Harbour at Porto Covo

We left our camp at Sines with cloud clearing and hopes of a fine and sunny day. The coast road to Lagos is reputed to be a spectacular drive so I was hoping for some great photos.

The Atlantic coast just north of Porto Covo.

Another tricky beach to negotiate. We rarely see anyone actually swimming without a wetsuit. Have tested the water and can verify it is Atlantic cold.

Looking north towards Sines. Then the rain came in and spoilt our fun.

I carefully plotted our course south to diligently follow the coast as close as possible. However, when my GPS wanted me to take the motorhome down a steep drive and do this creek crossing we decided to stay on the bitumen.

It had fined up again by the time we got to Vila Nova de Milfontes, another gorgeous little coastal town, neat as a pin.

Very classy street signs.

A monument to flight.

Fort Sao Clemente, built in 1599 to defend the local town and river mouth from pirate and privateer attacks. It is now a private residence, complete with guard cat.

Lighthouse and beach.

As the day was getting on we hit the highway, such as it was, for our camp site at Luz, just outside Lagos. We quickly set up and caught the bus to have a quick look at the town.

Lagos is a town of 35,000 people and a lot more tourists. The Old Town and Marina area is a bustling hive of activity with a good mix of restaurants, shops and a few tourist traps. One of the big attractions is a boat cruise to the caves and sea grottos which we will start the day with tomorrow.

Some great tile work.

Remember Mateus Rose? We used to drink this by the bucket in the 70’s. It’s still available.

Night club getting ready for tonight.

The Museum of Lagos which tells the story of the slave trade in Portugal which was very significant. Lagos was the port all slaves came through for training and baptism into the Catholic Church. The museum is in the building of the old slave market.

Lagos beach.

The soldier in front of the army barracks took exception to me taking a photo. I was up the street a bit so he waved frantically and yelled something. I gave him a cheery wave in return which I am sure made his day.

Some of the residential old town.

We have hit yet another festival which started last night and goes to Sunday. These guys were having a very noisy warm up and rehearsal for tonight’s show.

Can’t finish without a statue.

Tomorrow a boat trip and more surprising Lagos which we are loving so far.

David & Collette