Jo’s Monday walk : Santa Luzia

The patron saint of the village

The patron saint of the village

I could wander around Santa Luzia all day and every day.  So many of the houses are clothed in beautiful azulejo tiles.  Just 2 km west of Tavira, this fishing village has an identity all of its own. Modern housing has been added, and a new seafront promenade since my first visit, more than 10 years ago.  Yet somehow this village is timeless and defies outsiders to change its true nature. Would you like to share it with me?  We’ll take just a slow walk today.  There’s plenty of time.

The waterfront is where I usually start

The waterfront is where I usually start

It's an easy place to spend time

It’s an easy place to spend time

The palm trees don’t provide much shade, but there are plenty of cafes lining the waterfront.  It’s a place where you could idle away many an hour, just watching and wondering.  Avenida Duarte Pacheco is the village’s main street and behind it there are only a handful of others. Getting lost really isn’t an option, but you’re welcome to try.

A typical house on Duarte Pacheco, next to a cafe

A typical house on Duarte Pacheco, next to a cafe

Every street has its patterns
Some adorning lovely old houses with balconies
And a protective saint
Or a family name
The street signs are lyrical (Baker’s St.)

 

Isn't this just beautiful?

Isn’t this just beautiful?

I’m going to be a very lazy tour guide today and simply let you wander.  The details that appeal to each of us are different, aren’t they?  I think you should have time to choose where to linger.

Choose a street and head inland
There’s a small square with the church
Some of the tiles have seen better days
While some houses are grander
And newly whitewashed

The whole seems to me to blend together.  The locals go about their business, paying little heed to the tourists.  I always venture a smile and ‘Bom dia’ and without fail there is a response.

Splashes of colour call out to me everywhere
And those details that I love
The tiles not always to my taste
But so many things please the eye

I’m going to be just a little naughty now.  You remember my fondness for boats?  For just 3 or 4 months in Summer a ferry runs from Santa Luzia across to the ilha, Tavira Island.  It’s only a 10 minute crossing, so just about time to get comfortable.  One of the nice things, though, is the opportunity it gives you to observe Santa Luzia from the water.  Would you like to see?  And if you’re full of energy, you can have a swift stride down the beach.  I’ll be right with you!

The ferry’s in!
And away we go
Past the fishing fleet
And working boats
Across the channel of water
And we’re there!
Pulled up at the ‘ilha’
Looking back towards Tavira as the ferry departs
There’s plenty of space down at the beach
Or you could collect up umbrellas
Or maybe a quick paddle?
And then it’s back on board
And return to Santa Luzia

Not so bad, was it?  Just one last look at Santa Luzia and you’ll want to eat.  Casa do Polvo, at the eastern end of the front, is great if you’re an octopus fan.  On some evenings you can listen to fado there too, and even join in and sing a little if the fancy takes you.  Away from the front there are a number of small restaurants.  Most will feed you well.  It’s just a matter of taste.

Another lovely street sign
And yet more tile patterns
A collection of quirky chimney pots
And a letter box I love!

I’m hoping you enjoyed this week’s walk.  Not too strenuous, was it?  And the Eastern Algarve is easy on the eye, I always think?

Next week will be an English walk and very different.  I’m going to my daughter’s in Nottingham next weekend and will be travelling back on the Monday.  I’m going to attempt to schedule a walk.  I’ve never done that before but am hoping it’s easy.  If all else fails, I will be home by teatime and will post the walk then.  Wish me luck!

walking logo

Wow!  What a week!  So many fantastic entries.  You’re definitely going to need a cuppa, or even two, to read your way through.  I’m off to put the kettle back on.  Thank you so much, everybody, for joining Jo’s Monday walk.  The details are in my logo.

I simply love Drake’s Beatles walk!  :

Let it be

The Botanical Garden in Zagreb is beautiful!  Thanks for sharing, Paula  :

Monday Walk in the Botanical Garden

And, in case you missed it, atmospheric castle ruins near Bratislava, also in Paula’s delightful company  :

A walk around Devin Castle 

Meg tackled a tricky one this week.  All in a good cause!  :

On Nerrigundah Ridge

My lovable friend Cathy is finding her way around Nanning in China.  Go and say ‘hi’ please?  :

A Monday morning walk on Campus

A water lily from Israel!  And incredibly beautiful, thanks, Cardinal  :

Water Lily Porn

Gardens!  Gardens!  And more lovely gardens!  Thanks, Jude  :

Garden Portrait : Westonbury Mill Water Gardens

Garden Portrait : Sezincote

Fabulous, aren’t they?  And wait till you see Amy’s playful walk beside the river!  :

Walking along the river

A town with less than 1000 residents but lots of history is Yvette’s contribution  :

A walk in Scotsville, VA

And from California, please give a warm welcome to Elena  :

Big Bear Lake

With a destination that keeps getting higher on my ‘must see’ list, Debbie’s sharing a real beauty! Treat yourself- say ‘hello’  :

Walking on Top of the World in Marseille

And in this topsy turvy world of ours, Pauline is  beautifully immersed in Spring.  Don’t miss it!

Totally immersed in the splendour of Spring

That’s it for now, folks.  Have a very splendid week and happy walking!

108 comments

  4. Pingback: Vikings, potatoes and norwegian love | Le Drake Noir

  6. Not strenous at all Jo! So much beauty and you’ve captured it all so well. Thanks for the beautiful walk and for sharing hon. 😀 ♥ Hugs ♥

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    1. You can see why I’m happy there, Suze. 🙂 How was your trip- or are you still away? I’ll venture over soon. Fado isn’t to everyone’s taste but it kind of grows on you. 🙂

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  9. What a wonderful walk, Jo. The photos are just gorgeous and it’s obviously a lovely, restful and unique place to visit. My favorite walk always involves just wandering and looking around. I take so many photos when I’m near the ocean and often they’re not that different one from another. I think my goal must be to somehow capture the wonderfully refreshing smell and the sound of the waves. Your photos definitely draw me in to walk alongside you, Jo. I just love the houses and the artistry of the tile work. I will look forward to a walk in Nottingham. I am sure you’re looking forward to seeing your daughter. 🙂

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    1. Thanks a lot for your visit, Debbie. I smiled when I saw your name in my Inbox. 🙂 Yes, it is a unique and special place to me and I always want to be returning as soon as I’m home. For now, though, you’re right- it’s definitely time to give the daughter a few hugs. 🙂
      Take care!

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    1. Just starting on my coffee now, Dianne. These darker mornings keep me in bed a little longer but I have a golden sunrise just over my shoulder. I shall cherish it because there have been so few lately. (well, since my return from the Algarve) Glad you enjoyed our gentle exercise. 🙂

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  17. Oh what a lovely peaceful walk – where are all the people Jo? I can’t believe how quiet it is on those beaches. And look at you girl, posing on the waterfront 😆
    I lingered over those lovely tiles and, what is this I see, House for Sale?????
    Have a great week Jo, sunny here today and I am loving it!
    Jude xx

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    1. I didn’t actually notice that ‘se vende’ sign till I was posting the photo, Jude. Could it be a sign?

      The beaches really are that quiet, though obviously I point the camera in the right direction. Did you see the clouds? That might have had something to do with it, but it was a lovely day.

      We’ve finally found a little sunshine here so I’m smiling again. Thanks, Jude 🙂

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  19. Oh my! I want to take ALL your walks with you! Especially the meandering ones.

    I’m bookmaring this post as “tiles to tangle” – there are several luscious patterns I want to try!

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    1. Now that will be interesting to see, Sammy. Be sure to give me a nudge with the results. I have quite a collection of tile photos but they’re strewn all about the place. I’m the organised type, you know! 🙂 Many thanks!

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    1. Many thanks, Amy! 🙂 I didn’t credit Michael with that shot but it is one I quite like (who likes photos of themselves! But the location is good). It’s a very lovely village and one I could happily live in.
      Thanks for joining my happy band of walkers again. There are quite a lot of us now, aren’t there! Hugs! 🙂

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