A leisurely start for brekkie and packing up before we drove around the beach area of Cascais - firstly the rocky beach of Guincho - Boca do Inferno - then we parked to wander the town. Priority one was coffee (and Portuguese tart of course! ) So glad we had this chance to briefly explore the town as so quaint- lovely streets, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Our host Paulo had provided recommendations on a scenic route incorporating a car ferry trip via Setubal to The Algarve that would take about 6 hours. We did seriously consider it but happy to have time to see Cascais and for Roh to have a swim. It was about 11 am by the time we were on the road taking the motorway option. Pretty thrilled that our route out of the Lisbon environs involved crossing the “Golden Gate” bridge...and hence gave us a more up close view of the Cristo Rei monument on the other side.
Awesome!
Countryside had changed quite dramatically from what we had previously encountered. Very much farming districts for the entire route. Plenty of crops - wheat that had been harvested; fields of hay bales; cattle; plus olive groves, citrus plantations and vineyards.
The further south we continued the more barren and arid the terrain became - still greenery but much sparser. Riverbeds seemed low in water levels. And the towns were fewer in number and more like town/farm communities as opposed to cities. No intense high rise development.
We had a brief roadside sandwich stop, paid some significant tolls and another petrol stop before cruising into Lagos before 3.30pm. After contact with our host Liliana we found our apartment amongst ridiculously narrow streets in the old town area. Although it hadn’t finished being cleaned, we left our luggage and walked down to the beach for Roh to have a swim (water still too cold for us!)
Considering we only recently booked this apartment, it’s location and price - it is fabulous! One of the best so far! So spacious!
We left Roh at the beach and Raym and I found that the June Lagos beer festival had just begun in the main square. Plenty of beer/wine outlets, food, tables, music .... fun way to begin our Lagos visit! After a few beers we met Roh back at our cleaned apartment to chill and prepare for dinner.
We strolled a few streets away, jostling the holidaymakers, and decided on a restaurant- proved a great choice. Loved my grilled sole, Roh was happy with his salmon and Raymo polished off his pizza. Certainly a different, less Portuguese vibe here - but definitely a holiday atmosphere!
Had to dodge a rain shower on the way back.