Jo’s Monday walk : Ilha da Culatra

Shall we start with a ferry ride?

Shall we start with a ferry ride?

This week’s walk is on the island of Culatra, so you’ll have the added bonus of a ferry ride- always irresistible to me.  But for those of you who are poor sailors, let me assure you of gentle, calm waters.  I referred briefly to Culatra in my I is for Ilhas (islands) post and I thought it might be time to take a closer look. I think you might like it.

Departure points for the ilha are from the city of Faro, the Algarve’s capital, or from the nearby fishing town,  Olhão.  It’s a short 30 minute sailing from the latter.  The ferries depart at 9.00, 11.00, 15.00 and 17.00, so what are we waiting for?  Don’t forget your sunscreen, and flip-flops will be just fine for this trip.

Is this water flat enough for you?

Is this water flat enough for you?

There's always someone who likes to make waves!

There’s always someone who likes a little fun!

The first port of call

Here we are, at the first port of call already!

The ferry docks first at the eastern end of the island, with a busy little marina, the church and a couple of restaurants.  If you like you can get off here and walk along to Farol, but I like to stay on till the second stop, 10 minutes later.  As the ferry chugs alongside the island, the lighthouse for which the settlement is named looms larger.  Often your flight path into the Algarve will carry you over the islands and you have an aerial view of Farol.

Almost there...

Almost there…

Closer!
And we’re disembarking!

Ok, so you’ve indulged me the watery stuff.  Thank you!  Now it’s time to stroll a little.  You’ve probably guessed what we’ll be going to see, haven’t you?

It’s visible wherever you look
Not quite hiding behind the beach houses
Even on the tiles!
Unless you deliberately look the other way
There are plenty of beguiling sights
Palms and pretty houses
And pathways to explore

 

But eventually you come face to face!

But eventually you come face to face!

The lighthouse is situated on a rocky headland, above a small beach, crowded with locals on a weekend.  Continue past that and you have seemingly endless sand.  Off with those flip-flops and away you paddle!

A good situation?

A good situation?

Are you paddling?
I think that’s a wreck out at sea?

After a while you will see a sign board pointing inland and a boardwalk.  This is your cue to put the flip-flops back on and follow it, over some low dunes.  You will see the first port where the ferry docked ahead in the distance.  Arguably the best bit of the walk starts now.  As you approach the village the path becomes lined with an array of beach houses and their gardens.  All shapes and colours are represented- some tasteful, others… well, let’s say interesting.

The boardwalk
Across the dunes
It’s not as far as it looks
Till you come to the Social Centre
And the first of the beach houses
Closely followed by…
Many more
With their attendant bougainvillea
Did I mention tasteful? Quirky, maybe
Lots of pink
And assorted pots

Now you’re back at the marina, with its host of little fishing vessels.  There are several small bars and restaurants where you can blend in with the locals while you await your return ferry.  The ticket office only opens 10 minutes before the boat is due, but you might well have bought a return- ide e volta.  The ferry will stop again at Farol so you can do this walk in either direction, or both ways if you’re keen!

A motley medley of containers
And numerous working vessels
Some very nifty ones
And the odd bike
It’s a busy spot

 

The church is at this end of the island, too

The church is at this end of the island, too

Watched over by Our Lady of Fatima

Watched over by Our Lady of Fatima

Then it's farewell Culatra

Then it’s farewell to Culatra

And hello Olhao!

And hello Olhao!

I hope you didn’t mind the boat ride too much?  One of my favourite things about the Algarve is the number of ferry rides I can take. My husband rather meanly keeps count and sometimes I’m rationed!  There were 8 boat rides this visit. (that’s there and back, of course)

Many thanks for your time and your company.  Will you join me next week on a Monday walk? The details are on my walks page or just click on the logo below.

walking logo

Now for the good stuff!  Time to put the kettle on and read my ‘shares’.

I didn’t have Alesund on my ‘list’ till I saw this post.  I do now!  Thank you, Cardinal  :

The City Center of Alesund

Show me a walk by a river?  I’m hooked!  Thanks, Drake  :

Other side of the river

Pauline keeps revealing interesting facets of Canberra  :

Inner city chic : I’m loving Canberra

If you’re a lover of tranquility you can’t fail to love Amy’s garden  :

Portland Japanese Garden

You’ll love this walk with Jude too.  It’s on level ground for one thing!  :

Wild Rye

One last nostalgic stroll with Sylvia…  But, don’t worry- she’ll be back to visit family.  Here’s to new beginnings, Ad!  :

One last nostalgic walk before we leave this paradise

And now, meet Ana.  I’m sure she’s known to many of you and I’m so happy she has joined us this week  :

A guided history walk of Guildford

And last but never, ever least, Yvette is back!  Have you been to West Point, Virginia?  You’ll enjoy this visit.  :

West Point, VA

Thanks again to all my contributors.  Have a happy week!

145 comments

  1. Oh I do enjoy a ferry ride out to an island and this was one was so enjoyable – perfect weather for it too 🙂 Sitting here at home wracked with cough, sore throat and feeling thoroughly miserable, this was just the perfect tonic (and to think the sun is shining outside, one of those glorious September mornings and so think I’ll have to go and sit in the garden and dream of walking along these golden beaches and admiring the sun-tinted water. I love the brightly painted shutters against the stark white buildings. You have a lovely place out there Jo no doubt about it, with so many wonderful opportunities for days out…and boat rides 🙂

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    1. Nothing more miserable than being full of cold on a sunny day, Sherri 😦 We were sunk in thick fog here till lunchtime and Mick’s got that throat too so I was sent off to buy Locketts, which he sucks like they’re going out of fashion. 🙂 I’ve spent the afternoon cleaning at Dads and am back to polish up my halo. Get well soon! Gentle hug 🙂

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  2. Oh, my goodness! What a beautiful island walk! I love that sandy beach, those romantic white-washed houses, and all the pink flowers. The one that looks like a hibiscus is so delicate and lovely. I’m also a big fan of ferry rides.

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  6. What a wonderful day! Gorgeous pictures esp. the silvery sea, lighthouse, beaches! Love the simplicity of the church! 🙂 thanks for taking us along to your ferry rides and stroll, Jo! Lovely 🙂

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  10. Oh, a ferry ride ….lovely 🙂
    I really enjoy the ferries in Sydney, there are lots of destinations to choose from and the scenery on the harbour is wonderful.

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      1. In many ways, Sydney is a large busy city like any other. But the harbour is really beautiful. We are very lucky to be able to enjoy it. I will remember and get some photos for you next time I go on a ferry!

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    1. Bless your cotton socks, Paula! I would have got around to it but I’m still visiting commenters on my 6WS. A bloggers work is never done 🙂 🙂 Thank you for saving me the effort. I’ll include it next week, as usual. You’re allowed two links when you’re special. 🙂

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  15. Pingback: Jo’s Monday Walk: Walking along the river | The World Is a Book...

  19. Oh, those wonderful blue skies! Been dull and dreary here all weekend, the sun is trying to break through as I write, but it is taking its time! I loved the walk, past all those pretty beach houses and even the ferry ride was good – so flat. But my favourite? That beach. You really should send some of these walks to the Algarve tourist board as you must surely be driving up business 😆
    A couple for you this week, both in gardens:
    http://wp.me/p3jVw4-11M
    http://wp.me/p3jVw4-Bu
    Just sit back with a cuppa and enjoy the flowers 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Jude- and for all the comments. I have responded 🙂 I’ll keep an eye open for a beach house for you. 🙂 If only they’d employ me- what an asset I could be! 🙂
      Off now to put the kettle on. Cheers! If I had nice neighbours I could maybe rely on a caipirhoska 😦 I had a wonderful happy hour with the Portuguese ladies next door.

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