Portugal: The Algarve

For the second half of our trip to Portugal, we took the Lisbon metro to the airport, where we picked up our rented car and drove about two hours south to the region known as the Algarve. It's known for beautiful beaches and sea caves, and the tourism there is robust. We even found a British radio station for the number of British tourists the area serves. It's no surprise -- especially in the wintertime, you can't beat the beautiful weather and scenery to escape the British doldrums!

We stayed at a 5-star resort called Vale d'Olivieras near the town of Carvoeiro. Because it was the off-season, we got fantastic prices and stayed in a one bedroom suite with a pull-out sofa bed for Charlotte for less than the cost of a typical basic hotel room. It was located on a beautiful compound which had pools, a playground, a spa, and a large restaurant where they served meals including a complimentary breakfast. The most notable part of staying there was how quiet it was -- we felt like we were practically the only people staying there. We really only saw 3 or 4 other couples there, even at mealtimes. 

The drive to the Algarve was uneventful once we got onto the highway -- I was the primary driver because the manual transmission car was MUCH cheaper to rent, and I'm the manual driver in our family. I first couldn't figure out how to get the car into reverse (push down on the shifter... that's new), then had trouble at the large roundabout as we left the airport due to the weird placement of traffic lights. I think we went around the roundabout 3 times before I finally was able to get off at the appropriate exit! An unfortunate start, but as I said -- the rest of the trip was very easy and there were hardly any other cars on the highway down to the Algarve. 

Charlotte in the echo-ey breezeway to our suite at Vale D'Olivieras

On our way to the hotel, we stopped and picked up some groceries and a few makeshift sand toys for Charlotte (think wooden spoons and tupperware!). After we got checked in and settled, we stopped at the front desk to ask where the best beach to visit for an hour or so was. She directed us to Praia dos Caneiros, where we sat for a good hour and a half before the sun started setting and making long, chilly shadows. The views of the deep blue ocean and the sun on our shoulders were very relaxing! Paul took Charlotte down to the water's edge and she fell in, soaking her clothes, so before we left, we peeled off her soggy, sandy clothes and carried her in her undies back to the car. 

Praia dos Caneiros

Charlotte would play in the sand all day long if we let her!

Post fall in the water!

That evening, after showering off the sand (which was the texture of brown sugar and almost as sticky), we walked over to the restaurant. We had made a reservation (we're so British now!) so it was hilarious when we walked in and we were the second occupied table out of approximately 75 tables. The waitstaff was so kind and sweet to Charlotte, and even made her "butter noodles" which she devoured, then made her more! She was so proud to have her own place setting at the table (no we didn't actually give her wine). 

The next morning, we met a van at the main entrance to the hotel to go on a boat excursion to see the sea caves, including the famous Benagil Cave. The trip was about an hour, and the road trip to the beach was pretty twisty and turny. By the end of the trip, Charlotte and Paul were both feeling a bit motion sick. However -- the views were beautiful and I was glad we went! I don't get too motion-sick so I was fine -- but I was worried about Charlotte. Paul can handle himself ;) Luckily there was no puking!

On the sea cave tour

View of the water levels on the rocks. 

The water color was dreamy!

Looking out from one of the sea caves back toward the open ocean

One of the caves had these two openings -- called the "Devil's Eyes" (yikes)

The wave action erodes the rocks in impressive features!

Inside Benagil Cave

After the boat trip and returning to the hotel, we had lunch in the room and rested. Later in the afternoon, we returned to Praia dos Caneiros for another afternoon of beach play for Charlotte! This time we let her wear her bathing suit and she had so much fun. We spent awhile trying to get her to stop throwing sand, then decided to pick our battles and let her learn for herself when she got sand in her eyes or mouth. She was elated when she got to toss it in the air, and we got some great pictures depicting pure joy!

After we returned to the hotel, we decided to order room service from the restaurant. The waitress who had served us the night before took the phone call and knew us by name, and even asked if Charlotte wanted butter noodles again (of course she did!). Paul thoroughly enjoyed his pasta carbonara and I think I had a club sandwich. It wasn't exactly traditional Portuguese food, but perfectly delicious for a quieter evening in.

The next day, we took a little walk around the resort and relaxed before heading to the airport in Faro. We returned the rental car easily and had an easy flight back to England. Visiting Portugal definitely ended up being one of my favorite trips we took!