AN AMAZING BOAT TRIP

Ponta da Piedade (Point of Mercy) has often been described as "The treasure of the Algarve," and rightly so. This aptly named natural wonder can be reached by car, local bus or a bone-rattling tourist trolley - which having done once, we would never repeat or recommend! Parking is available, but in high season it can get crowded, with cars backed up along the narrow road leading in and out. There's also a wide range of boat tours that leave from Lagos marina. Upon arrival, there's a small cluster of market stalls selling local goods plus a restaurant and toilets.

On the day we took this incredible boat trip we, as usual, chose to go on foot. Walking uphill from town we passed Dona Ana beach (mentioned in an earlier blog). Although it was tempting to veer off and revisit this gorgeous beach, we continued onwards and upwards until the land flattens out into an area of scrubby fields, where we saw quite a few very nice villas.

Once the cliff tops are reached, it's difficult not to be awed by all the beauty that nature has created here. This headland consists of yello/golden/reddish cliffs, 20 metres high, where caves, rock "towers" and grottoes have been formed. Depending on the tide, there are also some small beaches and coves where people can have a dip in the crystal-clear waters. With plenty of space to walk around the cliff tops, it should be mentioned that care and attention to the surroundings is needed - there are no barriers or guard rails. After spending some time admiring the scenery, we made our way down to a small stone jetty and the boats. For anyone with mobility problems, it's virtually impossible to navigate the steep, stone steps to get down there - not to mention back up again! They're uneven and can be slippery, so a boat trip from town, would be a better option.

Although I've always had motion sickness, once we were standing at sea level, I couldn't resist the lure of seeing these giant, towering sculptures - plus the water was calm and the friendly boat "handler" was a good salesman. We opted for a "private tour" - just us and a guide who steered the boat....together with the promise of a return to "shore" if I did feel sick, off we went on what was an amazing experience! For about 30 mins we cruised in and out, around and through this fascinating landscape.

Long ago the local fishermen gave names to these towering cliffs, caves, beaches and bays - Chaminé (Chimney), Submarino, and Gruta dos Amores (Cave of Love) are just a few that present day fishermen are more than willing to show visiting tourists while aboard their brightly coloured boats. We saw them all - plus the elephant, the pirate....and the Titanic colliding with an "iceberg." Part of the trip took us close to some tiny beaches, which depending on the tides can't always be seen. Access to them requires the ability to climb up and down the cliffs, which aren't always stable…but for those who can do it, there's a privacy rarely found, and where clothing is seemingly optional! Along the way we waved to kayakers, who having taken larger boats out to Ponta de Piedade, are provided with a guided tour whilst paddling kayaks …it's another popular choice to get up close to this idyllic place.

After the tour we took a look at the outside of the lighthouse, completed in 1913. Although not open to the public, it's an impressive sight, standing 164 feet above the sea. Past the lighthouse there's a long boardwalk heading in the other direction - but that's for another day (and perhaps a mention in another blog).

On this day as we headed home, processing the new memories of our boat tour, we tried to take a short cut, given that we could see a line of rain heading our way. In an attempt to avoid this fast-approaching rain, we walked along a partially finished boardwalk, that unfortunately led us nowhere except into a large patch of scrub-land atop another cliff. Surrounded by a high fence, we were drenched and dripping by the time we found a small opening in the fence. Although we were thoroughly soaked, I was very happy.....I never did get sea-sick!