Lagos: Ponta da Piedade

Traveling west along the Portugese Algarve, our next destination was Lagos. Although this city is both larger and more touristy than Tavira, the golden limestone cliffs along the coast make this stop truly worthwhile. Along the habor there were numerous stalls advertising tours of the Ponta da Piedade coastline with views of the many remote beaches and grottos. So, on our first morning we hopped on board one of the small tourist boats. Travelling through the sea pillars, rock arches and caves was a stunning introduction to this rugged headland.

Back on dry land, we followed the boardwalk trail and foot paths which run from town to the headland lighthouse. These trails provided access to several beaches and offered a different, but no less dramatic, perspective from our earlier ocean views.