The Algarve

Today marked our last day of cycling with a relatively short 48K meandering by pretty flowering fields and small villages in the Natural Park in the warmth of the Mediterranean climate. It was a perfect day to be travelling by bike!

Then we encountered The Hill. The 16% uphill grade would have been difficult at the best of times, but after a kilometre of about 10% uphill, it was just too much. I had to push the bike the last little bit. Needless to say, the views were fantastic when we made it to the top.

After leaving the Natural Park, we rode by the vacation homes, resorts, golf courses and beaches of the touristy Algarve, with our final stop in Lagos. This photo of the long sand beach and impressive cliff was taken about 6K from Lagos at the resort town of Praia da Luz, translated as Beach of Light. The Rocha Negra cliff, formed by volcanic lava some 150 million years ago, protects the beach and bay.