While I was sad to say goodbye to Lisbon, the Portugal edition of the Brown Lady in Europe series isn’t quite over. Time to hit the beach!! I had a feeling (and I was totally right), a weekend on the Algarve coast is barely enough time to scratch the surface. In many ways, the Algarve Coast is what made me want to visit Portugal in the first place. Brilliant blue skies, dramatically rich red cliffs and deep turquoise waters, the coastline dotted with majestic sea caves. How could you not fall in love??
Day Trippin’
For our trip from Lisbon, I booked a private car through daytrip. While you can absolutely take the train from Lisbon to Albufeira, or neighboring towns, daytrip allowed us to make a few sightseeing stops along the way. This can be a perfect option if your time on the coast is limited. TK and I selected three stops, including a winery (of course!), a small beach town and a castle.
Wine, Not Whine
After saying goodbye to our loft in Lisbon, our driver whisked us away to our first sightseeing stop on the way to Albufeira- Bacalhôa Winery.
Waiting for our tour to begin, TK and I noticed something peculiar- first one stroller, then another… two couples and all their children. Apparently, these folks thought it was a good idea to bring their babies and toddlers along- to a wine tour and tasting. Needless to say, we weren’t particularly excited about being on the kiddie tour, but we did our best to enjoy in spite of the random crying and baby talk. Why are some people with children so oblivious? Wineries are playgrounds… for adults. Fortunately, Bacalhôa delivers on scenery, good wine and interesting art collections. Try the cheese platter with your tasting; who knew sheep cheese was so good??
One of my favorite moments from the tour was when our guide paused in the collection of African artifacts to acknowledge that as fortunate as we were to see the beautiful work, the art belonged to tribes that no longer exist- not to the Portuguese collector who displayed them. His brief statement struck me as refreshingly honest and I truly appreciated the respect he demonstrated in that unscripted moment.
Seafood and Surf
After enjoying our wine, we continued on our sightseeing tour- next stop the beach town of Sesimbra! Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Sesimbra is an easy day trip from the city. Wander through the oceanfront shops, lounge on the beautiful beach and grab a fresh seafood lunch in this sleepy fishing town.
Yes, Your Majesty
Last stop before we hit the coast? The town of Palmela, cause queens deserve a castle… Castelo de Palmela to be exact.
With breathtaking panoramic views from all angles, you won’t regret a stop at this historic landmark. Bask in the royal vibes and take in the beauty that surrounds you.
Marina Life
Once in a while you get a vacation rental that makes you consider not going home. Brightly colored buildings, shades of yellow, blue and pink- welcomed us on our approach. Hopping out of the car, we were immediately enveloped in the breezy, beachy vibes of the coastal city of Albufeira.
The stylish and cozy apartment at the marina in Albufeira, with boats docked just below and the ocean in the distance, was the perfect home base for our weekend on the Algarve coast.
With boat excursions, shops and countless restaurants just steps from our door, our weekend was off to a great start. My favorite shop on the Marina was easily Casa Tango; a boutique with jewelry, clothing, accessories and beautiful tapestries. I confess to stopping in more than once, and coming away with some great jewelry, mosaic tile coasters and beautiful printed fabrics I can’t wait to hang in my bedroom.
Well done?
After dropping our bags, we took a quick trip downstairs to grab a few groceries. Wandering down the marina, a server passed me with a perfect piece of salmon and roasted potatoes. The aroma hit me in the face. Yumm. Dinner at the marina, watching the sunset behind the boats below… yes, please!
While I had tunnel vision and immediately ordered my salmon (well done, I like a good crisp on it); TK was feeling adventurous.
If you’re looking for a Top Chef moment of your own, Café Gazetto will indulge you with marinated, raw meat delivered to your table alongside a smoking hot stone. I thoroughly enjoyed my salmon (it was even better than it looked), while watching TK’s audition to be a Benihana chef.
If you try it, beware of sizzling, popping hot meat and garlic butter. I could have used some protective wear just sitting nearby. Dinner can be dangerous!
Life’s a Beach
Albufeira is a really central location on the Algarve coast, with amazing beaches in both directions. Our apartment host recommended one of her favorite beaches, Praia da Falésia, about 20 minutes away, so we set out Saturday afternoon for some sun. As it was in Lisbon, Uber was a easy and pretty affordable way to get around on the coast.
One look from the road above and I was in love. My only regret is that we didn’t have more time on this idyllic beach. We grabbed a couple chairs and an umbrella (12 Euros total) and settled into the peace and quiet. The Portuguese do beach days right.
We could have stayed hours longer, but hunger led us in search of dinner. Next time, we’ll plan ahead and pack food for the day!
Brown Lady Travel Tips
Do Your Googles
I love my plan with T-Mobile, as I can use the internet freely while traveling (most places) and can pull up reviews in a quick minute. In a touristy place like the Algarve coast, there are plenty of great restaurants and plenty of tourist traps. Cut through the noise and do a quick Google search to see how other travelers have felt about your restaurant or excursion of choice. Staying in airplane mode to save data? No worries, save some top rated choices from Google in advance so you aren’t flying blind.
Snacks and Sunsets
The small beach bar at Praia da Falésia has bottled water, smoothies and light snacks. There are also restroom facilities at the bar (an added bonus!) If you’re planning to spend the full day at the beach, consider packing lunch and snacks. You’ll want to stay until sunset without your stomach growling (like mine was).
Somewhere Old, Something New
If you’re looking for beach wear, jewelry and souvenirs, take a wander through Old Town Albufeira. On our way to dinner, we picked up gifts for family (and a few things for ourselves). There are open areas with vendors, plazas and countless shops and restaurants. While the Marina was quiet and laid back, this area is bustling with people and activity.
One Last Adventure
Our weekend on the Algarve coast was nearly over. Our plans for a boat trip on Saturday were shot down by windy conditions, so Plan B was a quick ride on Sunday morning before we said our goodbyes. No European vacation of mine would be complete without a bit of adventure. This particular (mis)adventure deserves a post of its own. And so the saga continues, next week- with a post about the big blue sea and small blue plastic bags. Curious? I bet you are! 😉
Until next week!