Photography

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Falesia Beach has its share of plant life

Reach for the skies!

Back to the beach this week! Well, we are in the Algarve, aren’t we? It would be rude not to.

Falesia Beach is quite central to the Algarve and runs from Vilamoura, with its huge array of yachts, to Olhos d’Agua, a smaller resort on the run up to Albufeira. It won’t really require me to say much, as the photos pretty much speak for themselves. I should warn you though that if you intend to do much of the clifftop you will require the agility of a mountain goat. But we can worry about that part later, or simply stay on the beach.

Something of an unexpected sight

But you know I love a boardwalk

There is ample parking at the western end of Vilamoura, beyond the enormous marina. At the eastern end of the resort, hotels back on to the shoreline, but to the west the red cliffs begin a steady ascent. A bridge carries you from the car park across a canal and onto the boardwalk. From here you can see for miles.

A path runs along the back of the beach

The cliff shapes are quite captivating

With lumps and bumps everywhere

And a quantity of grass too

Aloe Vera grow freely

I am mesmerised by the shapes and colours

At intervals there are steps up to the cliffs

Those leggy trees that I love poke through the grasses

And the cliffs grow ever steeper

The colours begin to vary

And tiny flowers battle for space

Beneath the towering giants

Can you see anyone on the tops?

From time to time a couple of people will appear up there, peer down and then disappear from sight. I’m quite keen to follow some of the cliff top trail, but I know that it is a little rugged in places. (I once attempted part of it in flipflops- not a good idea!)

There are lots of ups and downs!

You might have been wondering about the beach? I’m sorry! I do tend to get engrossed in the patterns on the cliff face.

Here it is!

Often the blue skies are deceptive but this particular Winter’s day in the Algarve was balmy. Before climbing up the cliff, I sat for a while, just absorbing the sun’s rays.

A sheltered spot to relax

Directly from the beach a flight of not very steep steps led up to a hotel complex, nestled among pines. From here it was easy to head back towards Vilamoura, along the cliff top.

For a moment the sun hid behind a cloud

This pink beauty craved my attention

Looking back along the cliffs

You may remember my saying that the cliffs were fit only for goats. There are some stretches that are fairly level and you can choose to descend to the beach if the going gets too rough. A couple of flights of steps lead down.

Steep gullies

In places the pines are quite dense

Back to the beach

Just one last look!

And then it’s safely back to earth. I hope you agree it was worth a little bit of climbing for those views. And when you get back to Vilamoura there are plenty of places to eat and relax.

I’d love it if you could join me with a walk of your own. It can be long, short, or in between- I really don’t mind. For details just click on my logo, or go to my Jo’s Monday walk page. It’s time to say a big thank you to my contributors again this week. Let’s put the kettle on, sit back and enjoy!

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The last of Jude’s Australian walks. Oh NO!

Oasis in the Suburbs

A trip to the loo, with Esther? And a poem to make you smile :

A walk in the dark

A tour of Old Montreal, for history and culture lovers. Thanks, Ana!

Walking tour of Old Montreal

Or an eating frenzy in Vegas with drums and Boba tea?

Chinese New Year at China Town in Las Vegas

These salt fields look very like those in the Algarve, but Kampot is totally different :

Kampot : Colonial town and salt fields

Back to Suffolk with Geoff now. Hope you don’t mind a drop of rain?

Wet, wet, wet- You’ll never walk alone part 2

A little damp on the streets of Strasbourg too, but we can take the trolley!

Walk right In

And finally, Pauline (and Jack) take us to a pretty rural village :

March 1st and a walk through Tyalgum

You can’t beat that for variety, can you? So glad you could join me. I hope you have a happy week and some great walks. You might need to wrap up warm!

Six word Saturday

Bringing Spring home from the Algarve

Irresistible blossom

Dew-kissed Iris

A downy head

Deeper blossom

A gentle wash of colour

Over the garden wall

Sweet perfection

Help, Jude! What’s this?

A solitary cistus

A single bougainvillea

Spring’s gentle tones were everywhere in the Algarve. Has Spring arrived where you are yet? In Australia they will just be exhaling after the scorch of Summer. My little corner of north eastern UK is shivery still. Much to look forward to.

Wishing you all a happy weekend! Have you got six words to share? Cate at Show My Face will gladly host them.

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

The fishing community of Portimao revere the Virgin

The fishing community of Portimao are mostly religious

Portimão is that intriguing mix of shabby and chique that, for me, typifies the Algarve. Always assuming you can find it, that is! Portimão is a big city by Algarve standards, but still I struggled to locate it. Fortunately for me, my driver has a much better sense of direction.

Heading for the city centre, we managed to end up at the beach, at neighbouring Praia da Rocha. That was fine and produced a highly enjoyable Monday walk last week. In theory, we then just needed to follow the mouth of the River Arade inland till we came to the waterfront at Portimão. ‘Oops- I think it’s back that way’ sound familiar to you? I think my advice to strangers would be to catch the bus! The bus station is, conveniently, right alongside the waterfront. But if you do manage to find it by car, there’s a generous parking area.

Deep in thought!

So what will you find, and does it repay the effort? Well, boats, of course, and fish (Portimão boasts an impressive selection of fish restaurants). Come stroll with me along the Manuel Bivar gardens at the waterfront. Then we can delve a little into the history of this town.

Did somebody mention boats?

Aside from the fishing industry the city hosts numerous sailing events, and the Portuguese Gran Prix of the Sea, for those who like noisy powerboats. In Summer you can catch a boat all the way up the river to beautiful Silves. At this time of year, the waterfront is peaceful, peopled simply with a series of sculptures.

A tall lady?

Just a few boats, for good measure

Lips, with crooked teeth?

Or a peep hole?

This one’s a little strange

I rather like this mournful face

The promenade continues to Largo de Barca, the home of many of the simple fish restaurants. Sizzling sardines are the staple diet in these parts. A bridge spans the enormous width of the river at this point. On the far shore, pretty Ferragudo. For many years access was by ferry only.

Fish restaurants at Largo de Barca

And a few fish

A popular choice

The railway bridge

Largo de Barca

The bridge to Ferragudo

With its excellent situation, in the natural shelter of the River Arade, Portimão began to develop into an important trading centre from the time of the Phoenicians. In 1435 it was awarded town status and walls were constructed to protect growing prosperity, and prevent pirate raids. Two forts were built at the river mouth- Santa Catarina, featured in last week’s Praia da Rocha walk and, across the river in Ferragudo, the picturesque Castelo de São João. The earthquake of 1755 did major damage to the town walls. Santa Catarina fort was damaged too, but was later reconstructed.

Turn in on Rua Professore Jose Buisel, from Largo de Barco, and you are in a neighbourhood of slightly down-at-heel fishermen’s homes. Many still have original azulejo tiles, with religious images above the door. The road leads toward the pedestrianised shopping area. The spire of the mother church, Igreja Matriz, provides a good landmark in its elevated position above Praca da Republica. A huge Jesuit college dominates the Praca. You are very welcome to look inside.

The Jesuit college

Tiles adorn many homes

College interior and altar

Igreja Matriz

With lovely icons

The bell tower

From the Praca, turn right down Rua Diogo Tome and you are heading back towards the river. The shops in this area are smart, so it comes as a bit of a surprise to come upon some wall art.

Fishermen, of course, plying their trade

And a gull or two

I was heading towards Largo 1st de Dezembro because I’d read about some azulejo tiled benches there. If you saw my Six word Saturday this week you’ll know that I’ve been collecting bench photos lately. The benches commemorate famous dates in Portuguese history.

Pretty Largo 1st de Dezembro

Faded loveliness

A little more bold

The benches are a little shabby these days, and slightly incongruous in a busy city square, but you can still admire the artistry. I imagine on a fine day in Summer that the benches would all be taken with office workers on their lunch break. I stole a longing look at the most elegant of cake shops, but it was time to return to the waterfront, just ahead of me. I reflected as I did how foolish that I had been unable to find this vast river in a city which orients itself totally to the sea.

Main square at the riverfront

Had it been worth it? I think so. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Portimão a little better. I hope you did too. If you prefer to see it bustling with people, a huge market wraps around Largo de Barco at the beginning of each month.

Lots of walks to share this week! You’ll need plenty of stamina. And a cuppa or two! If you’re new to my walks just click on the logo to find out how to join in. To everybody else, thank you for your fantastic contributions and for making Jo’s Monday walk a success.

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As always, Drake is here, waiting, to make me smile. Isn’t he the nicest guy?

Step on Stones

Paula always has something beautiful to share, and this week is no exception :

Summer Bloom

Tobias is in the woods this week. My favourite is number two. How about you?

A Walk in the Forest

If anyone you know can have fun with symmetry, it has to be Yvette!

Symmetry

Anabel takes us walking by Loch Lomond. The islands are beautiful!

Balmaha and Conic Hill

Jude’s taking us to sunny Australia. Form an orderly line, please!

The Manly Eastern Hill Heritage Trail

Please welcome newcomer (to my blog) Geoff! As the song goes…

You’ll never walk alone!

Or you could venture into the Polish capital, with Meg. Please do! She’d love your company :

Walking through the heart of Warsaw

And there’s the cutest squirrel in this one!

A walk in Lazienki

Esther charmingly rhymes as she walks :

Walk on the Beach

Elizabeth revives some beautiful memories :

Walking in the Mountains above Interlaken

And Minou takes us canal rambling in Holland (or you could grab a bike!)

Following the footsteps of pilgrims in Leiden

And then climbing the most beautiful windmill. You can just watch if you’re tired.

Climbing Leiden’s Windmill

Pauline is posting a storm warning. By the time you read this it will have passed over, with not too much damage, I very much hope.

Storm Warning

If temple ruins in Laos appeal, this is the post for you!

Vat Phou, the Angkor-style temple in Laos

So many fantastic places to visit in this world, aren’t there? Thanks again everybody. Have a happy week, and keep walking!

Six word Saturday

Home again, with just my memories!

Flying into Faro

Can it be 3 weeks since I took this shot? I love flying in, across the offshore islands, and looking out for landmarks. Planning what we’re going to do with all that time! The friends we’ll meet, the walks we’ll take, nice meals and restaurants to enjoy… Then, all too quickly, it’s gone, and I’m home again. But at least I have the blog to share a few of my memories.

First day there, I always stroll around Tavira, looking for changes and familiarising myself with ‘old friends’. This year I found myself fixated on benches! They were everywhere I looked. Jude has a lot to answer for!

Throughout the riverside gardens

There’s lots of temptation to sit

Spot the ‘deliberate’ mistake

The perfect place to look at my favourite bridge

But I really rather like this bike shot

Lots of choice today!

Even this, rather ugly duckling!

Did I hear you cry ‘enough benches!’ You have to be joking. Loads still to come. But for the sake of variety, I did spot a few other things, en route.

Like this face, on a door

This table decoration

And I know you love cakes!

I always like to check out any new shops, too. Casa da Bli on Rua da Liberdade was full of goodies- toiletries, wine and lots of pretty things.

Aren’t these lovely?

And just across the street, this handsome fellow

We listened to some excellent Fado too, at newly opened Fado com Historia. A post will follow.

A wonderful performance, at Fado com Historia

Naturally, we got out and about walking in the beautiful countryside, and I hope to entertain you with some of that in my Monday walks. But I can’t resist a snippet or two, while I’m daydreaming.

Spot any benches?

With tables too!

And awfully nice eucalyptus trees

And how about this for a view?

And a place to just sit and stare!

Of course, what Jude really wanted to see this month was black and white benches, so I have no choice but to conform. But not before I share a sunset seat.

For lovers

Will this do, Jude?

For those of you not familiar with the Bench Challenge, please follow my link and all will be explained. Please conform a little more than me though. I don’t want to make Jude cross.

Meantime, have a lovely weekend. It’s a glorious Spring day here in the north east of England so it’s not so bad to be home. Please do find time to visit Cate at Show My Face and share your six words, won’t you?

All set to Shimmy!

Seriously?

It’s not every year that Valentine’s Day coincides with Carnaval, but there was definitely something in the air at Loule this year. As the band ratcheted up the volume, toes tapped, hips swayed and a full-blooded shimmy was just a heartbeat away.

It was my second visit to the Algarve’s biggest Carnaval event, so I had a good idea what to expect. The Portuguese have a healthy disrespect for politicians and celebrities, and this year’s theme of Sport poked gentle fun at heroes and villains alike. The floats are beautifully constructed labours of love, and there’s an infectious atmosphere of gaiety and excitement. The children have their own mini Carnaval in the schools, and often wear their costumes to the grand parade. Here are just a few of the scenes that made me smile.

Let the show begin!

Recognise anyone?

Most sports were represented

Though I didn’t always recognise the players

There were all shapes and sizes

And many activities!

It’s all downhill for some!

For others it’s one big smile

And a head full of feathers!

Costume malfunction?

There’s a delightful whimsicality to it all, but what really stands out for me is the pure artistry of the paper flowers. Just look at these!

Nobody is left out, from the largest to the smallest. The oversized sunshine men reach down to the crowd, then touch foreheads together in a slow smooch. A stern looking lady, with a splendid costume, ‘high fives’ youngsters at the roadside, between shimmies. The littlest ones can bounce along on the back of a caterpillar or a panda. Everyone is intended to have the time of their lives, and if they don’t, they’re really not trying!

“Dance with me”

“High five!”

The skirt!

“Bounce with me!”

“Where’s Mum gone?”

And the spectators are part of the show

Isn’t he adorable? The littlest Yoda! Me and Michael were at one point on opposite sides of the parade. A brief cloud burst had crowds and performers alike scattering for cover, and when they resumed we were grinning across at each other. He took this wonderful shot. Mine was ‘side on’ to the little fellow and not nearly so good.

I have so many photos and I feel quite guilty leaving anyone out. But I shall end with the ‘dancing girls’. If anyone can shimmy, it’s them!

It goes like this!

Let me see you shimmy!

Delighted to be here!

Bare and beautiful

What more can I say? If you’re ever in the Algarve at Carnaval time, you’re in for a treat. I’m off to practise my shimmy, in celebration of my 500th post.

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

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

I bet those waves are cool!

Still quite a way to go

Just a puff of cloud on the horizon

But here we are at the lighthouse

Hiding from that breeze!

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!

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Any of you know Warsaw? That’s where my lovely friend Meg is right now, visiting family :

Shopping in Praga

Paula has been checking out ‘restless fliers’ in Zagreb. No, nothing to do with me!

Shooting birds on the lake

I can’t ski but I’m always game for a chair lift or two! Thanks, Drake :

Off-white or rough white

Two Megs this week, just to confuse you! This one’s in Virginia :

A Winter walk

Lucy often stays in Paris, lucky lady! Share a beautiful walk with her in St. Germain :

The streets of St. Germain

What about a little poetry next? And a classic from Dionne Warwick- thanks, Esther :

Walk on By

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!

Electric Gardens

And you can rely on Elena for quirky!

Hundertwasser House in Vienna

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 :

A Walcheren walk

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!

Six word Saturday

Just time for a brisk walk!

You know, already, where this is!

So much about London is iconic, isn’t it? This time last week, I was whirling along the city streets! I still have a canal walk to share with you, but today I’m saying goodbye for a while.

Talking of iconic!

How blue is that sky?

South Bank Winter?

You’d hardly think so, would you?

Isn’t it beautiful?

I like to see a bit of industry

Ahh, that’s what he’s making!

A different kind of industry!

And another icon!

Under Blackfriar’s Bridge next. I hadn’t walked this part in a long time so it felt new to me, though some of it’s very old. I love the contrast.

Who knew this was here?

Industry of old

And times gone by

Sleekly modern London in the making

Who can fail to love this bridge?

Yes, Meg, I know I’m going to be teased mercilessly about rivers and bridges, but how can I not show you London’s finest, in the short time that I have?

St. Paul’s, across the Millenium Bridge

Can you tell that I’m just a little in love with our capital city? I had a fine weekend, but it’s back to the peaceful life for me. Early tomorrow morning I fly to the Algarve, hoping to find more blue skies. I’ll probably struggle to reply to many of you today, but hopefully I’ll make it up to you when I’m back.

Don’t forget the 6Friends Theory competition, will you? You never know what could happen. And, of course, visit Cate at Show My Face to share your week. I hope it was a good one.

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

The Golden Hind II, on Bankside

I had a brilliant time in London this weekend, staying at the Mercure London Bridge hotel for a 6 Friends Theory event. I’ll tell you all about it later in the week, but first things first- my Mondays always start with a walk.

You can imagine the amount of walking I did in London! Let’s just say, my boots need re-heeling. Friday saw me striding out along South Bank, the air crisp and bright! On Saturday I took to the canal paths, sandwiching this with a superb guided walk round Old Camden Town. Judith, from London Walks, had a merry twinkle in her eyes as she shared stories of the neighbourhood- everything from George Bernard Shaw to George Melly!

I’m a little short on time to do those walks justice, so I thought I’d do something a bit different this week. How about a moonlit stroll? It’s not often that I get to see our capital by night, and it’s a glorious sight. I had to cut it shorter than planned when the skies suddenly opened!

I’ve always loved a Tall Ship, and this one’s so colourful!

Golden Hind II, an authentic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship, has resided in her berth at St. Mary Overie Dock, Bankside since 1996. She’s had her share of colourful adventures and has cicumnavigated the globe and featured in four films. These days her chief activity is to provide living history lessons about Elizabethan maritime history. The children can swashbuckle a little and dress up as Tudor sailors. Details of her voyages, along with Drake’s own round the world trip, from 1577 to 1580, are provided in this Wikipedia link.

A complication of rigging!

I mentioned moonlight, and the night was clear and crisp when I left the hotel, on Southwark St., for a short walk to Borough Market. At Fish the food was delicious! I needed a stroll afterwards.

How I found space for pudding, I’m not sure

I maybe should have stopped at fish

But really- would you?

From Borough Market, I headed through Clink St. towards Bankside, and lingered by the dock. The lights from the towering buildings and the bridges danced playfully on the water.

Southwark Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral

A shock of colour in close up!

The air was turning damp and it seemed a good idea to head back towards Clink St. A familiar shape loomed overhead. It’s London’s latest landmark, The Shard.

The Shard- visible everywhere!

Beads of rain speckled the sign

The remains of Winchester Palace

The rain was gathering conviction and I hastened my steps, though still held in London’s night time spell. Hood pulled up, it was time for my camera to retreat to safety. Just a last couple of shots, then it was time to step out swiftly, back to the hotel.

More enchanting by night?

Back on Southwark St. the rain bounces!

If the weather had been better, I might have followed the Thames all night, so perhaps it’s just as well the rain came. The next day dawned clear and sharp, and I was off again.

But those stories will have to wait. Next Sunday I’m off to the Algarve, so Jo’s Monday walk will be taking a two week breather. I already have several walks lined up in the Algarve, so I hope you’ll join me when I get back. (16th February)

I am so grateful to all the people who have shared walks with me. You take me to places I could never reach under my own steam. I only hope that you enjoy my walks as much as I enjoy yours. Please feel free to share them at any time. My Jo’s Monday walk page will give you the details.

Time to put the kettle on for a cuppa. There are some wonderful walks coming up!

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Paula has agreed to show us a little of her home city, Zagreb, currently cloaked in winter bareness

A fun walk by the lake

Richard has been a friend for the longest time, and knows the BEST places to go!

The Watergate Bay sunset walk

A walk that I meant to share after my trip to Paris, done beautifully by Debbie. Thanks for the memory!

Promenading the banks of Canal Saint-Martin

Something I’m very familiar with, but Jude makes it look good!

Wintery Blues

Natural sounds, presented with flair, from Amy this week. I adore a hibiscus in the rain!

Sounds in Nature

A first for my walks- some wonderful poetry from Esther! She’ll make you smile, I guarantee :

Walk in the Woods

Elizabeth is walking home from work, but don’t feel sorry for her! I certainly don’t :

Walking home from work

Is it possible to walk with Drake without smiling? I don’t think so!

Walkabout in Strasbourg

And Kathryn had me smiling so, with her sweetness. Let’s go tracking, in the woods!

Monday walk with Jo in mind

Thank you to all my kind and lovely friends! I’ll try to catch up with you during the week. Then I may have earned a rest. Happy walking, everyone!

Six word Saturday

To be, or not to be?

‘The Globe’ theatre, in miniature

This weekend finds me in London, on a blogging event with the Mercure hotel chain. They are launching a major competition based on the 6 Friends Theory. More of that to follow!

Just so that you know I haven’t been wasting my time, I popped into The Globe theatre at Bankside and did the tour. It’s a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original Globe, and I’ve wanted to visit for years. (another tick in box!) Now I want to go back and see a play there. Maybe next trip? The exhibition space was very interesting too, though I didn’t have nearly enough time. Here’s just a glimpse!

Never can resist a knight in shining armour!

Or a nice gown

The stage hangings were from New Zealnd

And were wonderfully crafted

And quite dramatic!

You could even be a model for a Shakespearean gown!

Fortunately, I didn’t have time before the bell rang for the tour, but the lady seemed to be enjoying herself. I was disappointed with my photos of The Globe itself. With dazzling bright skies (yes, I was lucky again!) and deep shade, I struggled to get clear images, but my memories are intact. If I had longer I would love to visit the new indoor Jacobean Theatre in the complex. (one off the list, and two back on!) Sam Wanamaker’s vision and tireless energy in driving the project has finally come to fruition.

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That’s it for now! It’s time for breakfast and some more sight seeing. Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face to share your six words. Apologies if I don’t respond to you for a while. Home this evening!

Three things I love about Porto

Porto, seen from the water

A great sight, whichever way you look!

Challenged recently to come up with three things I love about my favourite city, I barely hesitated before my thoughts turned to Porto, in Northern Portugal.

Accor Hotels are inviting bloggers to create a post (or a video) illustrating their three favourite things about any city they love. In return, you can win a three-night stay for two, in London, Paris or Amsterdam. Something nice to look forward to at this dreary time of year? But you’d better get your skates on- last date for entries is Monday, 26th January at 12.01pm. Sorry I couldn’t give you more notice.

The quayside at Peso da Regua

So, why Porto, you might be asking yourself. If you were around when I came back from my trip two years ago, you might remember that I was totally besotted.

1. The city lies at the mouth of the River Douro. Step into a boat (or catch a train if you’re a landlubber) and you have before you one of the most beguiling landscapes you could ever imagine. As you depart the city, the hills ripple away on either shore, swathed in vines that change hue with the seasons. Utterly tranquil, yet with the frisson of a huge lock or two to navigate, and ruggedly wild beauty as you penetrate further along the river.

The Sandeman’s Port figure broods on a hillside

Azulejo panels illustrate the barcos rabelas

Nowadays they take trippers on the river

Along with their modern equivalent

But grapes are always at the heart of it

2. Porto has a beach! Crucial for someone who could never envisage life away from the sea. Nothing could be more delightful than hopping on the tram and rattling out to Foz do Douro. Or perhaps you would stroll it, but save some energy for when you get there. There’s a long promenade after the last tram stop. An old fort sits on the headland and there’s Seaworld if you prefer your fishes in a tank. Bars and restaurants abound for a lazy toasted end to the day.

A restaurant with a view, at Foz do Douro

3. It’s all in the name! The home of port wine, there is no better setting for sampling a glass or two. Three if you’re going to try Ruby, Tawny and White port. No need to rush it! There are numerous wine lodges, beside the river or up on the hill with magnificent views, if you can handle the climb. You will amble home with a smile on your face. That’s for sure!

Barcos rabelas at ease in their moorings

If you’d like to spend a little more time in Porto with me, try Simply beautiful blue and white. It’s a feast of azulejos! But then you should decide which is your favourite city, and visit A tale of three cities for details of how to enter the competition.

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Photography

Jo’s Monday walk : Falesia beach

Six word Saturday

Bringing Spring home from the Algarve

Jo’s Monday walk : as promised, Portimão

Six word Saturday

Home again, with just my memories!

All set to Shimmy!

Jo’s Monday walk : Praia da Rocha

Six word Saturday

Just time for a brisk walk!

Jo’s Monday walk : London by Moonlight

Six word Saturday

To be, or not to be?

Three things I love about Porto

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Bringing Spring home from the Algarve

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Home again, with just my memories!

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Just time for a brisk walk!

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To be, or not to be?

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