Algarve, Portugal

What drew us down to the Algarve from Lisbon was the coastline, particularly the sea caves and rock formations around Lagos.

We took a Flixbus from Lisbon, which was surprisingly easy and very affordable. After a few busy days in the city, arriving in Lagos felt like a complete reset. Everything slowed down: more space, more light and the constant presence of the sea.

Lagos is not usually the kind of place we go on holiday. That’s not to look down on the place, we just don’t really go on resort or beach holidays. However, it did make a nice change and a slower pace than we are used to.

We spent our first day walking along the coastal boardwalks, which stretch out around the cliffs and give you those dramatic views the Algarve is known for. Then straight down to the beach for sunbathing, swimming and jumping into the crashing Atlantic waves.

The highlight was a boat trip the next day out to the caves and rock formations. The cliffs are this deep golden limestone, shaped by the sea into arches, caves and hidden coves, with bright blue water cutting through everything. You move in and out of these small spaces by boat, which is an intimate way to see such a dramatic landscape.

Before flying home, we stopped in Faro for one final meal of some kind of rich seafood potato concoction that was exactly what we wanted after a few days by the coast.