Our first view of the Atlantic Ocean from the Portuguese coast was at Cacela Velha — low tide creates a river that separates us from the sea.We walked around the Sea Salt lagoons at Castro Marim. As the temperature warms in the Spring, the water will evaporate and by Fall, sea salt will be ready for harvesting: a process that has been on going for millennium.Ruins de Milreu — a Roman farm that pays homage to the sea in all the colorful mosaics.The town of Lagos has a wonderful water front cliff walk called Ponta da Piedade.What fascinating eroded rock formations at every turn!Stairs take you down to some of the shore areas where you can appreciate the size of the rock outcroppings and arches. Ponta da PiedadeSalema is our home base — looking back at the village from their wonderful clear beach at low tide……tho there are some treasures to be found!About a mile walk to the west of Salema is a small secluded beach to enjoy the surf.A longer walk to the east of Salema we climbed over this cliff headlands to another beach……and over yet another cliff is this popular beach — which we enjoyed hanging out a bit……to watch the surfers! Very big waves.The furthest southwest point in Europe is Cape St Vincent — with a of course a lighthouse. We also toured around the fort at Sagres which is on the adjacent cliff.A little further north along the coast is Praia da Cordoama — where a river joins the ocean. The layers of waves coming into shore and the endless kilometers of cliffs were captivating.Looking the other direction at Praia da Cordoama we loved the emerald greenery draping off the rocks. That beach looks enticing……We drove down and walked the sandy beach enjoying the sea spray on our faces while watching the waves crash into the rugged shore. Praia da CordoamaFurther north at Carrapateira — the geology changed to gold and red cliffs! So much diversity along this rugged coast!
