Pieces of Portugal – Part 11 – The Algarve Region – Albuefeira

OK. My short intermission is over, and I am resuming my Portugal report. This time, we are in the Algarve region, or the southernmost region, famed for its stunning, sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, dramatic limestone cliffs, and golden beaches. Popular spots include Lagos for nightlife and beaches, Albufeira for resorts, and Tavira for a quieter, traditional feel.

We got up early to catch our train from Lisboa to the Algarve. It was about a 3 hour train ride. We ended up at the airport where we had to catch a cab to go to the car rental place, then off to our hotel and beyond.

Our little green car we named o sapo, or the frog, or Freddie, took us all over the Algarve region. Freddie was a loyal companion and hopped all over the place with us.

I fell in love with the Algarve region of Portugal. It was breathtaking. We stayed in Albuefeira. This was the only time we had a car while in Portugal. We covered as much of the region as we could in the time we were there. Once again, we saw and did so much, but it was a lot more relaxed than our time in Lisboa.

We had a nice apartment/hotel we called home while we in the Algarve. It had a little kitchenette, two bathrooms, a nice deck and our room was upstairs. This is the hotel lobby.

And our little apartment.

Our deck and view. We ate our breakfast out on the deck every morning while there.

As soon as we checked in and got settled, we were off again. We asked the reception desk where to go. Since it was a Sunday, many things were closed, but we still had a great time. As recommended, we headed to the coast. But first, we needed to find a place to eat.

Along our drive, we found a little pizza place, Tenis Pizzas, and ordered a pizza to take with us. We ordered a new kind of pizza for us, but traditional to Southern Portugal. We ordered a shrimp and fish pizza. We love shrimp, we love fish and we love pizza. It was a win/win.

They made it right in front of me, so I know everything was fresh. The fish was freshly caught as well.

The pizza was different and delicious.

And we had lunch with a view.

We even had an unexpected guest come join us.

After finishing our lunch, we started our coastal explorations. This tiled mural represents the history and changing times of the Algarve area.

We were enjoying the gorgeous scenery, stopping wherever we felt like stopping, but we were also familiarizing ourselves with the area so we would know where to go for our next day’s adventures.

No need for words. The pictures speak for themselves. A pictures is worth 1000 words.

As we were strolling along the boardwalk, there was a gentleman playing guitar beautifully. It doesn’t get much better than that – beautiful guitar with the rugged coastline as a backdrop.

They were also filming a sports clothing commercial right here too. Of course the models they were using were Portuguese gods. I loved that view too. 🙂

These little, tiny irises were everywhere. They were fully in bloom, but were only a few inches tall, and the flowers themselves were very small. I love them. this little gem has found a nice home underneath the bottom of the fence.

These beautiful yellow flowering trees were everywhere and were on full display in the Algarve.

Larry wanted to head back to our hotel before it was dark, since he didn’t know the area yet. These are the sights we saw on the way back.

We always knew where our hotel was by the street art. We were after the big watches and right by the two dancing worms.

And so ends our first day in the breathtakingly beautiful Algarve region.

If you like these photos, I have a lot more in store for you. Sit back, relax and and enjoy the ride. Have a great day and make everyday great. Live life to the fullest. It’s not the destination that matters, but the journey. ‘Til next time.