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Algarve tide pools?

We are looking for a spot for two nights on the Algarve at the end of our trip in the first half of October. We are staying in Tavira at the beginning of the trip, then touring around, and coming back at the end of the trip to fly out of Faro. We were thinking Lagos for those 2 night but not sure if that's the best choice.

Here's something I haven't seen much about though. We're not "lie on a lounger on the beach" types, but we LOVE a good tide pool. We're more likely to spend our beach time meandering slowly around, paddling a bit if the water isn't too cold, and looking at nature, whether that's interesting wildflowers and birdlife, or -EVEN BETTER- tide pools and tidal zones with various critters. I suppose I should add geology to the list, as the rock formations such as the Benagil Caves are definitely of interest as well. We will be a little less goat-footed this trip though (see "meandering slowly"), as dh's knee can't take twisting the way it used to.

So--what are your thoughts about that aspect of the Algarve? Would love to hear your experience.

Posted by
79 posts

We were in the Algarve mid Nov last and I am a….wait for it….marine biologist. Hard to compare with what we have on Vancouver Island but you should probably go to Lagos to walk along the stunning rocky shore, and then take a 1 hr boat trip along the shoreline to get a different perspective. Tide pooling is really not a thing there or most of the Portugal coast that we saw…there must be some fun pools somewhere!! The Rock formations and colours are what draw people to the Lagos area and it is certainly worth it for 2-3 days (unless you don’t like walking!!). Hope this helps!!

Posted by
4367 posts

This is only peripherally related to your question, but if you're going to Lisbon, you must go to the Aquariium there. It is the largest one in Europe and is my favorite over the ones in Atlanta and Charleston.

Posted by
233 posts

CLKR we lived in Victoria for a decade and Botanical Beach is the standard by which other tide pools are measured!! So you know exactly what I'm looking for . But your suggestion sounds like fun even if less spectacular.

Will also consider the aquarium, thanks!

Posted by
79 posts

Hi Joanne. Now I understand your interest in tide pools! I would highly recommend the coast near Lagos for a couple of days for walking and boating as it is truly awe inspiring and totally different from Tavira. FYI You can kayak into Bengali or walk around the top and look in…again those sink holes are remarkable! Have fun!!