Thursday 13^th December – Lagos

37:06.610N 8:40.494W

Today, after a late start, we headed off towards the mountains.  The forecasters had said there would be cloud but, thankfully, it had not materialised and we had a clear, bright blue sky.

First stop was Caldas da Monchique - this is a spa resort and we had a short walk round this pretty little village before continuing on up the mountain.

We then drove through Monchique itself (seemed to be a lot of roadworks so we drove straight through) on the way up to Foia, the highest point in the Algarve, where we stopped to enjoy the view and to have lunch.   There was no wind and bright sun and we enjoyed our lunch outside on the terrace in the heat – Brian was building up his tan for his return home!

On the way back we called in Silves to visit the castle. This is an historic site that is being redeveloped, despite its important and interesting history.  My personal view, looking at the plans, is that once the development is completed, it will look like a garden centre inside.

By the time we returned to the marina the carol singing was just getting under way…  a number of the resident boat crews were going around the pontoons and then the adjoining bars and restaurants raising money for the local orphanage for Christmas.

After catching up with them we then went to a local Portuguese restaurant so Brian could try some true Portuguese food before his return home in the morning.  Whilst we were there some of carol singers came in for some food – very pleased with the amount they had raised.