Finally getting around to sorting out my Portugal pics – my poor travel buddy Manon has probably lost all hope in ever seeing these pics from our 11-day Portugal road trip.... but I'm finally on it. Maybe it has something to do with the bottle of porto branco that I've just cracked open, but whatever it is, has me in the mood for re-living this vacay!

ALBUFEIRA ~ ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Day 1 - After a 6-hour flight from Montreal to Lisbon, then a 3.5-hour drive from Lisbon to Albufeira, we are beat. First thing's first, chill for a bit on the balcony of the apartment we've rented that has great views of Old Town Albufeira, Praia do Inatel and Praia dos Pescadores. I can literally see the stress leaving my body as I'm sitting there, enjoying the view and basically doing absolute nothing at all.

Then it's off for the 5-minute walk to Old Town Albufeira (though in this heat, the walk feels like an hour) to check out the area, buy some stuff to stock the fridge, and of course find a terrace to sip on some well-deserved wine.

Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalOur view from our apartment in Albufeira Our view from our apartment in Albufeira

Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalThe view from our balcony looking the other towards old town Albufeira The view from our balcony looking the other towards Old Town  Albufeira

AlbufeiraI could get used to this view! I could get used to this view!

Praia dos Pescadores, Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalWe're a 5-minute walk from beautiful Praia dos Pescadores We're a 5-minute walk from beautiful Praia dos Pescadores

Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalEscalator that'll take you down (and back up) to old town Albufeira Escalator that'll take you down (and back up) to Old Town Albufeira

Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalThough I'm down for the variety of restos here, it's pretty darn hard to find a place serving local food Though I'm down for the variety of restos here, it's pretty darn hard to find a place serving local food

Jardim Square in Old Town AlbufeiraJardim Square in Old Town Albufeira Jardim Square in Old Town Albufeira

Hmmm, this place is within dangerously close walking distance to where we are stayingHmmm, this place is within dangerously close (Jardm Square) walking distance to where we are staying Hmmm, this place is within dangerously close (Jardm Square) walking distance to where we are staying

Old Town Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalPeeps taking a break from the beach to do some shopping Peeps taking a break from the beach to do some shopping

Albufeira Old Town, Algarve, PortugalThe tunnel to the beach, that gave a blessedly cool escape from the insane heat The tunnel to the beach, that gave a blessedly cool escape from the insane heat

Praia dos Pescadores, Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalPraia dos Pescadores Praia dos Pescadores

Centro Historico, Albufeira, Algarve, PortugalSound advice as you head back through the tunnel to the Centro Historico Sound advice as you head back through the tunnel to the Centro Historico

Time to find a spot for a drink Time to find a spot for a drink

A bit too healthy of a drink.... need to keep searching for some alcohol A bit too healthy of a drink.... need to keep searching for some alcohol

That's what I'm talking about That's what I'm talking about

Well, "ALLO" to you too Well, "ALLO" to you too

Our adorable dude, explaining about all of Portugal wine regions Our adorable dude, explaining about all of Portugal wine regions

So many wines... So many wines...

....just keep handing them over please ....just keep handing them over please

....and hand over more ....and hand over more

I guess a little food would be a good idea right now I guess a little food would be a good idea right now

Ok hun, ready for some more! Ok hun, ready for some more!

Time to head back for a snooze - it's been a long day of flying (from Montreal to Lisbon), driving (3.5 hours from Lisbon to Albufeira) and drinking and eating in 40 degree celsius (even more thankful for that escalator right now!) Time to head back for a snooze - it's been a long day of flying (from Montreal to Lisbon), driving (3.5 hours from Lisbon to Albufeira) and drinking and eating in 40 degree celsius (even more thankful for that escalator right now!)

Photos taken | written by JENNIFER MAHON

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