Page 37 - MASALA VOL 8 ISSUE 3 DECEMBER 2016 – JANUARY 2017

will nd beautiful secluded beaches accessible
by tunnels from cli tops that land you right into
the mouth of the beach, with no other possible
mode of entry except by sea via boat or kayak. You
will nd yourself peering down, because there is
no barrier that separates you from falling o the
cli into the ocean. I have witnessed some of the
most jaw-dropping and extreme scenery along this
gorgeous hike.

Hiking, of course, is not for everyone, and luckily
there are other activities that can occupy your
time. Taking a boat tour for a visit to the various
caves, speci cally the Benagil Sea Caves, and
dolphin watching are almost essential when in
the Algarve region. If you would like to have a more
personal and intimate experience by docking along
small stretches of golden sand that line the caves,
then a kayak would be the better option. You will Benagil sea cave
get an entirely di erent perspective on the same
stretch of cli s hiked, as the route is exactly the
same. Both are equally memorable and stunning in
their own ways.
Although the southern coast of Portugal is more
about nature and less about development, there
are enough bars and restaurants to keep you
occupied when night falls.
Promenade along Carvoeiro shing village Fishing boats in the harbor of Lagos

Tips & Tricks

Getting Around
Portugal is best explored by car, especially considering an entire week car rental can
set you back only a mere 50 Euros. An absolutely great bargain. Although buses and
trains connect to all the major cities and towns, a car will allow you to access easily
various hidden gems along your journey. The recommended route is to y into Porto,
drive down to Lisbon, and nally end the road trip in the laidback Algarve before ying
out from Faro. The entire trip, if done at one stretch, will take a maximum of seven
hours by car. There are also regular ights out of Porto and Lisbon to the Algarve
Grilled Sardines region, providing plenty of access to the major cities if you don’t fancy driving.

Food & Drinks
Like anywhere you travel, food is a huge part of the country and culture and
must not be missed in Portugal. You may not be a fan of sardines or grilled
salted sh along the streets, but perhaps a Pastel de Nata, a mouth-watering
and absolutely delicious egg tart, is more up your alley. Alternatively, you may
order a Tosta Mista at a local cafe, the Portuguese version of a grilled ham and
cheese sandwich that is sure to leave you wanting more.

If you’re a fan of co ee, then a Galão is highly recommended. It is a Portuguese
Tosta Mista hot drink made of espresso and foamed milk, served in a tall glass. If you
simply want an espresso, then order a Bica when in Lisbon. Finally, the
delectable wines of Portugal cannot be overlooked. Portugal is famously
recognised as the originators of producing green wine, better known as Vinho
Verde. The wine-making is similar to that of a white wine, but the fermentation
process continues inside the bottle itself, creating a slightly zzy and refreshing
taste on your palette. Also, don’t forget the country’s famed Port wine.

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