In Portimao: A day at the beach

November 5, 2017

I've never been one for laying about at the beach, or for swimming either. A quick dip to cool off is okay. I'd much rather admire the scenery, as something about the ocean just takes my breath away. So that's what I did today. I looked at the ocean.

I got up and lingered over the hotel breakfast. It was good with a variety of choices, as suits a small hotel. Then I gathered up my things, and headed to Praia da Rocha, just south of Portimao on the Atlantic Ocean. I passed through the marina, full of fancy leisure boats, and some upscale hotels and condos.

I rode past the beach and out onto the end of the jetty, where there is a small lighthouse.

There wasn't much fishing in the area, and a lot of the docks are posted no fishing, but I spotted this one guy casting.

Then I found my way up onto the area above the beach, where the Santa Caterina de Ribamar fortress is. I actually missed the fortress on the way up. I had a hard time finding my way. The direct climb from the beach area had a lot of steps, so I rode out onto the main road and took a smaller (but steep!) road up. I rode past the eating establishments and souvenir shops to the Praia dos Tres Castelas, and on to Praia do Vau, where I stopped and took my shoes and socks off and waded into the Atlantic Ocean.

In the Atlantic Ocean, at the Praia do Vau.

The water was cool but not cold, and I might have been tempted to take a quick swim if it were easier to get changed and then dry off.

Then I headed back, stopping at the fortress before going to the square by my guesthouse. I stopped there for a gelato before heading to my room to clean up and rest before dinner.

The beaches are really beautiful. They aren't crowded (although people here think this is winter, so it may be different in summer), and there are a lot of options for food and drink nearby. Ok, I definitely see the attraction!

The wind was blowing hard today. It has been for a few days. I didn't complain about the headwind the last couple of days of riding, because I hadn't given credit to the tailwind when I had it. But it could make tomorrow's ride a challenge.

Today's ride: 19 km (12 miles)
Total: 677 km (420 miles)

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