Lagos, Portugal

 

Having been deprived of creature comforts in our last campground, we joyously checked into the resort-style Turiscampo Camping Club Algarve where we had stayed in 2019. It features multiple swimming pools (heated and not), a Jacuzzi and even a heated, covered Zen pool with jets. They also have multiple daily fitness classes and entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. We felt indulgent when booking four nights and even more so when extending one night so Dermot could watch a soccer game on a big screen in the restaurant. We took some time to relax. 

Our photos here

Having experienced the coast from the cliffs above (yes, it’s gorgeous) we joined a guided kayak trip so that we could explore the coast and grottos safely. 

 

Double sit-on-tops were the only choice but we managed not we to maim each other or anyone else as we rode the large swells around massive outcroppings. We paddled by high cliffs and many secluded beaches and through holes bored into the rocks by centuries of waves. Paddling into the sheltered grottos gave us a peaceful respite and the color of the water was glorious. Our life vest included a pocket for storing cellphones and I managed to take a ridiculous number of pictures but didn’t edit them to improve the color or straighten them. 

Julianna’s recommended restaurant in Lagos became our destination one night and we had a delicious meal served by staff who all seemed high on something. We tried the house sangria made with green wine, a seared tuna with some kind of pesto sauce and a black pork filet. Very good. 

Another installment of strangely-shaped baby Jesus.

Most come here for the beaches but, being nerds who burn easily, we visited the Museum of Lagos instead. It was a strange mash-up of history museum with roman artifacts, locally made goods, curio cabinet of things from all over the globe and Church of St. Antonio done in extreme rococo style. Gold from Brazil practically makes the chapel glow. 

Our impression of Lagos in 2019 was that was a very touristy beach town and now it’s even more so. Though I did enjoy the murals, it’s not really our favorite kind of city. The sunset viewed near the lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade was lovely. 

Next stop: Aljezur