An artist could rarely want for inspiration in Ferragudo. Nestled in the mouth of the River Arade, blinking sleepily across at booming Portimáo, the village almost restores your faith in the Algarve that was. I had come for a very special boat trip, but first I need to set the scene.
A more painterly sky I have never seen, gossamer white clouds drifting lazily out to sea. As you wander into town, it’s hard to avoid the evidence of artists at work. The fisherfolk cast their nets, fore and aft, and count their catch.
A tidy tangle of lobster pots adorn the quayside, as lobster pots ought. Cobbled and petal carpeted streets creep upwards from the bombeiros, the fire brigade rarely essential in such a watery realm.
A castle on a beach! Who’d have thought it? A romantic image juxtaposed with modern marina on the far shore. Newly laid stone walls, protecting the villas of today with remnants of yesterday.
Slow steps leading upwards to the church and a sublime outlook. Narrow alleys to follow, back down to shore and sea.
Lying in wait on the harbourside, more industry. A little gossip. A snooze. A shy maiden.
Azulejos tell life as it was, and never will be again, but life goes steadily on here in Ferragudo. Gently, thoughtfully, without haste.
Back on the quayside all is calm, but fisherfolk are always busy.
The sun sets as they scull homewards, one last gaze sweeping the bay, ensuring all is well.
I hope you enjoyed sharing Ferragudo and the Arade estuary with me. I do believe it’s a special place. And now it’s time to share some of your walks. Many thanks for keeping me company here on Jo’s Monday walk
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Still wandering happily in Dublin, with Eunice :
Another day in Dublin – Part 2
Lady Lee takes one last look at Japan :
What’s Jackie got for us this week?
Oops, missed Joe last week!
Jo’s Monday Walk – I call it the Super Walk
Street art is best when it makes you think, like this from Ulli :
Artbase Festival 2019 – Murals in Rural Ruins
Drake rarely abandons me :
And I try to keep track of Denzil, whenever I can :
While Cathy Caminos on :
(Camino day 37) Ponferrada to Cacabelos
And Carol explores a little of Western Australia. Pop in for scones, why don’t you?
That’s it from me for now. Life continues to be hectic, in a good way. More visitors arrived last night so we’ll be exploring the Algarve together. I’ll catch up with you all when I can. Stay well and be happy!
Wonderful walk, Jo. This city is so picturesque. I love the mosaic tiles and the street art. Hope all’s well with you.
It’s exhausting enjoying yourself all the time, Patti. 😍 We have been entertaining for 2 weeks and my daughter arrives as these friends go home. I’ve forgotten how to cook! 🤗💕
You are amazing, Jo! What fun.
What an artist’s paradise Jo. It’s absolutely stunning and the place for inspiration for sure. 😊
I love our end of the Algarve, Miriam, but if we were to move it would be to this place 🤗🏖️⛵💕
You make the Algarve more and more tempting, Jo, with this beautiful post! I love the way you framed that castle inside the fallen yucca stalks – fabulous.
It was just crying out to be taken, that shot, Lynn! It’s one of the loveliest places I know here. Thank you! 🙂 🙂
Just beautiful, Jo – the scenery, the atmosphere, the little surprises behind the corners, the art work, and the weather! Ferragudo captured in style… 🙂
I’ve spent some beautiful days here, Liesbet, but that day has to be one of the best. 🙂 🙂 Thank you!
Sounds like my kind of walk. What beautiful stories on the walls!
They’re fabulous, aren’t they? 🤗⛱️💕
Ferragudo is full of character, right from the quayside to the murals around every corner you show us. Beautifully written too, makes me yearn to saunter into it. xx
Thanks darlin! Such a beautiful world, this Algarve 🤗💕
I see that every time I wander over to your blog, Jo. 🙂
I certainly agree with you that the sky is spectacular! Everywhere you look there’s something beautiful…art galore, interesting architectural detail and nature’s perfection. What a walk, Jo!
Perhaps I should ‘retire’ with this one, Debbie. I know it won’t get any better 🙂 🙂
Fabulous, now I’ve seen it through three times – amazing work. 🙂
Such a lovely place, Drake! I know you’d like it 🙂 🙂
Gôh . . . , schitterend mooi! * http://www.friedabblog.wordpress.com * Amsterdam, 9 – 10 – 2019
Thanks 😘
Love the prose in this one. The sentence fragments capture the leisureliness beautifully. And the photos are so full of light.
The day radiated light, Meg. One of the loveliest I can remember here in the Algarve. 🙂 🙂
I love the street art that you have featured here.
It’s so very apt for the place and situation 🙂 🙂
What a beautiful, beautiful place!
I can’t disagree with you, Angela 🙂 🙂
What a perfect little town Jo! Portugal is next on our travel list. Your post pushes me to sooner vs later😊
Some places have managed to resist tourism, Tina. Not so easy to do in a climate like this, but this place is a shining example. 🙂 🙂
Thank you for taking us with you in this amazing walk😍
It’s a lovely one to share, Flavia. So glad you could come along 🙂 🙂
I enjoy following you, Jo ☺️
Thanks darlin 💕