Funchal - Portimao

Wednesday 29^th October

Woke up and pulled open the curtain to find we were nearly at Portimao - an hour early!  After a few photos on deck and breakfast we waited for our excursion to Carvoeiro and Lagos. We had only been here a few weeks ago in August so were a bit disappointed to be here again so soon, hence the tour to see somewhere different and have more time in Lagos. We did spot that storks were now nesting on the tall red-brick chimneys that are dotted around the town - remnants of the sardine-canning industry!

We drove out into the countryside over the bridge (grabbing a photo or two of Funchal) to the pretty seaside town of Carvoeiro. we had just half an hour of free time to walk down the shell-scattered sands to the water, past a few fishing boats hauled up to the road. The high cliffs lining the bay were pock-marked with caves and were a stunning golden colour with white houses lining the hilltop.

After a walk around we drove to the stunning view point over the cliffs outside Lagos before driving into the town itself.

Here I detached myself from the walking tour and explored alone a little, walking up the narrow pedestrianised streets lined with cafes etc. We had an hour here so I walked up as far as the big square with the old Slave Market and church before doubling back along a parallel street towards the market.

Me being me, I popped into a jewellery shop, where the two assistants were both looking down behind the counter. Looking to see what they were talking to I found a tiny puppy. He was very nervous but eventually crept forward for a scratch. I think he was maybe a Great Dane - he had huge feet! Wandering back to the small square near where we had been dropped off, I found a delightful craft shop with beautiful carved stone birds on rocks - sadly too heavy to buy given our flight home! I then met up with Caryll again and we wandered over to the river frontage and sales stalls where I bought a couple of scarves for 3 Euros each. Then it was time to board the coach back to Portimao.

  As we both wanted better shots of the ship and also the nesting storks, we both got off the coach and straight back onto the shuttle into Portimao. We still couldn't get good views though and after half an hour returned to the ship. We were on deck as it is always an interesting sailaway from Portimao, although unlike previous visits, the sun was setting when we left. Then it was time to change for our last dinner on board.