Drinking your morning coffee on a top of a cliff while the fresh ocean breeze is blowing in your face and the sun is reflecting on your sunglasses as it is rising above the horizon. Sounds like a chapter of a book but was actually real and we were the characters, enjoying every minute of the breathtaking views of Algarve and all its magnificent sceneries. Because we were on a hunt – a pursuit to find the best landscape and a beach of our own.
For those of you that do not know, Algarve has won the World Travel Awards for a leading beach destination for a third conclusive year. The southern coastline of Portugal is a perfect spot for all types who seek an escape from their routine and steal time for themselves. Whether you are searching for hot and busy nightlife, enormous sandy beaches, historical attractions or (like us) breathtaking landscapes, Algarve has it all. And it did not disappoint us.
We are going to tell you the visual story of the ancient Cabo de São Vicente, the magical Lagos and its hidden caves and the colorful and lively Albufeira.
Warning!!! The following post might contain images that might raise an impulsive decision to book a trip. Not recommended for travelers and adventurists. In case of emergency, please visit the nearest airport in the area.
Post from RICOH THETA. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
This pure phenomenon called Ponta da Piedade is one of the nature’s finest creations. It is a breathtaking scenery of remarkable cliffs and rock formations where the warm turquoise waters of the Mediterranean sea flow into the cold flows of the mighty Atlantic ocean. It is the southern part of the city of Lagos.
Post from RICOH THETA. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Below the magnificent heights of the sandstone pillars, the headland of the place consists of fascinating sea caves and natural tunnels awaiting to be explored.
Unfortunately those areas are unreachable on foot, so the best way to get there is either to take a boat trip (that costs approximately 15 Euro) or hire a kayak to get there. You will not only get a stunning view of the hidden gems of Lagos but you will also enjoy the wonderful sea breeze.
Post from RICOH THETA. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
P.S. If you are lucky enough you might be accompanied by a fearless four-pawed friend on board.
Apart from the stunning views and beautiful cliffs, the vast coastline of Lagos offers variety of sandy beaches for relax and leisure. One of our preferences was Praia Dona Ana with its beautiful scenery and its crystal clear water. It can get quite busy, but it is definitely worth the visit.
Another must-see place is the Cabo de São Vicente (the cape of Saint Vincent) a.k.a. Europe’s most south-western point and once considered “the end of the known world” by the Portuguese sailors back in the 14th century. In present times it is a fascinating tourist attraction that is just few kilometers west from Sagres. The high cliffs stretching above the fierce sea provide an incredible view of the immersive Atlantic ocean and its endless horizon. In such moments you realize how tiny you are – a small human being facing the world.
Make sure your camera/phone is fully charged because those spots shouldn’t be missed!
Post from RICOH THETA. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
Don’t forget to visit Fortaleza de Sagres. According to legend, this is where Prince Henry the Navigator established his navigation school and primed the early Portuguese explorers.
Quick tip: Make sure you take warm clothes with you just in case. Because of the strong Atlantic winds it can get quite cold and sometimes cloudy.
Last but not least, we visited the city of Portimao. Once used for sardine fishing and processing, now the city is known for leisure and shopping tourism. However, we decided to change that perspective and show the nature beauty of the area with amazing beaches, caves and warm waters for all kinds of sports – surfing, kiting and much more!
Post from RICOH THETA. - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA
To summarize, Algarve was more than we’ve expected. It has shown us its many faces for just a couple of days – magnificent and thrilling; warm and welcoming; picturesque and authentic. Thanks to the long-lasting summer season, the end of October is pretty good time to book your holiday and start exploring. We already found some of the best places out there but there are a lot more to discover. Which one was yours?
360 Algarve boat trip from Hristo Dobrev on Vimeo.
You guys make me want to buy a one-way ticket to Portugal 😉 <3