Winter in the Algarve- the deserted beach at Praia da Rocha
Despite the high rise, I’m sure you can see the attraction? Praia da Rocha was the Algarve’s earliest resort, and it still makes a pleasant place for a winter stroll. I don’t have much time to create a walk post, having just arrived home, so I’ll be starting you off very gently.
Praia da Rocha and the city of Portimão meld into one where the River Arade empties into the Atlantic Ocean, on Portugal’s southern coast. Next week we can wander the river bank at leisure, but let’s start simply, with the beach, shall we?
Smart hotels line the promenade
In contrast, the remains of the 17th century Fortress of Santa Catarina de Ribamar come as something of a surprise. Testimony to the days when pirate corsairs raided these shores.
Pirates beware!
But these days it’s more of a look out
And isn’t that the most inviting causeway stretching out into the sea? I think I can spy a lighthouse at the end. Zip your jacket up! A windsurfer or two is testing the breeze.
The empty beach tells it’s own story
And playing with the shadows
Collar huddled against that bracing wind, it’s a brisk stride back to the shelter of the cliffs. You can feel yourself relax then, as the warmth tickles your shoulder blades.
Near perfect weather for sailing
But it’s the boardwalk that beckons, and those mysterious stacks at the end of the beach.
You can walk back along the beach, admiring the cliff face in detail, or return to the cliff top. There are several sets of steps. Most of the available parking is around the marina, at the east end of the resort. Let’s just pop our noses in there first, then go looking for something to eat.
Take your pick!
If you’re not too hungry, you can wander out around the marina. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, even though many close in the winter. I’m moving on to Portimão, and I hope you’ll join me there, next Monday.
I had a wonderful two weeks ‘away from it all’, and I have so many of you to catch up with! Thank you for your patience. I’ll stop by as soon as I can. Meantime, there are some wonderful walks to share. Some of you have been very diligent. For anyone new to my walks, the logo or my Monday walks page will give you more details. Goodness- I’m on to my second cuppa already!
……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Any of you know Warsaw? That’s where my lovely friend Meg is right now, visiting family :
Paula has been checking out ‘restless fliers’ in Zagreb. No, nothing to do with me!
I can’t ski but I’m always game for a chair lift or two! Thanks, Drake :
Two Megs this week, just to confuse you! This one’s in Virginia :
Lucy often stays in Paris, lucky lady! Share a beautiful walk with her in St. Germain :
What about a little poetry next? And a classic from Dionne Warwick- thanks, Esther :
Amy really does take wonderful photos. Just check these out! :
Architecture walking tour of downtown Fort Worth
Welcome to Anabel, who introduces us to a beautiful light show in Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Jude- you’ll like this!
And you can rely on Elena for quirky!
I’ve always wanted to visit the Far East, so I’m very happy to tour Vientiane with Colibrist :
Experimental travel in Vientiane, Laos
Who wouldn’t want to eat with Yvette, and share music with Frizz? What a combination!
Pasto Italiano (and Belichick quote)
Or maybe try beachcombing with Tobias :
The Eternal Traveler has joined us this week with some stunning views of Japan. I’m so jealous!
Unusual, unexpected, unbelievable
I’m delighted to end with lovely Sherri Matthews. You can’t help but enjoy her stories :
Virginia Woolf’s Round House and Lewes Priory
That’s it for this week, folks. I didn’t think I’d make it! Thank you for all your brilliant contributions, and I can’t wait to see what next week brings. Have a good one!
restlessjo 
Welcome back,Jo! Beautiful photos and as always, that lovely blue sky follows you.
LikeLike
Thanks for your company, Jill! I’ll be playing catch up for a day or three but I’m looking forward to joining you. 🙂
LikeLike
Looks as though you had a great holiday! Thanks for including my walk – here’s another one: Balmaha and Conic Hill
LikeLike
Many thanks, Anabel 🙂 I’ll come strolling with you a little later this evening, if that’s ok. Am busy juggling son, food, ironing and packing at the minute (he’s in Leeds most of the week)
LikeLike
Welcome back, lovely pictures.
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, Dale 🙂 I always love an empty beach and a lighthouse or two.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh how I wish I was there… Thanks for taking me on a sunny walk along the beach. That’s cheered my up 🙂
LikeLike
Mission accomplished 🙂 I tried to bring a little sunshine back with me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for including me this week Jo.
That beach looks so peaceful and serene. I expect it’s packed in the summer though.
LikeLike
I wouldn’t attempt it in Summer, for sure 🙂 You’re very welcome- I enjoyed your wonderful walk.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to be walking with you again. 🙂
LikeLike
Hi, Esther! I’m (almost) glad to be back 🙂 You ok?
LikeLike
Doing fine thanks. Putting on my walking shoes for tomorrow. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
There you are with a phantastic walk – when I just thought of you yesterday, combing the nearby “city forest” with my wife. Parts of the forest are still being cleared after last summer’s devastating storms, so here’s some (fresh) wood: http://empireoflights.com/2015/02/16/a-walk-in-the-forest/
LikeLike
Hi Tobias! 🙂 Struggling to get around everyone today but I’ll get back in the groove soon, I expect. Many thanks to you!
LikeLike
Welcome back, Jo! Glad you had a great time…. And this looks a very nice area for a walk.
LikeLike
Great in the Winter, Sue. 🙂 To be avoided at all costs in Summer, like many a resort. I had a wonderful time, thanks. Hope you’re feeling good?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m good, thanks… Off to hopefully see Drawn by Light, a photographic exhibition at the Science Museum with a friend today, interesting talk tomorrow at my Photo Society, Writing Group Wednesday etc etc….the kind of week I like!!
LikeLike
Welcome back Jo, hope you had a great time. Praia da Rocha looks wonderful without the crowds – I like seaside towns off season. Even Blackpool has a certain bleak charm in the depths of winter.
LikeLike
Lots of variety, Robin, but I thought I should kick off with some blue skies 🙂 Thank you! All good with you?
LikeLike
All good here thanks Jo except Jan/Feb seems to be dragging on forever. A dangerous time of year for me – I start having big ideas. Last year I bought the Bonneville about this time 🙂
LikeLike
Oops! Ah- you can afford it, Robin 🙂
LikeLike
That’s not what the beloved says 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful walk, perfect – excellent captured… 🙂
LikeLike
A little bit of sunshine goes a long way, Drake 🙂 Many thanks for joining me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful days – love the blue sky and the walks at Praia da Rocha! Welcome back Jo!
LikeLike
Thanks, Indah! 🙂 Wet in my corner of the world this morning, so after I’ve done my chores (lots of them, sadly 😦 ) I’ll be catching up.
LikeLike
welcome back dear restless one – the lookout photo was my fav – but all so lovely – what beauty! Looking forward to walking with ya in Portimão…. peace
LikeLike
It’s umbrella weather here, Yvette. Home sweet home 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin’. Hope you’re well?
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes, things are well and crazy to see your ping come in right when it did because I was thinking about you (and thinking about a MOnday walk) – and then restless jo ping showed up! very cool when that happens – and hope you have a nice day
LikeLike
Busy one here, catching up with chores. I like a ‘ping’ too 🙂 Have a good week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
u too – ❤
LikeLike
Good to have you back Jo 🙂 I can see it was lovely. Here – not so much. Here is a little bit something for you https://bopaula.wordpress.com/2015/02/16/summer-bloom/
LikeLike
Good morning, lovely lady! 🙂 The rain is dribbling down the windowpane behind me, but I don’t have time to walk today in any case. I will try to stay cocooned in memories while I start on the tedious stuff 🙂 Hope you are well and I’ll join you in a saunter as soon as I’ve made some toast.
LikeLike
bentornata Jo! mi mancavano le tue immagini straordinarie! ma sono molto felice di sapere che ti sei divertita e rilassata in questa tua nuova vacanza portoghese…sono certa presto ci farai vedere altre immagini bellissime
un grosso bacio
LikeLike
Hugs back to you, Ventis! 🙂 🙂 I have seen your comments but was unable to respond. I don’t have the technology abroad, but I will be catching up this week. Hope you are well 🙂
LikeLike
Welcome back! I must get to the Algarve one of these days. Your photos of the beach look like summer, not early Feb!
LikeLike
The sunny days were a bit nippy, Richard, but in a sheltered spot… heaven! We did have a few grey days and even a bit of rain at the Carnival parade, but you know I still love it. No Instagraming yet. Me and the phone were a disaster abroad 😦
LikeLike
Looks like you had a great break. Welcome back!
LikeLike
I did, Debbie! So many stories to tell, but household duties are going to get in the way today 🙂 Thank you!
LikeLike