Just recently I felt like I want to do something else than just surfing again. Surfing is fun and good physical exercise but it gets a bit monotone from time to time and then I need to go for a hike.
For those who don´t, the Algarve in Portugal is not only a surfers paradise but a hikers paradise as well. Almost the whole southern coastline is one single hiking track.
Some people, mostly real hikers, do this in one piece. I do this bit by bit. Every time I fell like I want to hike and explore new regions I do one bit of that track. This day I decided to do a short little track from Praia da Boca do Rio to Forte de Almádena, an old ruin on the top of a hill.
On the way there are several ruins that tell you already that it was lively here in earlier times. The ruin on the beach has some paint on it, who would have thought it. All of these buildings are usually covered in not so good graffitis.
Starting from the beach it only goes uphill and quite steep at some sections, but nothing that is really hard to walk. And as said it is only a short hike of maybe 20min. Whatever you do just follow the signs with the two lines.
You should definitely watch your steps up here as the cliffs are very steep and most of the times there is no barrier and it´s a long way down. ;)
After a walking for a while with some amazing views back onto Praia da Boca do Rio I could finally see the Forte. For the lazy people or people who simply can´t walk, there is good news. You can also drive until the Forte.
Don't be fooled by the beautiful weather, the wind up there can be freezing cold this time of the year. Luckily the sun is still warm enough but I would not walk there in just a t shirt.
The Forte still looks not too bad but I guess that they did some repairs over the years. There is not much to say about this place in general except that the view is simply breathtaking. I know that some may think it all looks the same and this is not wrong. I know some people think it looks like everywhere, which they are not wrong about. Nevertheless, I am always fascinated by the coast here in the south of Portugal.
The colours of the sandstone and the crystal clear ocean is simply something I can´t get enough from.
For me it was a nice little hike and a welcome change from surfing. Furthermore it is pretty good to clear your thoughts in rough times like this.
Madness, what beautiful photos, with some I could have sworn they were made on my doorstep at the Baltic Sea.
Hornet on Tour
thank you :) glad you liked it
With pleasure
Thanks for the wonderful tour and the excellent pics!
I've mulled over possibly trying to relocate to Portugal from the U.S. Your post certainly did nothing to dissuade that idea. ;)
just do it, it´s awesome over here. I hear a lot of americans plan to come over next year.
You're pictures were near one of the areas I was looking at. Just started researching and it looks kind of promising. My retirement income is right on the edge of what I would need but with blockchain and crypto who knows. Plus I'm not adverse to a little part time work. ;)
ok. just let me tell you that the area here on the algarve is pretty expensive. during winter its alright and not to hard to find something to live but that will change in may latest. prices are crazy and there is no end in sight. Not sure if we will stay here during the summer months.
Thanks, good to know. Prices seem to be escalating everywhere. I took a quick look around on a rental web site for the area and I would definitely be downsizing my living style even further with a move. I am looking for a change though so I'm still interested.
Any other areas you would suggest checking out?