Part 2 - Down to the Algarve!

The Algarve is the southern region of mainland Portugal. Its name actually comes from the Arabic word "al gharb", meaning "the west". This region is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, almost entirely because of its beautiful beaches and warmer Mediterranean seas. This map shows the region in red.


Because some of the towns in this region can get very crowded in the height of summer, we chose to stay in a town called Tavira. It's supposed to be one of the more untouched areas along the coast; this is due to its beaches being protected by a lagoon, as well as being inside a natural park where development is not allowed. Here is an aerial view.


We stopped for lunch at a place that had been recommended. We sat on the rooftop and this was our view while we ate.




The place we were staying was difficult to find, which we'd been warned about. Luckily our trusty GPS was able to help until we simply follwed the tiny signs to get there. Here is what awaited us off tiny country roads, surounded by olive groves and orange trees.


The pool was gorgeous, and we had it to ourselves both days we were there!






View from the balcony, and John enjoying the view.




Beach day! We recently acquired bocce ball and ladder ball, if you know what that game is. They are fun to play on the beach, and we definitely attracted quite a few onlookers!




We had to make sure to take them to an all-you-can eat churrascaria, which they loved. Here is a view of the town of Tavira at night


We wanted to go somewhere to watch the final game in the World Cup. We ended up at a British pub, which was a great choice. It was exciting to watch the Spanish win knowing we were only 20 kilometers from Spain and that we were heading there the next day!