Algarve’s Road Less Traveled
Story and Photos (unless noted) by Nancy Whiteman
When we headed down to the Algarve in late November, we decided to select “Avoid Toll Roads” on Google Maps. Not because I am frugal, but rather to enjoy the views of Portugal’s southwestern coast. We found pleasure in this more leisurely route and we found the Fisherman’s Trail. Portugal’s Coastal Roads One of the things I have noted since moving to Portugal is that the Portuguese don’t offer one continuous road along their magnificent coastlines. There isn’t an A1A like in Florida or a Pacific Coast Highway like in California. Instead, when traveling from Cascais to Nazaré, for example, you are forced to travel inland for significant sections.
National Petrochemic Reginery, and Repsol. If you have been following the news, you know that China has made significant investments in Portugal including these areas. As such, I was not surprised to learn that Sines is a key port that links Africa, and North and South America to China’s New Silk Road initiative. (Why do I find this unsettling?) The morning we visited, the Museu de Sines was not open. However, after a brief stroll around the town, we were returning to our car when we came upon a pavilion protecting unearthed ruins. We learned the area dates back to the Visigoths (410-700AD) and was discovered when renovating the castle.
Likewise, there is not a single road that runs along the southern, Algarve, coast. Instead, you have to exit N125 at one of its many roundabouts and follow the signs to the praia (beach). Generally, that road will take you directly to the beach and back. Occasionally, it will travel along the beach for a few blocks but then return you to N125. When we chose the non-toll road route from Lisbon to Sagres, many times the coastline was not in sight. This also extended our drive time by over two hours, but we didn’t care. We are retired, i.e., on a perpetual vacation. First Stop, Sines Denise had read about Sines, the birthplace of Vasco da Gama, and insisted we make it our first stop. A chance to stretch our legs and take Onix, who occasionally complained about being tethered in the back seat, for a walk. We quickly found a free parking lot adjacent to the castle and took a stroll. Workers were installing Christmas lights and decorations for what we believe is going to be a Christmas Market inside the castle walls. Steep steps lead you to the top of the castle walls and provide a nearly 360-degree view which includes armaments and the Praia Vasco da Gama. Off in the distance, we saw a very large port and oil refineries. Further research led me to understand that Sines is among the largest maritime-industrial complexes in Portugal and is home to Electridade de Portugal, 30 Portugal Living Magazine
Sines—Birthplace of Vasco da Gama
