Lagos and Carvoeiro Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve

Not far from Carvoeiro old town we find the hidden Algar Seco, with its naturally carved pool, opened to the Atlantic, also has a jumping area from the sandstone cliffs to the ocean, with steps carved in the rocks to get back to land. While exploring the area, if you pay attention you can spot fossil shells on the walls of the cliffs. A true wonder of nature carved for hundreds of years by the wind, rain and waves, with spectacular views.

Just on the side of Algar Seco we go thru "A Boneca" short tunnel carved on the cliff that opens and lights ups to a small room with two windows with the ocean view. This famous rock formation known as “The Doll", is a rock shaped like an inverted cone which looks like a doll when seen from the sea, where the two windows resemble the eyes. The view from this cave is absolutely spectacular and it will help you understand why Algar Seco is one of the most beautiful areas on Portugal.

The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a wonderful cliff top walk that leads to the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort. This ten minute short walk is along an elevated wooden pathway, which skirts the top of the cliffs and offers gorgeous views over the coastline. You can find signs along the way explaining the fauna and flora that is possible to spot in the area.

The boardwalk ends at the main entrance of the fort with the chapel, both are sitting on top of the hill, that overlooks the beach of Carvoeiro. Religious and military functions shared this space. The church already existed when, in 1675, the defensive military device was built here, in the form of an irregular polygon, possibly in the place where a watchtower would have existed.

From the fort we start descending, stopping right after at the view point which overlooks the beach and the old town. Here it is possible to admire the typical Algarve construtions and take pictures. Next we get to the old town where usually you get 30 minutes by yourselves to walk freely, you can go to the beach and also explore the old town, go shopping for souvenirs. Then it is time for lunch, at a typical Portuguese restaurant not far from the old town.

Drive by the statue with an explanation about the protector of Lagos city.

The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland is one of the finest natural beauties of the Algarve. This dramatic sandstone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms. The headland can only be described as stunning.

Lagos is a dynamic and active city, which is justifiably proud of its past and possesses a very rich and well preserved patrimony. The region of Lagos has a long history linking it to the sea. Its original name, Lacobriga, reflects the fact that the first inhabitants of this port, in roughly 2000 years BC, were of Celtic origin. After them came the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, but it was the Romans that brought growth and prosperity to the town. The Moors built walls around Lagos in the 10th century. The 15th century was the golden age for the town of Lagos, with its immediate involvement in the period of the Discoveries. Due to the port’s location, directly across from Africa, it became the major point of departure and arrival for the ships that, year after year, set sail in discovery of that continent.

Henry the Navigator founded the school in Sagres, where the navigators could learn more about sailing. He had update elaborated maps, went to get famous cartographers, navigators, geographers and naval builders to bundle all this information with the news brought by the arriving sailors. He made sure each expedition learned with the previous and motivated them to use navigation instruments, such as the sea compass, the astrolabe and the quadrant that helped determine latitude.

Enter and appreciate this simple church built in the 15th century, with a rectangular layout, single nave, and elevated main chapel, baptistery and high choir. The high altar is painted in a surprising manner - with luminous colours and biblical scenes.