Praia da Falésia & Albufeira - 04 & 05 October 2024

04.10 - Praia da Falèsia - Albufeira, Portugal

I found last night one of the warmest yet! The train which passes very close overhead was supposed to finish at 10pm and start again 07.30. Definitely heard it at 12.45! Certainly gives you a shock - very sudden loud noise!

38 years ago, (not long after a certain Hercules was born) - my husband to be and myself met at the Fermain Tavern. I guess we’re doing something right as we’re still together! 

Tintin was still concerned about not having heard about our toll registration, so used my phone to try and contact them. Used about £7 of credit on hold - I had a brainwave and wondered whether messages had gone into his junk email - yes they had! Also managed to cancel the duplicate registration. 

Tintin driving today - we were going to the Pingo Doce supermarket, but missed the turn off - never mind! About 1-1/4 hours drive? We went past two ‘camp sites’ - just full of mohos - yuck! We’re parked for free, very close to the beach. There are a few mohos here - but much nicer than official places with about 100 spaces. 

The last 1km was down a bumpy, dusty track- but Dave has had worse!

Bikes out, and rode only about 2 miles around to Vilamoura. “It’s known for its blue flag beaches, luxurious resorts and world-class golf courses”. 

So, not quite La Fregate - but La Fragata for lunch. We both had rosé sangria - it was really nice! Tintin had fish skewers, I had a French burger with Brie and rocket - I enjoyed mine more than Tintin did his! €54.80. 

From there cycled around, mainly on seafront to Quarteira. Think it’s an extension of Vilamoura, but maybe not as upmarket?

Went inland to find more of the old town, but found a supermarket instead! Bought a few bits for the fridge and some fresh fruit. Came back to Dave - just over 10 miles. 

Decided we couldn’t be on the Algarve and not go for a swim. A sign said the sea temperature should be about 20°. It certainly felt colder getting back into the Atlantic rather than the Mediterranean! 

It’s been overcast for a lot of today - for which I’m thankful! 

05.10 - Albufeira

Peaceful night, with no overhead lighting - and slightly cooler to be able to sleep 💤 

Forecast for today here has been sun, sun and more sun and up to 29°. 

I drove, only about 40 minutes, but Tintin had to alter co-pilot’s route quite a few times to ensure he didn’t take us through small roads unnecessarily!

“Born as an Arab fortress (“Albufeira” means “sea fortress”), later converted into a fishing village, today it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Portugal. In summer it is filled with visitors (around 5 million) from all over the world, attracted by the lively social life and beautiful beaches.”

We’ve landed up in a ghetto! The Parque da Palmeira. We also had the last space! Takes 100 mohos €10 per night including services - some mohos are certainly long stay. 

Whilst our bread rolls for lunch were defrosting - made use of the washing machines - €4.50 per load. Hung out the washing - then went out cycling to explore… did 15 miles today. 

The beach was only 6 minutes downhill cycle away. Had a general look around. 

The old town just seems to be bar after bar with huge great big screens showing football. Personally I think it’s a bit sad that the Algarve has lost its Portuguese identity. All the signs are in English. At least in Benidorm you knew you were still in Spain. 

Cycled to the Marina - as you do… even the Spar supermarket had people outside swilling beer!

The ice creams today were really good - I had lemon biscuit, Tintin had caramel. €5.60. 

Went to the beach. Lovely cooling breeze. I went for a swim, someone else chickened out! Cooler to get in, but then was lovely. 

We sat on the beach for a few hours - people watching…

Not sure what had happened - but there were loads of motorbikes, some very muddy - looked like they’d finished an event. 

So I can understand why people come to Albufeira - lovely sunny weather, clean golden sand, clean sea - and so many bars and restaurants to choose from - all in English. Would I like to have a holiday here - no! Once again, nice to have seen it…

Back in Gibraltar, I noticed we’d lost our earring protector (wing mirror). Neither of us know when - we certainly haven’t hit it, so either it fell off and neither of us realized, or it’s been nicked! Suppose that’s another expense of travelling. 

We’re on the Aperol Spritz tonight - have been travelling with the sparkling wine taking up space in the fridge for too long!