Portimao is on the southern coast of Portugal, called the Algarve. This whole region is big with tourists in July and August.

I signed up for my Portimao tour several months ago, so I did not realize that my current tour directly leaves Portimao and travels to Lagos, 18 miles (30 km) to the east. We started by visiting Ponta da Piedade, a headland of rocks within view of Lagos, Portimao and Sagres, the point where the coast of Portugal turns to the north.

The walk from the bus parking to the Pontas is lined with stations of the cross.

Near the edge is a rebuilt lighthouse (and modern equipment).

Typically, there are boat tours of grottoes among the rocks. Today the waves were too much, but I can understand why you’d like to visit here on the sea.

There are a large number of flowering Nineleaf Biscuitroot (part of the carrot family).

We then moved to the center of Lagos, which is a lovely, historic town. Here is a statue of Henry the Navigator – the term “infante” mean “prince” or heir apparent, like how “dauphin” was used in France.

Near the statue is the Igreja de Santa Maria, which is a simple yet lovely church.

Near the entrance there is the standard “light a candle for a prayer” shrine. However, these candles are electric. I have not seen that before.

Just to show you how important trade was to Lagos over the centuries, here is a warehouse with very ornate decoration.

---

Tomorrow we dock in Lisbon, the last stop on this world cruise. I will then spend two weeks with my sister in Barcelona. I’m not planning any photographic events, but who knows?