Every week WordPress posts a Weekly Photo Challenge and this week's theme is Lost in the Details . The instructions direct from the horse's mouth (aka WordPress) are "This challenge is about getting lost in the details". Hmmm ponderous! The theme of the challenge was rather lost on me to begin with, until I downloaded... Continue Reading →
My Algarve Insider Tips
Our first holiday to the Algarve was nearly thirty years ago and memories of the stunning beaches remain imprinted in our minds like footprints in the sand. The secluded coves and miles of beaches with soft golden sand, flanked by sandstone rocks, rugged cliffs and unspoilt countryside enticed us to return; not to holiday, but ... Continue Reading →
Praia da Ingrina, Western Algarve – Portugal
Praia da Ingrina is a Blue Flag beach located in an idyllic and unspoilt country setting "far from the 'maddening' crowds". As I sat on the beach enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty I could even hear a cockerel crowing in the distance. That's a first, I've never heard a cockerel crowing from my vantage... Continue Reading →
Praia do Vale dos Homens (Valley of the Men)
Praia do Vale dos Homens beach is located in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park just outside the village of Rogil in the Western Algarve. It is well off the beaten tourist track which makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a great “get away from it all” location. While some websites say it is... Continue Reading →
Praia do Carvalhal – A visit to the beach in the Alentajo
When you want to relax and escape the rat-race of the Algarve I recommend you visit the unspoilt sandy beaches in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina on the West Coast of Portugal. However, if you are looking for beach activities, entertainment, tourist shops etc as in Portimão and Albufeira these more "rustic"... Continue Reading →
Parking Scams in Portugal
Do you experience problems with "Parking Scammers"? They are rife in Portugal and they REALLY annoy me!. It does not matter whether you park in a side road or in a free car park the "Parking Scammers" are lurking - just waiting to spring into action by directing you into a “free” parking space. “Free”... Continue Reading →
Meia Praia – one of my favourite beaches
Although not a surfer or sun worshipper I love beaches. The sound of the waves and the magic of the sunlight dancing on the water is so relaxing - almost hypnotic that I can lose myself for hours just sitting looking out to sea, fishing or walking along the shoreline lost in thought. A couple... Continue Reading →
Praia da Amoreira – the Algarves best kept secret!
Praia da Amoreira is a natural and as yet unspoilt sandy beach about 7kms from the little town of Aljezur in the Western Algarve. It's popular with surfers, fishermen and those who just want to escape from the rat race of mass tourism and concrete highrise. There are no shops or concession areas so you... Continue Reading →
Dogs on beaches – please “scoop their poop”
How do you feel about owners bringing their dogs on to beaches unchecked and without a leash? Should they be banned in the high season especially on Blue Flag beaches? The reason I ask these questions is despite signs clearly displaying dogs are prohibited on certain beaches, some owners think this rule does not apply... Continue Reading →
Praia do Monte Clérigo – Western Algarve
As summer fades and we move into autumn, lazy days on the beach are unfortunately numbered for this year. It will soon be time to swap our bikinis for fleeces and sunbathing for brisk but exhilarating walks along the shoreline! One of my favourite beaches is Monte Clérigo. It's almost like stepping back in time... Continue Reading →
Praia do Zavial – Western Algarve
Praia do Zavial is one of my favourite beaches. It is located on the Western Algarve in an area of outstanding natural beauty unspoilt by the ravages of mass tourism and concrete highrise. You will not find neat rows of sun loungers complete with parasols (concession areas) or banana boat rides, nor tourist shops and... Continue Reading →