What’s the best thing to do in summertime than to visit Algarve, its beautiful beaches, amazing cities and places that are known to few? Discover Cape Saint Vincent, Serra de Monchique, Silves and other beautiful locations in this two-part itinerary.
Luz beach was my base for the 5 days I spent in this region. To enjoy the beaches and discover the Algarve I have decided to split the days in two – in the morning, I got to know this region a little better and, in the afternoon, I went to the beach to get some tan. My days ended at the hotel’s pool.
Day 1: Arrival to Luz Beach
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I stayed in an apartment in the resort Estrela da Luz , probably the most luxurious place I have stayed in all my life. It’s true it is a luxurious place, but it won’t be more expensive than other apartments or hotel rooms near the beach in Algarve cities like Albufeira or Portimão; in Estrela da Luz you can enjoy a spa and three swimming pools.
After checking in, I went to the local supermarket to buy some groceries and afterwards I ended my day at the hotel’s spa.
Information: If you’re staying in Luz village, then go to Lagos if you want to buy something – it’s only 5 kilometres away. You’ll find cheaper supermarkets than those in the village.
Day 2: Cape Saint Vincent and Beliche Beach
In my truly first full day in the Algarve, I visited the southwestern most point of Europe: Cape Saint Vincent.
As you can see, Cape Saint Vincent is a unique place of rare beauty. Aside from the landscape you can also see Sagres lighthouse.
During your visit do not make the same mistake I did – don’t bring just a t-shirt. Even if it is 25 ºC, the wind is strong so bring something warmer.
On our way back from Cape Saint Vincent, we stopped at Beliche beach, located just 3 km from the cape. This beach is perhaps one of the less known beaches in Algarve but it has something different.
Beliche beach is the one to visit – you will have to climb down a hundred steps to fully appreciate the beauty of this place.
Located 3 km away is the village of Sagres and its Fortress. Since the fortress was closed and it was almost lunch time, I decided to go back to my place to enjoy the sun and the beach.
Information: if you are staying in Lagos, book a guided tour in a vintage Volkswagen van and go on a trip to the western Algarve heritage . On this 4-hour guided tour you will have the opportunity to discover some less-known, but no less interesting points of interest such as the menhirs of Padrão and Milrei, the Sagres Promontory, the Cape of São Vicente and the dinosaur footprints at the beach Praia da Salema. Definitely, a unique activity you shouldn’t miss!
After eating in the apartment, I visited Luz beach and the streets nearby, 500 metres from the hotel.
Luz beach is not one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, however it has all it takes for you to spend a marvellous day: restaurants, bars, fine sand and a quiet sea with a warm temperature. When I booked my holidays for August I was afraid there would be too much people around – yes, I’m a tourist but I like to stroll and lay at the beach without hearing other people’s conversations.
As you can see in the photos, there were many people on the beach but there was still room for me without stepping on other people.
Around 18h00 I went back to the hotel to enjoy the exterior pools and the spa. I didn’t have the opportunity to try the inside pool on the previous day so it was time to do it.
The experience went sideways… For those who don’t know, I can’t swim so I tried to figure out what was the depth of the pool on the higher end – it was 1,50 m so it was safe for me to go.
I went right in but imagine my surprise when I tried to get up and noticed the water covered me up to my eyes…
After swallowing some water I got to one of the sides of the pool. I jumped right out of the pool and saw that everyone was having a laugh out of the situation…
I got out of there and went to the jacuzzi – this time I was sure I wouldn’t get caught off guard.
Click here if you want to read the second part of my visit to this beautiful region – you’ll discover Silves, Serra do Monchique, Lagos and Ponta da Piedade.
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