October 30, 2023

After breakfast we met our guide, Ernesto, and our driver for the days excursion that will take us west stopping first at the village of Silves. Silves is the ancient capital of the Algarve region and the site of a very impressive castle that was built by the Moors when they controlled the Iberian Peninsula. The castle was our first stop and at the entrance was a statue of King Sancho I, who stormed the fortress in 1189 driving out the Moors.

After touring the castle we visited a local market to get a little flavor of the city locals. Since we are going to visit a market later in the trip I did not include pictures here. We then drove to Sarges which is on the southwester tip of Portugal. Sarges has a lighthouse marking the point where sailing ships would turn north up the coast of Portugal toward Europe or east into the Mediterranean or south to Africa or west to the new world. Located nearby is a fortress that was the site of the Henry the Navigator School.

Portugal’s role in exploring the New World is featured in a modern visitors center. After touring the fortress and visitors center we drove to a harbor west of Sarges for lunch. Ernesto enthusiastically introduces us to a local fish dish and we have another delightful dining experience in the Algarve, before heading back to the Villa Vita Park.

On our way back we make a unscheduled stop to view a replica of the Pinto of Christopher Columbus fame. Unbelievable that they sailed across the Atlantic in such a small boat.