Current Longitude: -5.273609 Current latitude: 36.440687 Location: Casares, Spain
In my last blog I mentioned that I had a drastic change in my plans. Instead of spending several days in Lisbon I found myself enjoying a spontaneous road trip that followed the Southern coast of Portugal. Below are a few great things to do along the way, I have no doubt there are countless others.
Lisbon:
Castle of São Jorge: The Castle of São Jorge sits high above the city of Lisbon in a commanding position overlooking everything below. The castles location makes it one of the best places in all of Lisbon to view the beautiful city below. The castle is thought to date back as far as 50 BC making it one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Cost: €4 (student price, double this for an adult ticket)
Lisbon Castle
Bairro Alto: This area of Lisbon houses some of the best nightlife in the city. The area feels quite intimate due to the tight streets that are lined with small bars and clubs. As the night progresses the streets surge with thousands of eager partygoers, you will literally find yourself shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other people.
Cost: Drinks from €1 (Shots) to €7 (Cocktails).
Pastel de Nada: Otherwise known as Portuguese egg tarts, these are one of the most famous Portuguese deserts, and for good reason. These delicious pastries have a crispy outer shell which encloses a creamy filling. Remember that you’re on holidays so allow yourself the pleasure of consuming two or three… per day.
Cost: €1 per tart
Pastel De Nada
Sagres:
Beaches: The beaches in Sagres were dramatic, walled off from the world by sheer cliff faces rising many meters above the sea below. The challenging landscape of the area has meant there is very little development around the beaches, offering a nice change from other overdeveloped areas. Interestingly, the geography of the area allows you to choose either surf or non-surf beaches (southern vs western beaches). This provides tourists with the opportunity to select a beach to suit any taste. The area is well known for its surf beaches with many companies offering surfing lessons and board hire. Although, I can confidently say I had a brilliant time in Sagres I believe this may be due to having access to a car. The beaches are not overly close to the town making it difficult to commute without a vehicle.
Cost: €60 Surf Lessons, €15 Board Hire
Sagres
Palas: Otherwise known as beach tennis, this is quite possibly the best game in the world. I am hoping that the Olympic committee considers the sport for the up coming Olympic Games. Essentially, you have two small wooden paddles (or rackets) that you and your partner use to hit a rubber ball back and forth – it is so much more enjoyable than it sounds.
Cost: €4 for a set
Palas
Portimao:
Beaches: Like Sagres the beaches in Portimao are very beautiful. There are both open beaches and beaches enclosed by cliffs. One of the beaches we explored had several caves and tunnels that lead to other beaches. It becomes an interesting adventure to see what lies beyond each cave.
Portimao
Faro:
Farol Island: This Island sits 8-10 kms southwest of Faro, off the mainland. Following a 50-minute ferry ride you will arrive at the island. The island houses a few small residences, restaurants, bars and clubs. The beaches on the island are very nice but lack shade aside from umbrellas, which you can hire for the day. The last ferry back to the mainland is at 7pm, as you would expect the entire tourist population catches this last ferry so be prepared to wait in line.
Cost: €5 Return Ferry, €6 Umbrella Hire
Farol Island Beach
Tavira:
Tavira Island: Tavira is a small town west of Faro. It takes approximately 30 minutes by car to travel to Tavira from Faro. Once in Tavira there is a small boat that ferries tourists across to Tavira Island (takes 15 minutes). The island is quiet similar to Farrell Island and I would recommend only visiting one of the two islands, however if you have a few days why not see both. Additionally, I am also told that Tavira island has camping facilities, however the cost was slightly beyond our ‘means’.
Cost: €1.50 Return Ferry, €60 Camping
Tavira Island
Portugal is a fantastic place to visit, I would recommend hiring a car to give yourself easy access to all the places mentioned in this post and more. A car gives you the freedom to stop when, where and for how long you desire. I don’t believe I would have been able to have the same experience without access to a car.
Cheers,
ILY – Luke Hymann
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Longitude, Latitude & Luke 
Alyssa
August 16, 2013
Love that you are gettin’ into those custard tarts! You deserve this after 6 months of tuna and broccoli. Hope you are also developing a nice bronzed skin tone. Missing you at work