Leg 22 - Portimão Portugal

Portimão (Portuguese pronunciation: [puɾtiˈmɐ̃w] ) is a city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 55,614, in an area of 182.06 km². Historically a fishing and shipbuilding centre, it has nonetheless developed into a strong tourist centre oriented along its beaches and southern coast. The two largest population centers in the Algarve are Portimão and Faro.

A short 6 nautical mile sail from Lagos to Portimao.

We meet up again with sister yacht Wakalele.

Another wonderful dinner with Steven, Anna-Mie and their daughter Ines. Gelato and pastel de nata for desert.

The waterfront is made up of several colorful resorts and restaurants. The schooner behind us is the Te Vega. She is a two-masted, gaff-rigged auxiliary schooner. Originally launched as the Etak, she was designed by New York naval architects Cox & Stevens in 1929. During World War II she served the US Navy as Juniata (IX-77). She is among the largest steel-hulled schooners afloat. Length 137 ft (42 m) Beam 28 ft 2 in (8.59 m) Draft 17 ft 5 in (5.31 m).

Praia da Rocha, about 3 kilometres from the centre, is perhaps the best known beach in the Algarve, with the picture postcard scene of its huge swathe of sand being widespread internationally. It’s been a busy seaside resort since the beginning of the 20th century, and it has a casino and offers an endless number of leisure activities. It also had great strategic importance in the 15th century.

One of Mark's Drone pictures.

Inside the Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar that was built to defend the harbour and the population from attacks by pirates, providing crossfire with the São João do Arade Fort, right in front in Ferragudo, alongside another extensive sandy beach aptly called Praia Grande.

The Fort of São João do Arade (Portuguese: Forte de São João do Arade), sometimes referred to as the Castle of Arade, is a medieval fortification situated in the civil parish of Ferragudo in the Portuguese Algarve municipality of Lagoa. It is now privately owned. We only saw the lights on once.

We welcome Mark, Michelle & Erin joining us back in Faro to cruise the coast with us for three weeks. Portimao become their fifth port of call as we head West on the Algarve.

The upper deck was our nightly hang out watching the amazing scenery and sunsets. The blue Ikea table we bought in Spain has held out very well this season.

One horse powered cart. Taken while biking past.

I call these "Splayed Chicken". Covered with Kick'n Chicken spices.

Across from Portimao is the fishing village of Ferragudo.

We found our favorite restaurant in Ferragudo. Large lunch and either a half liter of sangria or 1/2 sized bottle of wine for 10 Euros (tax included).

And our second favorite eatery is the Italian spot right on the palm tree lined waterfront in Portimao.

Bike paths were everywhere making our city touring and provisioning easy and safe.

Built in 1893 the Farol da Ponta do Altar lighthouse is surrounded by some of the most beautiful cliffs.

One of the many watch towers along this coast line. They were permanently inhabited although we could not see any way in unless they use a ladder.

The church yard in Ferragudo. Michelle and Erin.

Old pirate ship. Newer mid sized cruise ship.

Cool bull. We did not eat there.

New Fordeck office?