Portugal’s West Coast

Today was my last day in the Algarve and I decided to take advantage of the 5 hours of time I had before I needed to return my rental car. After breakfast at the resort and checking out, I headed west to Sagres...about a 30 minute drive from Luz. Sagres is a small town whose main attraction is the Sagres Fortress...a sea fort with a single fortified wall.

The fortress was not overly spectacular, but what made this place worth the visit and entrance fee were the views and the well maintained path that took you right out to the point and around. It was a really beautiful day and being on the coast, there was a lovely breeze so I took my time and walked most of the 30 minute walk.

The vegetation along the coast is very unique, with various succulents, a variety of flowers blooming among the low level plants and sticking out of the the rocks. 

As I started my walk I came across someone fishing off the side of the cliff...which at first I was shocked by, only to see a number of other locals doing the same thing. I have no idea what they were fishing, but it was a long way down if you had to reel something in.

To the right along my walk, you could see the entire coast line with the lighthouse sitting at the most westerly point in Portugal. 

Along my left was another beautiful coast line, this time with another lovely beach...of which I have no idea how the couple people who where down there made their way down.

As I strolled along, enjoying the sounds of seagulls and the wind on my face, I came across a couple walking their golden retriever....super excited when she came over to give me some kisses! After walking the perimeter I took a look at the fortress and the small chapel on site and then headed to my car where I planned to drive 15 minutes away to the lighthouse...Farol do Cabo de Sao Vicente.

As I was driving I came across a roadside parking lot with lots of cars parked so I pulled off to see why everyone was there…and to my delight I found the most beautiful beach…Praia do Beliche.

It was lunch time and I was getting hungry so I took my lunch and headed down the stairs to relax on the beach. I can not explain what a treat this was. Not only were the cliffs beautiful as usual, but this is the first beach I’ve been to with soft, white sand...felt a lot like North Shore beaches in PEI. 

I ate my lunch and then decided to spend the next hour relaxing and enjoying the beauty of this place...I really did not want to leave and if I didn’t have to return my car I might have stayed all afternoon.

I strolled along the length of the beach taking pictures and at the end I came across this amazing cave that was carved out by the ocean…similar to Benagil Cave it had a hole out the top as well. Again there were signs to stay clear of the cliffs for danger of falling rocks, but I could not resist going inside to look up at this natural wonder. So worth the risk!

After climbing back up all the stairs towards my car...everyone in Portugal must have strong legs with all the hills and stairs...now it was time to take a quick stop at the lighthouse for a photo to show I made it to the most western part of the country.

This place was definitely for tourists…lots of cars, camper vans, tour groups, cycling groups and vendors selling food, souvenirs and even wool ponchos of all things. I only had about 30 minutes so I didn’t stay long, but did take in the views of the rugged coast...less orange and fragile than most of the cliffs I have seen in the Algarve. 

I made it back to my car for the 45 minutes trek to Lagos with lots of time to spar…time for a few last roundabouts while I’m here.

After dropping off my rental car, I made my way to the local bus stop for my next destination...Cercal do Alentejo. This is the location of my 4 night/5 day “Not So Serious Yoga and Wine Retreat” just off the coast 2 hours north of Lagos...and what I have been eagerly awaiting as a highlight of my trip.

I arrived at 5:45pm...thankfully I got off at the right stop because I have a really hard time understanding Portuguese when they call out the locations...and waiting for me was Cam, one of the owners of the retreat.

It was such a delight to meet him and instantly I could tell this was going to be exactly the kind of retreat I was looking for. Cam moved to this area from NYC with his Portuguese wife, Vera, and they both purchased this property right before the pandemic. They turned the place into a beautiful sanctuary in the middle of nature, where they also live with their two dogs, chickens and many guests from around the world. 

The vibe here is comfy relaxed and chill, with a rustic feeling...open air spaces, an outdoor pool, beautiful flower gardens with fresh cut flowers all over the property. I am staying in a guest house with four rooms and four other women from the UK, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and Germany. My room has it’s own bathroom and the guest house also has an open area with a kitchen right in the center.

There are other living areas around the 4 acre property, as well as the main space where we can have drinks, enjoy our meals together at a massive table and chill in one of the hammocks, couches or lounge chairs along the pool.

To say this is a special place is an understatement and I am so excited to meet everyone and at this “not so serious” retreat.

Until then...share in the experience.

Lisa