Farol

Shall we start with a ferry ride?

This week’s walk is on the island of Culatra, so you’ll have the added bonus of a ferry ride- always irresistible to me. But for those of you who are poor sailors, let me assure you of gentle, calm waters. I referred briefly to Culatra in my I is for Ilhas (islands) post and I thought it might be time to take a closer look. I think you might like it.

Departure points for the ilha are from the city of Faro, the Algarve’s capital, or from the nearby fishing town, Olhão. It’s a short 30 minute sailing from the latter. The ferries depart at 9.00, 11.00, 15.00 and 17.00, so what are we waiting for? Don’t forget your sunscreen, and flip-flops will be just fine for this trip.

Is this water flat enough for you?

There's always someone who likes to make waves!

There’s always someone who likes a little fun!

Here we are, at the first port of call already!

The ferry docks first at the eastern end of the island, with a busy little marina, the church and a couple of restaurants. If you like you can get off here and walk along to Farol, but I like to stay on till the second stop, 10 minutes later. As the ferry chugs alongside the island, the lighthouse for which the settlement is named looms larger. Often your flight path into the Algarve will carry you over the islands and you have an aerial view of Farol.

Almost there…

Closer!

And we’re disembarking!

Ok, so you’ve indulged me the watery stuff. Thank you! Now it’s time to stroll a little. You’ve probably guessed what we’ll be going to see, haven’t you?

It’s visible wherever you look

Not quite hiding behind the beach houses

Even on the tiles!

Unless you deliberately look the other way

There are plenty of beguiling sights

Palms and pretty houses

And pathways to explore

But eventually you come face to face!

The lighthouse is situated on a rocky headland, above a small beach, crowded with locals on a weekend. Continue past that and you have seemingly endless sand. Off with those flip-flops and away you paddle!

A good situation?

Are you paddling?

I think that’s a wreck out at sea?

After a while you will see a sign board pointing inland and a boardwalk. This is your cue to put the flip-flops back on and follow it, over some low dunes. You will see the first port where the ferry docked ahead in the distance. Arguably the best bit of the walk starts now. As you approach the village the path becomes lined with an array of beach houses and their gardens. All shapes and colours are represented- some tasteful, others… well, let’s say interesting.

The boardwalk

Across the dunes

It’s not as far as it looks

Till you come to the Social Centre

And the first of the beach houses

Closely followed by…

Many more

With their attendant bougainvillea

Did I mention tasteful? Quirky, maybe

Lots of pink

And assorted pots

Now you’re back at the marina, with its host of little fishing vessels. There are several small bars and restaurants where you can blend in with the locals while you await your return ferry. The ticket office only opens 10 minutes before the boat is due, but you might well have bought a return- ide e volta. The ferry will stop again at Farol so you can do this walk in either direction, or both ways if you’re keen!

A motley medley of containers

And numerous working vessels

Some very nifty ones

And the odd bike

It’s a busy spot

The church is at this end of the island, too

Watched over by Our Lady of Fatima

Then it’s farewell to Culatra

And hello Olhao!

I hope you didn’t mind the boat ride too much? One of my favourite things about the Algarve is the number of ferry rides I can take. My husband rather meanly keeps count and sometimes I’m rationed! There were 8 boat rides this visit. (that’s there and back, of course)

Many thanks for your time and your company. Will you join me next week on a Monday walk? The details are on my walks page or just click on the logo below.