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Walks around Lagos

This page describes some of the walks we have taken around the Lagos area.

Sagres with Chip and Sue

We took the express bus from the station across the pedestrian bridge from the marina, and got off at its ultimate destination Sagres (30km W. of Lagos, and some way off this map). There, we walked to the fort and having paid our admission charges, walked around the walls overlooking the cliffs towards Cabo de S. Vicente and over towards Baleeira in the east. There is a visitors centre, there, and a small church. Francis Drake apparently sacked the fort by attacking from the sea: it was built to defend itself from the land. Afterwards we walked over to Baleeira, and looked over the bay, before taking some refreshment while awaiting the bus home.

Inside the fort at SagresThe small church

Alvor with Ian and Sarah

We walked from the marina, up the hill onto the ridge that overlooks Meia Praia on the one side, and over to the hills on the north side. Continuing to the golf club at Palmeiras, we turned down the hill and over the railway to the lagoon at Alvor. We had lunch here on the breakwater before returning along Meia Praia beach to Lagos.

Overlooking Alvor lagoon towards Praia Rocha Meia Praia, just outside Lagos breakwater

Porto Mos with David and Ann

We left Lagos by crossing over the river and along the promenade (magenta route)towards the mouth of the river, then up along the cliffs to the lighthouse at Ponta de Piedade, thence along the cliffs and down to the beach at Porto Mos. After lunch, the party split, half returning directly to Lagos, and half going along the cliffs (green route) with Chip, first to Luz and then on to Burgau, by which time the refreshments became more important than the next bus back!

The breakaways on the way to Burgau from Porto Mos

Mexilheara Grande with John and Mo

Trying to get away from the sea, we took the train to Mexilheara Grande. From the station, we crossed the main road (red route) and walked up through the town and past the old church towards higher ground, from which we could see over the motorway towards the mountains beyond, before circling back to the village by a lower road. Half the party walked back to Lagos along the railway line, in order to cross the lagoon using the railway bridge.


The church at Mexilheira Grande	The view south over Alvor from the church

Praia Rocha with Colin and Jane

We took the bus to Praia Rocha. Then starting along the beach, we walked (blue route) along and then up onto the cliff top. We followed this through pine woods and along the scenic cliffs, taking lunch by a deep bore hole. We finally arrived back in Alvor, where we took refreshments before catching the bus back.


The climb up from the beach at Praia Rocha	The view east towards Portimao and beyond

Alvor with David

We took the train to Mexilheira Grande, but then took the road south (yellow) until we reached the lagoon. We then diverted east to find the derelict villa where we had BBQ'd in October, and had lunch. Returning by a different road we stopped to observe flamingoes. Half the party elected to walk back along the railway line (over the only bridge) back to the marina.


Alvor lagoon from the villa	Flamingoes

Vila do Bispo with John and Sharon

We took the bus to Vila do Bispo, then crossed under the main road to gain access to the farm road that led south towards the sea. We passed ancient standing stones before gaining a view over the beach far below. Following lunch at a semi-derelict farm, we returned by a different route to Vila do Bispo.


Approaching the farm where we had lunch	The view down over the beach at Praia do Barranco

Barao da Sao Joao with Ginny and Carole

We took the bus to the village, following which a hard climb (also green) up into pine woods with good views looking back over Lagos and Burgau towards the sea. We returned to light charcoal and BBQ our lunch at the picnic area thoughtfully provided for us, then (painfully fast) back down the hill to catch the bus back.


Lighting the fire	Toasting marsh mallows	Taste nice?

A walk around Odiaxere with Sue and Lynn The bus dropped us in the town, and we set off south and west (cyan route) to reach the ridge overlooking the Baia de Lagos, and then turned east to Palmaires Golf Club, continuing on to overlook Alvor lagoon. Having dropped down to the road at Vale de Lama, we turned left again, then found an ingenious path alongside one of the irrigation ducts to regain the road leading back into Odiaxere. There was time for a brief look at the windmill before catching the bus back. A breakaway contingent walked back to the marina, following more or less the first part of the route up to the ridge, and then down the hill to Lagos.


The road back into Odiaxere	Old man by the windmill


Overlooking Alvor lagoon towards Praia Rocha	Meia Praia, just outside Lagos breakwater