Welcome to our weekly peek at our travels through my camera as I capture both the images that our explorations inspire, whilst also giving me a regular practice that enables me to develop my technical skills.
This week’s images are all about inland Algarve, where I try to capture the old, rural Portugal, the nature it supports and some of the architecture unique to this region. In fact with some of the images I share today, it feels like the title should be ‘You don’t get it, it’s January’ as spring gifts us an early floral display.
1. Tavira, the Algarve
Well, ok, you caught me; of course Portugal’s eastern board fishing town of Tavira is not inland Portugal, although as we were staying 4 miles inland it kinda counts. We only had a short time nipping into the town to ostensibly pick up some money to pay our campsite host. And so whilst we were there, and the sun was shining, it would have been rude not to capture some of this beautiful town’s character. No doubt there will be more to come as we revisit this weekend with mum and Bob for the market, although for now, here are some early impressions of this colourful and charismatic old town.
I do love a black and white imagine; which do you prefer?
Portugal’s iconic tiling has to be part of any photo shoot sure?
2. Spring has sprung in the hills of the Algarve
Whilst we took some time to rest and recover from two very lingering viruses, a local walk to reenergise me felt necessary. Even though bed ensued shortly after my return home, it wasn’t before I captured spring in Portugal. Northern Europe and the UK have been beneath a blanket of frost, snow and wintery conditions, although down here a few thousand miles south, nature is responding to the warmth that we are experiencing at the moment. It was amazing how many colourful blooms lined the roadsides, the names of which I don’t know without Google’s help, although what a stunning display they were.
3. Estoi
We love a brown sign; they show us something cultural, historical and part of the place we’re visiting. So when we saw the sign for Estoi on the motorway, we knew we must go; plus a friend had also recommended it some time ago, so it made sense to check it out.
The old football pitch acts as an Aire for around 50 vans and whilst rain makes the pitch quite dirty and tricky, it is lovely to have these sorts of facilities, and for free, we might add. Taking a morning trip into the town, we held the prospect of a palace and its gardens and a medieval church. The latter and its main square had promise as the blue skies reflected perfectly against the white washed buildings and the leafy trees offering seasonal shade. And then as we walked towards the 17th century Palace that with a combination of rococo, baroque and art nouveau architecture was once, in its day quite magnificent. Today it is a luxury hotel that overlooks French-style gardens. Sadly they are somewhat unloved and have fallen into disrepair which feels symbolic of Estoi as a whole. It is a shame to see ancestral villages succumb to the inevitable glitz of Faro for the young folk seeking employment and community. Still, some of the images present the pretty face of Estoi, which I hope you still can appreciate.
4. Salir – Inland Algarve
With sights set on a peaceful inland route on Portugal’s famous N2 route, we wound around the cork forests of the Algarve hinterland. We’ve not done this road for a few years now and it was lovely to reconnect with its raw nature. Our destination was a free Aire on the outskirts of the small hilltop town of Salir, which has 13th century roots. It is said to have been named after an invasion, where people were heard yelling ‘Sair, sair’. Escape, escape or to go out. Despite the Aire facility being completely full, we managed to get a spot the following morning. It’s hard to imagine that a set up like this can be completely free and that includes WiFi as well as electricity. There are plans to put a small €7pn charge as part of a scheme called Rota Serrana which is encouraging motorhomies to head inland. There are 9 aires in an area of inland Algarve offering these fantastic facilities and brings in money to the town and limits the impact along the coast. What a great initiative and one we shall be exploring more.
Anyway I digress. Not only is the walking great in this area, the town itself is very picturesque and, in stark contrast to Estoi, seems to have put money into its preservation and restoration. It’s a delight. There’s a Windmill Route that I took from the Aire for 3.5miles that tracks the ancient mills that used to manage the irrigation for the local farmers. And then there’s the ancient castle ruins, church and white washed houses. It’s a charming place with a great place to hang out for a couple of days at the Aire.
5. People and animal watching
Wherever we are I love capturing people and animals and wonder at what they are thinking, what their experiences of the world are and the stories that they bring with them. Here’s a collection from the week.
So there we are, yet another week passes with images of all I see. I hope you love it. Feel free to let me know what you think of the images and which are your favourites. I also hope that perhaps we can give you a nice wrap up of the places we are exploring as we travel with Scoobie and without. For more photography check out my previous posts by clicking here.
Lovely shots! We have lived here for four years but still not visited these places (yes Tavira, but not the others). So thanks for bringing me along on your walks. Portugal has so much to offer, maybe that´s why my urge to travel disappeared, I have enough to explore around us.
I like coloured images more than B/W. xx