The Algarve as a whole is one of the warmest places of Southern Europe, with an Atlantic influenced Mediterranean climate, it has mild wet winters and warm to very hot, dry summers. It is overall the sunniest region in Europe and tourism-related activities are extensive and make up the bulk of the economy during summer. We are seeing (and hearing) lots of Europeans here and have not had any difficulty communicating in English.
It's a region located in the southernmost area of continental Portugal and the southwestern most area of the Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe, covering an area of 4,997 km2 (1,929 sq mi). It borders to the north with the Alentejo region, to the south and west with the Atlantic Ocean, and to the east the Guadiana River marks the border with Spain. Lagos, where we are currently staying, is part of this region. The Algarve as a whole is one of the warmest places of Southern Europe, with an Atlantic influenced Mediterranean climate, it has mild wet winters and warm to very hot, dry summers. It is overall the sunniest region in Europe and tourism-related activities are extensive and make up the bulk of the economy during summer. We are seeing (and hearing) lots of Europeans here and have not had any difficulty communicating in English.
We've been mixing up days where we get in the car and do some exploring as well as things we can walk to in the Lagos area. One day we used the car to get to a section of the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos (route of the seven hanging valleys) which was close to Carvoeiro. The drive there took us through lots of citrus orchards (orange & lemons), vineyards, farms and rolling green hills. Some of the roads were small and lined with wonderful rock walls and I had fun getting out and wandering into a wildflower covered orchard to take pictures.
At one point I said STOP I think those are nests with large birds in them!! Sure enough there were numerous large nests, built on old orchard trees and other structures, with White Storks in them!! I guess they breed in open farmland and wetlands in this area. I got out of the car and took a few pictures from the side of the road and could just barely make out babies in some of the nests. I'm planning on returning (hopefully in better lighting) because it was fascinating!!
The hike was beautiful, included a lighthouse and some super cool steps that cut through the rocks and took us down to a small beach. We definitely want to return here and see if we can get the perspective from the water in a boat/kayak as there are several caves in this section.
Another day we walked along a different section of cliffs, here in Lagos, next to the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse which was erected in 1912. There were lots of bird in the area including Eurasian Blackbirds and Iberian Magpies which were fun to listen to and watch.
Mixed in all this beauty was of course amazing food and lovely Old Town walks.
Wow! Such a beautiful place! The rugged coast is stunning and the orchards, storks and other birds🥰. And the town shots. THE FOOD❤️! I am drooling. What a wonderful place to be for a month. Thank you for sharing your adventures 😊.