Blogs from Lagos, Algarve, Portugal, Europe - page 12

Advertisement

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos February 8th 2008

We´re finally bestrirring ourselves to get out on the road somewhat. Two of the places we´ve recently visited are Sagres and Monchique. Sagres is where Henry the Navigator set up his famous School of Navigation in the 16th century. He´d gathered the best minds in Europe to study navigation, which started Portugal's ability to explore so much of the world. They believe his school was out on a promitory of land on the southwestern corner of Portugal (and Europe), called Ponta de Sagres. We visited the site last year and found nothing left of the school itself. This year I learned, to my horror, that it was one of my purported ancestors, Sir Francis Drake, who sacked the place in 1587 and burned Henry´s library to the ground! That is truly awful news. This year we ... read more
Praia da Mareta
Praia de Baleeria
Centro Fountain

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos February 5th 2008

My sincerest apologies for not writing sooner. There is something about this place that just mesmerizes us. Whereas in Funchal there was a definite beat to the city and I wanted a routine; here, there is no schedule, routine, or desire to make plans. We are just so happy to BE here. A word about where we are: The Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal, Western Algarve is the least developed area where cliffs dominate the coastline, but you can find lovely, unspoiled beaches; and Luz is the village we´re staying in that has a lovely beach. The landscape is rough and hilly. Right now the almond trees are blooming so everywhere you go you see clouds of pink or white. The ground is mostly green because of winter rains, but I suspect that come ... read more
Almond Trees
Don Sitting at Beach
Fish Market

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos August 29th 2007

I have decided that the Algarve coastline in Portugal is heaven on earth! If you havent been there, add it to your list of places to go, but don't tell anyone else, as it is not that touristy yet!!! The combination of specacular coastline, rugged cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear water and awesome food made our time in the Algarve very enjoyable. It was also hot and sunny each day which made going to the beach very easy!! Instead of my usual account of happenings I have decided to group things into 2 categories - beaches/ outings and food. That's practically all we did - visit beaches and eat. Oh, and there was some drinking and eating in there too! We based ourselves in Lagos and hired a car which was a great move as ... read more
Wallabies training hard in Lagos
Wallabies jumping off rocks
Arty beach shot by Dan

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos August 28th 2007

So we boarded our bus for the looooong (it ended up being almost five hours-and that was the express bus) ride to Lagos, on the Algarve Coast of Portugal. We were worried about the weather, since it poured for the first half of the ride, but the closer we got to the Portuguese border, the sunnier it became. We crossed over a spectacular suspension bridge and into Portugal. When we finally arrived at the Lagos bus station, an old man approached us asking if we needed a room. I am pleased to report that I havve discovered that I can understand Portuguese perfectly well, though I have a hard time making myself understood! At any rate, we were a little wary of this man, but we saw the room, which was good enough and in a ... read more
Sailboat in Lagos
Fishing Boat
The Beach

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos August 27th 2007

So Liz finished off the last blog in Madrid. Next stop on our short tour of Spain was delightful Seville. Despite its stifling heat, this has to be one of my favourite places so far with an interesting mixture of Muslim and Christian cultures not seen in European cities, grand buildings, interesting tales, and some delicious food. We were only here for 2 full days and with so much to do, we really had to pack in the sightseeing. The first day we walked to the amazing Cathedral which is the 3rd largest in the world behind St Peters Basilica in Rome and St Paul’s in London. We decided to have a look inside but after being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the interior, found it wasn’t any more spectacular than any other Cathedral. It ... read more
The Alcazars Side Entrance and Gardens
The Alcazars Gardens
A twilight drink by the river

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos August 18th 2007

After pretty much five days in the bustling cities of Portugal, it was time for some fun in the sun on the Algarve. With beautiful beaches and cheap airfares to nearby Faro, predictably, Lagos is a holiday haven for golfers and Brits. Apart from an old city wall, a fortress and a church, there's nothing much to see in Lagos - but that was not why we came here. Once we arrived, we found our hostel after a taxing walk in the 30+ degree heat - The Rising Cock. I kid you not, the hostel is really called this and I have the photo to prove it. Of course, a hostel with a name such as the Rising Cock is not going to attract a quiet crowd - and sure enough the first sound we hear ... read more
Praia do Pinhao
The Rising Cock
Party Night #1

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos August 10th 2007

Ola! As I do not have much time to write and no pictures to post (have not been able to upload them in internet cafes), I merely wanted to tell you all that I love and miss you. I am in Lagos, Portugal (south Algarve region) and it is absolutely beautiful. I have only been here a short day, but I have enjoyed the people, culture and ocean so much that Lagos may rival San Diego as a new favorite city. I leave for Sevilla, Spain in a day or two and then have no plans for sure after that.......Madrid and Barcelona are on my list......but I do not plan that far in advance. Take care and I will update soon. Love, Andy... read more

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos July 29th 2007

Geo: 37.1019, -8.67324Today after checking out and leaving our bags at the hotel, we went out for breakfast. We spent some time laying in the sun and watching some kids jump off the cliffs into the sea. When we got bored and too hot it was time for some shade of a bar- the best place to cool down. I had a feeling that this will be the last time for a while that I would be lying on a beach, bit depressing really!Later that afternoon, we went back to the hotel to get our bags. I said goodbye to Andy and Paul who were off to London and I caught a taxi to the hostel where I was staying tonight. Went for an to the bus station and bought my ticket for tomorrow, found something ... read more
02 Old Town

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos July 28th 2007

Geo: 37.1019, -8.67324This afternoon we went on a boat ride along the coast, in and out of the coves. The guide was really good and told us lots of information about Lagos and pointed out things along the way. On the way back, the guy let Andy drive the boat. After a relaxing lunch, we went for a wander of the old town. Stopping along the way now and then for cooling drink. We finally made it up the hill to the old city walls and then walked down the hill. This evening we did the touristy thing and went to see a bullfight. It was at a little arena and the audience were all tourists. At the start, all the sportsmen came into the arena, most walked and some on horses. I was feeling excited ... read more
02 Beach
03 Bridge
04 Steps

Europe » Portugal » Algarve » Lagos July 27th 2007

Geo: 37.1019, -8.67324Got up and packed, ate breakfast and checked out. This morning I was meeting Andy (a friend from uni) and his friend Paul at the train station at 10. He is known for not being on time, so I was very surprised when I arrived at the train station and they were already there! They flew into Faro airport this morning and we were going to relax in Lagos for a few days. We caught an old, slow train to Lagos. Very comfortable sitting on vinyl seats in temperatures in the mid 30's! An hour or so later we arrived in Lagos. After dumping our bags at the hotel, we went in search of lunch. Most of the restaurants served seafood. I was looking forward to eating fresh seafood. After lunch we headed to ... read more
02 Sand
03 Taking a break




Tot: 0.238s; Tpl: 0.006s; cc: 6; qc: 76; dbt: 0.1731s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.2mb