Estoi (The Algarve) – Trip to Portugal and Spain

Wednesday, November 29th – Friday, December 1st (2 nights)

A Drive Along the Algarve

For our one full day in the Algarve, here is a suggested itinerary based on this article, which presents a very enticing route:

I’ve basically reversed the order, as we’re coming from the other direction, not Lisbon.

We don’t have to do the whole thing; just as much as we feel inclined.

Faro

In Faro, admire the intricate (and sometimes charmingly deteriorating) architecture, including remnants of Roman city walls; visit churches like the 18th century Igreja do Carmo, famous for the Capela de Ossos, a bone chapel made from the skeletons of former monks;
“The Perfect Road Trip Through Portugal’s Algarve Region”, Condé Nast Traveler

Castelo de Silves

A possible side-trip between Faro and Lagos is Castelo de Silves.

The Castle of Silves is a castle in the civil parish of Silves in the municipality of Silves in the Portuguese Algarve. It’s believed that the first fortifications were built upon a possible Lusitanian castro, by the Romans or Visigoths. Between the 8th and 13th centuries, the castle was occupied by the moors who expanded it, making it one of the best preserved Moorish fortifications in Portugal, resulting in its classification as a National Monument in 1910.
Wikipedia

Here’s Tripadvisor’s review, where it gets there Travelers’ Choice 2-23. One review said “Absolutely beautiful place. Very small entry fee for what you get and well worth a visit!”

Lagos

In Lagos, spend some time wandering the city’s smooth, tiled pedestrian streets, browsing shops and restaurants. Beat the heat with some gelato while walking along the palm tree-lined riverfront promenade to the beach. Some of the most photographed beaches in the Algarve are in Lagos, popular for their unusual rock formations.
“The Perfect Road Trip Through Portugal’s Algarve Region”, Condé Nast Traveler

Lunch

Lunch in Lagos? Here’s a map with some possibilities:

Vila do Bispo

We pass through this central (and very residential) town of Vila do Bispo. On the way back, we could watch the sunset on the beach at the remote and expansive Praia das Furnas, a fifteen-minute drive from town.

Sagres

Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwestern-most tip of Europe

Sagres is a village in the less-developed southwestern corner of the country. Watch the sunset from Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, also the southwestern-most point of Europe, then have dinner at a restaurant on the way back into town.
“The Perfect Road Trip Through Portugal’s Algarve Region”, Condé Nast Traveler

The Fortaleza de Sagres sits atop a rugged headland south of Praia da Mareta. This fort dates from the 15th century and is unique in that it only contains one exterior wall. The rest of the fortress’s defenses were provided by the towering 200-foot cliffs considered impossible for attackers to scale.

Built to deter attacks by pirates from North Africa, the fortress was enhanced over time but significantly damaged by the tidal wave from the massive 1755 earthquake that flattened Lisbon and much of the Algarve.

These days, the setting is the biggest drawcard, rather than the remains of the fort itself. The three-euro entry fee gives access to a lighthouse, a small church, and a huge stone maritime compass that’s over 100 feet in diameter, likely from the 16th century.

There’s also a mile-long clifftop walking path with great views. Allow up to an hour for your visit.
“The Top Things to Do in Sagres, Portugal”, David Dean, TripSavvy

Praia do Beliche

Praia do Beliche is, as far as I can tell, a town with a beautiful beach, with rugged cliffs. This is facing directly out towards the Atlantic. I think they do surfing there.

There’s a restaurant next to the stairs leading down to the beach. Just follow the smell of seafood on the grill and pair your meal with a cold bottle of the local beer, appropriately called Sagres. Take a break from the beach and stop into one of the many ceramics shops in town for hand-painted plates, mugs, bowls, and traditional clay cookware.
“The Perfect Road Trip Through Portugal’s Algarve Region”, Condé Nast Traveler