Visiting Lagos on The Algarve
It’s late April and we’ve been touring Portugal as part of a longer Winter trip which began in Spain. Visiting Lagos on The Algarve is next on our spontaneous drive around this region of Portugal and we can’t wait to explore.
Apparently, this coastal town is a really popular destination, thanks to its unusual rock formations and atmospheric old centre.
We’ve come from the town of Silves inland and are approaching in the campervan along the seafront. Here we look out for parking and find a €3 car park where we manage to fit into a normal parking space.
Its location in the centre means we can walk into town, making exploring easily. Opposite the parking is a large, smart looking marina and a footbridge crossing the water. It’s no surprise, because Lagos, is apparently the first port of refuge on the Southern coast for boats coming from the Atlantic.
A bustling old centre
A long promenade meanders beside the sea, where boat trips depart, many of which are sightseeing for the unusual rocks.
It’s not surprising that Lagos is such a busy town, popular with tourists and day trippers who come to wander the old cobble streets.
We soon find ourselves checking out the old centre ourselves, finding plenty of white wash buildings with wonderful tile facades. Of course, Portugal is renowned for these glorious colourful tiles, which are often in patterns or even depicting a scene.
Amongst the cobble streets are plenty of restaurants, which are mostly full. As you can imagine, there’s an aroma of dishes filling the air with a temptation to join them on this beautiful sunny day.
As far as we know, Lagos also has another big attraction to the lovely old town, because out on the coast are some famous cliffs and rock formations. Apparently, these plunge into the Atlantic where boat trips glide beside the yellow tinge cliffs.
After strolling the bustling old streets, we decide to make our way back onto the sea front promenade. From there we walk a little further on, where we reach a small bay, admiring the old town walls and historic fortress along the way.
Finding the natural wonders
We really want to take a look at these magnificent rock formations which are on the outskirts of town. Finding the natural wonder of rocky cliffs, arches and turquoise bays is hopefully going to be relatively easy. So, with the sat nav giving directions we’re on our way in the campervan in search of the spectacle.
Before long, we’re driving on the outskirts of Lagos, eventually finding a large parking area near the headland.
It all looks relatively new here, with modern infrastructure and well laid out viewing areas in the distance. Parking is easy as there’s so much room and few vehicles to share the space. The only problem is signage saying ‘no motorhomes’, but it’s not very clear why.
After looking around, we really can’t see any reason why motorhomes can’t park, unless it’s just meaning overnight. There’s so few vehicles and our camper fits into a normal size parking space, so we take our chances.
Ponta da Piedade – Visiting Lagos on The Algarve
Setting off from the campervan, along paths and raised wooden boardwalks brings us to the headland of Ponta da Piedade.
This renowned area of phenomenal natural formations turns out to be quite an incredible sight to see.
To begin with, we’re following the trails to viewpoints, protruding towards the ocean, providing fine views of the coast.
These paths merge over cliffs, providing longer walking opportunities above fine beaches for those with more time. Because the colours of rock are slightly yellow, there’s a wonderful colour combination with the blue of the sea.
Steep wooden staircase
A little further on from one of the view points is a steep wooden staircase venturing down the cliff. There’s a few people already on the steps, but it’s relatively quiet considering the appeal.
This large staircase beside a lighthouse building is worth every effort. Making our way down the steps, we catch a glimpse of boats gliding through a lagoon type area.
It’s a relief it’s quiet, because when we reach the bottom of the stairs, there’s only a small platform to stand.
Thankfully, there’s enough space to enjoy the closeness of the clear blue sea which surrounds rock archways and cliffs.
From here, there’s an option to hop on a boat trip to see the coast from a different angle. We’re unsure if boats pick people up for a return or if it’s the start for sightseeing trips. Either way, it’s a little late in the day and we must think about heading off and finding a place to stop.
There’s little in the way of motorhome areas along the coast here, with lots of construction work going on too. Eventually, we find a pleasant camper area at Burgau, settling in for a night in peace and quiet.
- Burgau – Quinta Santo Anjo motorhome area, €14 a night without EHU on our stay, showers, toilets, dump and fresh area available.
