For the view alone I would recommend a visit here.
Quinta dos Vales Wine Estate - A sleepy vineyard sprinkled with large sculptures, a perfect afternoon pitstop for some local wine tasting.
Mar d'Fora - Slightly upscale restaurant in Carvoeiro. I would recommend this place to try Cataplana, a local seafood stew served for two persons.
Mar d'Estorias – An old building in Lagos that has been turned into a home goods store with a café, bookshop, music room and rooftop bar. Definitely worth a wander through the building to see local souvenirs, like canned fishy things, and most importantly breakfast on the roof. The view of an older church and the large umbrellas under the sun make for a peaceful morning – not always easy in central Lagos.
Restaurante O Escondidinho – A local fish restaurant that is an absolute must visit. Grab a table outside and a carafe of wine (3 euros). Most people order the all you can eat sardines, which comes with a salad and potatoes. The fish are grilled outside and as soon as you finish one fish the griller delivers a fresh one straight to your plate. Delicious and great for interactions with the locals.
Don Sebastiao – Max got to eat a shrimp the size of 1/3 kilo. Enough said.
Other restaurants we visited along the way and would recommend for lunch or dinner. Make sure to try anchovies, the bread/olive/butter/pate combo, shrimp, swordfish, and really just all seafoods : Tia Ilda, Casa Lamy, Restaurante Pintadinho.
Restaurante 1692 - Our final day in Portugal we drove from the coast up to the sleepy mountain town of Monchique, known for the healing water, honey production and other local crafts. Here there are winding streets, small alleyways and hydrangeas growing around the numerous art studios. The drive itself is also beautiful and provided a varied landscape from the beaches we had grown accustomed to. The nearby town of Caldas de Monchique provided chicken piri piri lunch in the main square.
