Jo’s Monday walk : Ferragudo

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.

walking logo

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 :

Dotonbori

What’s Jackie got for us this week?

Food stand

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 :

Abandoned stories

And I try to keep track of Denzil, whenever I can :

16km hike around Orp-Jauche

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?

Outback History

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!

126 comments

  1. I love all the murals on walls and electric boxes, the tiles and azulejos, the blueblueblue of the water and sky and the boats and fishing nets. Thanks for a taste of summer as we move into fall, Jo. I hope you have fun with all your guests!

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  2. How delightful. I see it is not so far from Carvoeiro, but we didn’t visit this town. Makes me want another Portuguese holiday! It is 17 years this week since we were there to celebrate my much younger birthday! I had my birthday dinner alone because the OH had a gastro problem and was ill in bed all day! Fortunately there was a lovely Italian restaurant almost opposite the hotel where we stayed.

    And I love “A tidy tangle..” such a brilliant oxymoron!

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    1. Thanks sweetheart! We went there the first time to visit an artist friend – Alison who designed my 6WS logo – and I really liked the place. She and Dave now live up the west coast at Aljezur. Did you get out on your birthday this year? OH was away? 😘💕

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  6. Fabulous street art Joanne and the tile of course are just as amazing! It’s been quite a few years since I visited Ferragudo, will have to remember to go there on a future trip to Portugal.
    Read your previous post about the Rio Arade, beautiful photos of your river trip.

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  16. What an enchanting place Jo – you certainly set the scene with your evocative words and beautiful photos to accompany them! The Azulejos are so pretty – I love the tradition behind them and the street art is wonderful. A beautiful spot for a walk! 🙂 🙂

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