Highlights of the Day
Logistics
Accommodation: Lisbon Finestay 8 Building Apartments (highly recommended)
Transportation: rental car
Travel Journal
We started our journey to Lisbon today, making a memorable stop in the renowned coastal city of Albufeira. Once a charming fishing village, Albufeira has grown into a celebrated holiday destination while retaining glimpses of its quaint origins.
One of the town’s highlights is the iconic Praia dos Pescadores, or Fisherman’s Beach, nestled several stories below the bustling streets. To reach the shoreline, we took a scenic elevator ride, which added a unique touch to our visit. Compared to the tranquil Salema, this beach had more visitors, yet the off-season ensured a peaceful and uncrowded experience.
Praia dos Pescadores boasts soft, golden sands and calm, inviting waters. The beach is bordered by rows of whitewashed buildings, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue of the ocean. The rugged coastline, with its dramatic rock formations, is accessible to visitors and offered us plenty of fun exploration and picturesque photo opportunities.
Following online recommendations, we discovered a charming seaside restaurant called Esplanada Do Tunel. Perched right on the beach, the restaurant offers a serene view of the tranquil ocean. Nearby, rows upon rows of beach loungers lie quietly in wait, ready for visitors to relax and enjoy the coastal ambiance.
The grilled octopus was incredibly fresh, a true delight for seafood lovers. Another highlight was the salted cod, a dish cherished as one of Portugal’s most iconic foods. However, due to overfishing in the past, Portugal now imports salted cod, primarily from Norway or Canada. The preparation involves soaking the cod in water for 24 to 48 hours to achieve a firm texture and rich flavor.
Unfortunately, I found the salted cod here a bit too salty. Whether it was due to insufficient soaking or a reflection of Portuguese taste preferences, it wasn’t to my liking.
After lunch, we strolled over to the old town, passing through a long tunnel that felt like a journey back in time.
The old town buzzed with life, its streets lined with colorful shops offering everything from souvenirs to local crafts. The vibrant energy was infectious, a sharp contrast to the tranquility we experienced in Salema the day before. Albufeira is said to come alive at night, its renowned nightlife drawing visitors from around the world.
As I wandered through the bustling streets, I couldn’t help but reflect on Salema’s peaceful charm. Would this quiet fishing village eventually transform into a busy tourist hub like Albufeira, or would it hold on to its untouched serenity? Only time will tell.
For now, Salema remains a hidden gem etched fondly in my memory. Whether it’s the serene allure of Salema or the lively vibrancy of Albufeira, I’ve come to appreciate and love them both for their unique character and charm.
As we continue our journey to Lisbon, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Albufeira and the enchanting Algarve region. We depart with cherished memories and a hopeful longing to return someday.
We returned our rental car at the Lisbon airport and embraced a change of pace for the next few days in the city. In Lisbon, we relied on public transportation and rideshare services, finding Uber to be both affordable and convenient. With its reasonable pricing in Portugal, Uber proved to be a more economical and hassle-free option compared to navigating the city with a rental car.
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