We checked out of our Lisbon hotel on Thursday, picked up our rental car, and drive (sort of) along the coast to our next destination – Albufeira in the Algarve region.

This was one of Lily’s Christmas presents. I spent way more time than I care to admit trying to solve it.
Are we in Rio? Are we in San Francisco? Nope – Lisbon has a giant Jesus statue, similar to Christ The Redeemer in Rio, overlooking the city, next to a bridge that looks a LOT like the Golden Gate Bridge.
We took the long way, thinking we would see more ocean. It isn’t like Highway 1, but it was a pretty drive.
A lot of places were closed due it being the off season, but Ty found this little gem. The Magic Cactus had amazing views and a delicious lunch.
This girl loves the ocean
Sticking this screenshot into the blog for future reference. The Portuguese countryside was full of 2 types of trees – cork (cool to see where the bark had been removed) and Stone Pines. Iowa is too cold for them, but maybe someday I can live in a warm place and have one of my own.
Lagos was a cool stop along the way. We wandered throughout the narrow cobblestone streets and did a little shopping.
We arrived at our home for the next week – W Algarve. Great first impression! The staff were all super friendly, the style has a super cool vibe. I can’t believe I didn’t come up with this Caution Cone idea….
This view doesn’t suck.
We had a suitcase full of dirty clothes, so Jay and I had a hot date at the Mil Bolhas Lavandaria.
Jay forgot the champagne and candles, so we settled for some Super Bock beer that we picked up at the Supermercado. We be classy….
Friday morning we had an ATV buggy tour booked with Algarve Riders. Recommend!!
Lily hopped in with me. She giggled and squealed so much. 🙂
Ty braved buckling into dad’s buggy. He’s a little more adventurous than I am.
First stop was the Paderne Castle. This is one of the 7 castles that is on the Portuguese flag, representing one of the last castles that the Christians conquered from the Moors. It was originally built in the 12th century using a material called Taipa – a mixture of mud, chalk, lime, and aggregate. Amazing that it still stands (with some minor repairs) 800+ years later.
Always have to stop at the top of the hill to admire the view
Lily was ready for a nap
The chimneys in Algarve are a thing. They are beautiful – similar to this on, but there are many different variations of it. Someone can fact check this, but our guide said that the chimneys were originally built on top of homes of Muslim Moors that remained in the region, representing miniature Minarets, to subtly show their Muslim neighbors that while they said they were Christian to remain in the country, they practiced the Muslim religion behind closed doors.
When we got back to the hotel, our clothes were FILTHY. So Jay and Ty headed back to the laundromat, and Lily and I explored the hotel grounds. If I can’t find her later, I will check here.
Actual photo of the Stone Pines that I love.
Ok, wow. The “beach” at the bottom of the hotel’s property is gorgeous. Definitely NOT a swimming beach, but the waves crashing into the rocks sounded amazing.
I like Algarve. 🙂
Lily talked us into doing a Mixology class at the hotel. I haven’t had a good margarita in Europe, but the bartender said it was because I hadn’t had his yet. He showed me his mix, I shook it like it was freezing, and it was actually pretty yummy!
Jay made a Manhattan. Check out that pour!
And the sun goes down on another great day!