In our typical fashion, we kicked off the trip preparations by securing our flights and accommodations. Subsequently, we delved into exploring blogs associated with the region and crafted a detailed itinerary. Little did we anticipate that none of our meticulously laid-out plans would unfold as expected.

Day 1 – 7 October 2023

Opting for an early morning flight, we touched down at Faro Airport. From there, we collected our rental car and made the decision to drive straight to our initial planned destination.

Our initial intention was to trek along Ponta da Piedade, but the scorching weather dissuaded us from pursuing that plan. Instead, we found ourselves capturing picturesque shots of Praia de Dona Ana from the cliff. The view was truly awe-inspiring, with the cliffs adorned with weathered rock formations adding an extra layer of natural beauty.

As we hadn’t had breakfast, we sought out a restaurant open at 11 am, as it was too early for lunch and most places were closed. Eventually, we stumbled upon Empanadas & Co – Bistro. There, we decided on a meal featuring Frango Piri Piri (Spicy Chicken), Bacalhau (Cod Fish), and Cogumelos (Mushroom) Empanadas, complemented by their supposed drink of the day, a grape juice. Unfortunately, the juice turned out to be quite diluted, raising concerns about the empanadas. To our relief, the empanadas were delightful, with the exception of the cod fish variety, which had a potent fish smell that proved a bit overwhelming, even for someone who generally enjoys fish.

Our initial plan was to embark on a boat tour of Ponta de Piedade, prompting us to drive to Lagos Marina to secure a boat for the evening. Additionally, we had considered booking a boat tour to the Benagil caves for the following day. However, upon arriving at Marina de Lagos, we learned that the sea conditions would be rough for the next two days, leading to the cancellation of all boat trips. Although there was a possibility of improved conditions on October 9th, guaranteed stability was expected only from October 10th onward. Faced with this unforeseen challenge, we had to revise our itinerary. After some deliberation, we opted to reserve the Ponta de Piedade speed boat ride for the 9th and scheduled the Benagil boat tour for the 10th. Thus, our initial plans unravelled on the very first day, prompting us to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the sea.

Since the boat ride was cancelled, we opted to proceed with our resort plans and checked into Boavista Golf & Spa – Bela Colina Village. Our accommodation featured a two-bedroom premium townhouse, offering direct access to an outdoor pool from our backyard door. After settling into our rooms, we promptly changed into our swimwear and indulged in some leisure time in the refreshing outdoor pool.

Following a relaxing session by the pool, we geared up for a night of festivities. Our destination was Albufeira, renowned for its vibrant nightlife. The streets were adorned with neon signs, glowing bars, and lively storefronts, creating an inviting atmosphere. The Strip, known for its diverse offerings, catered to a varied crowd, featuring pulsating nightclubs, stylish lounges, lively bars, and themed pubs—something to suit every taste. Music spilled onto the streets, beckoning passersby to join the lively celebrations. The infectious energy of The Strip drew crowds of both locals and tourists, turning it into a dynamic street party.

Amid the entertainment options, we explored a few late-night dining choices and settled on Urban Pizza. As we strolled down the street, we received a free drink coupon. At Urban Pizza, we ordered a Pepperoni and an Urban Pizza, complemented by a complimentary glass of wine each. The food was delightful, and the live music added to the overall enjoyment.

Post-meal, we took a leisurely walk to Praia de Oura, a beautiful sandy beach. The tranquil atmosphere, with the beach nearly empty, provided a peaceful respite from the lively street party. Seated on sunbeds, we relished the night sky.

Returning to The Strip, we ventured into Wild & Co Show Bar, featuring an incredible live music band. Ordering cocktails, we immersed ourselves in the captivating music, rounding off a night filled with diverse experiences and vibrant entertainment.

Day 2 – 8 October 2023

Taking advantage of the complimentary spa access that came with our booking, we opted to indulge in the available facilities. The spa boasted an indoor heated pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub. Our preference led us to spend our time primarily in the pool and the hot tub, making the most of the relaxing amenities provided.

Following our relaxation at the spa, we eventually chose to dedicate the remainder of the sunny day to the beach.

Our initial destination was Praia do Camilo, celebrated for its striking location nestled among towering cliffs that create a breathtaking backdrop. To reach the beach, a wooden staircase is integrated into the cliffside. Observing that the beach was already crowded and anticipating limited space on the sand, we chose not to descend the staircase. Instead, we opted to appreciate the magnificent views from the clifftops, which provided sweeping panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Subsequently, we headed towards Praia do Pinhão, anticipating a secluded cove with an intimate and tranquil ambience. Beginning our journey along a pathway winding through the coastal landscape, we soon discovered that the beach was no longer accessible. Erosion had caused a cliff to collapse onto the small stretch of sand, leaving no space for beachgoers. Consequently, we retraced our steps halfway. Nevertheless, we found enjoyment in the elevated pathway, which provided panoramic views of the coastline and the vast expanse of the Atlantic.

As it was approaching lunchtime, we opted to dine at Pinhão Restaurant and Bar, known for its Nepali-Indian cuisine. Our selections included the Mix Grilled Fish Platter and Chicken Curry with Rice, and the flavours were delightful.

Unexpectedly, our day evolved into an impromptu beach-hopping adventure. We eventually drove to Praia Dona Ana, where we were greeted by expansive golden sands stretching along the shoreline, meeting the clear and inviting waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is embraced by towering limestone cliffs, forming a striking and picturesque backdrop. Adorned with weathered formations, these cliffs contribute a sense of grandeur to the already stunning landscape. Descending to Praia Dona Ana involves navigating a staircase carved into the cliffside. The beach offers comprehensive beach services, featuring rental facilities for sunbeds and umbrellas. Opting for comfort, we rented four chairs to relax and bask in the sun while relishing the scenic surroundings. The inviting water compelled us to indulge in some wave riding. The strong waves, with their compelling force, would bring us back to the shore if we weren’t prepared. Observing the waves, we prepared ourselves to ride along with them, enjoying this exhilarating activity until the evening. It turned out to be a remarkably enjoyable and spontaneous experience.

Our initial plan was to stroll along Ponta da Piedade, a plan we had deferred the previous day due to the intense heat. However, once again, our extensive time spent on the beach meant we didn’t have sufficient time to reach the sunset spot of the walk on schedule. Consequently, we opted to forgo the walk and instead drove to Farol da Ponta da Piedade, arriving just in time for the sunset. The towering cliffs that define Ponta da Piedade created captivating silhouettes against the backdrop of the descending sun. The sea exhibited hues of orange, pink, and purple, contributing to the overall beauty of the coastal scenery. Situated at an elevated position, Farol da Ponta da Piedade offered a panoramic view of the expansive Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline. From this advantageous location, we were able to witness the sun gracefully descending below the horizon, casting a warm and radiant glow over the seascape. The experience of observing the sunset at Farol da Ponta da Piedade proved to be truly magical. Following the sunset, we opted for the scenic route back to our car.

Subsequently, we drove to Lagos Old Town for our dinner destination. Spotting 7 Hills, an Indian restaurant with exceptionally high ratings, we were intrigued and decided to give it a try. Our order included the Special Tandoori Mix Platter, Chicken Tikka Masala, Prawn Curry, and Garlic Naan. The food truly lived up to its reputation, delivering delicious flavours and proving to be well worth the acclaim.

Following our dinner, we opted to wander through Lagos Old Town. The narrow cobblestone streets of this historic area burst into vibrant life as night fell. Both locals and visitors infuse energy into the town square and meandering streets. The lively scene extends to outdoor cafes, restaurants, and bars, which spill their activity onto the streets, fostering a dynamic atmosphere. Night markets or street vendors could be found along the Old Town streets, presenting local crafts, souvenirs, and delectable snacks. The chance to explore these stalls added an additional dimension of discovery to our nighttime adventure.

Day 3 – 9 October 2023

We had reserved alternative accommodation near the beach for the following two days. Consequently, we checked out of Boavista and drove to Marina de Lagos for our Ponta de Piedade speed boat ride. Upon arrival, we learned that the sea conditions were still a bit rough. The options presented were to either reschedule the booking for the next morning or cancel it altogether. Considering we had already arranged another boat tour for that afternoon, creating a nearly back-to-back schedule, we opted to cancel the Ponta de Piedade ride. Once again, our day’s plan had to be spontaneously adjusted on the spot.

We opted to drive to Old Town Albufeira, a destination initially reserved for our last day. The change of plans led us to explore this coastal town characterized by its narrow cobblestone streets weaving through the historic centre. Old Town Albufeira features numerous local markets and shops that showcase a diverse array of traditional crafts, souvenirs, and regional products. Delving into these markets enhanced our experience, immersing us deeply in the local culture. Our exploration extended to Praia do Tunel, celebrated for its unique access. To reach this beach, we ventured through a tunnel carved into the cliffs, revealing the breathtaking scenery of the beach and the surrounding coastline. Due to the intense heat, our time on this beach was limited. On our way back to the car, we decided to grab some doners for lunch.

On our return journey, we made a stop at Gruta de Benagil to gain a different perspective of the renowned cave. The contrast between the crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding the cave and the limestone cliffs creates a visually striking scene. From this elevated vantage point, the iconic skylight—a circular opening in the cave’s roof—is visible, enabling sunlight to penetrate into the cave’s depths. Observing Gruta de Benagil from above provided us with a unique viewpoint to witness the various boats and tour vessels approaching the cave. The panoramic view from this elevated position allowed us not only to admire the cave itself but also to appreciate the surrounding coastal beauty. Along the shoreline, the cliffs stretch, unveiling other caves, concealed beaches, and the natural features that characterise the picturesque landscape of the Algarve.

While en route to our new hotel, we opted to cancel our existing Benagil Cave boat tour and instead secured a reservation for a catamaran excursion around the Ponta de Piedade. Upon arriving, we checked in at the Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, which overlooks the beautiful beach of Porto de Mos. The resort features amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and a Vichy shower. Although some of the showers were closed, we decided to spend the remainder of the evening enjoying the indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. To my surprise, I even took the opportunity to practise my swimming, managing to swim on my back halfway across the breadth of the pool by the end of the session.

For our dinner, we stumbled upon a uniquely themed restaurant named Beats & Burritos, offering a “build your own” menu concept. Each of us received a paper menu where we could customize our meal by selecting our preferred base (Burrito, Taco, Quesadilla, Bowl), protein (Chickpeas, Beef, Chicken, etc.), toppings (Sour cream, Grilled onions and peppers, Cheese, Lettuce, tomato salsa, etc.), and extras (Guacamole, Mango Salsa, Jalapeños, Spicy Garlic Oil, etc.). The process of choosing and crafting our orders was an enjoyable and interactive experience. The restaurant is adorned with drawings on napkins left behind by previous customers, creating a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. It served as a delightful activity for us while eagerly awaiting our food. We appreciated the creative touch and were inspired to contribute our own doodles to the collection of artwork on napkins!

Day 4- 10 October 2023

As we had scheduled an early catamaran ride, we headed to Marina de Lagos and sought out a nearby spot for breakfast. Eventually, we settled on Gomba, a bakery that also served sandwiches and croissants. Their coffee pastries turned out to be exceptionally delicious.

We then embarked on our catamaran at the marina. The catamaran gracefully navigated the scenic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, unveiling the captivating rock formations, sea caves, and grottoes that characterize this coastal marvel. The distinctive geological features, such as the towering limestone cliffs and concealed caves, formed an awe-inspiring and picturesque backdrop. The catamaran provided spacious decks for our relaxation and an unhindered appreciation of the breathtaking scenery. At a certain point, the boat stopped in the middle of the sea, allowing passengers to swim and dive amidst the surroundings. Despite the slightly strong waves, I decided to enter the water as I was feeling seasick, and the crew suggested that going into the water was a remedy for seasickness. Wearing a life jacket, I ventured in, holding onto Rishi’s hand for reassurance. Rishi had secured the GoPro to his hand using a band we purchased online, but unfortunately, the band proved to be less sturdy than anticipated. Unintentionally, while grasping his hand, I may have applied some pressure to the band. As I acclimated to the water, Rishi decided to capture moments with the GoPro, only to realize that it had slipped away, likely resting on the seafloor. The loss of our GoPro cast a bittersweet shadow over the remainder of the journey, mingling the beauty of the surroundings with a tinge of disappointment.

Upon our return to the hotel, instead of heading to our rooms, we opted to make our way straight to the nearby beach, given that we were already wet and in our bathing suits. We strolled to Praia de Porto de Mós, renowned for its scenic beauty and expansive sandy shores, embraced by towering limestone cliffs. The beach offers amenities like sunbed and umbrella rentals. While Rishi and Shikher chose to venture directly into the water, Sree and I secured two sunbeds to relax by the shore. I initially planned to take a dip after a bit of rest, but Rishi’s brief swim ended abruptly as he felt itchy due to some seaweed near the shore. Consequently, he returned to the hotel, and I decided to forgo entering the water, opting to linger by the shore for a while before we all headed back to our rooms.

Once we were ready, we made the decision to drive to Sagres to catch the sunset. Arriving well in advance, we discovered there weren’t many activities in the vicinity. Opting for an early dinner, especially since we had skipped lunch, we stumbled upon D’Italia Pizzeria. It happened to be one of the few open restaurants nearby with favourable ratings. There, we ordered a selection of pizzas and pasta, savouring the delicious meal as we engaged in discussions about the day’s events.

We eventually made our way to the renowned sunset viewpoint in Sagres, Cape St. Vincent. As the sun commenced its descent, the sheer vastness of the horizon became evident. The unobstructed panorama from Cape St. Vincent gave us the opportunity to witness the sun gracefully descending into the Atlantic, casting its warm and golden hues across the expansive sky and sea. The iconic lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent presented itself as a striking silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun. The contrast between the darkened outline of the lighthouse and the vibrant colours of the sky added a touch of mystique to the scene. The untouched and untamed beauty of the location heightened our experience, creating a truly memorable moment.

The Algarve, with its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife, gave us a vacation to remember. Even though our plans didn’t go as expected, we adapted quickly and enjoyed every part of the journey, taking the essence of this coastal paradise with us.