Looking up places on the Internet and the actual reality of getting there is completely different.
We felt brave enough to use the public transport in the Algarve this time. We waited for a bus and eventually people gathered at the bus stop to wait to board.
Eventually it turned up and we paid the bus driver and he drove us to Tavira.
Tavira is a pleasant enough East Algarve town with a river running through it's centre.
We walked around for a while and then I suggested to J we go to the anchor cemetery outside Tavira. I of course hinted at maybe catching a bus there?
J agreed and she followed the Google Maps route on her phone and the posh English lady voice guided us at every turn.
We passed lots of lovely villas, orange plantations and bus stops, but no buses.
Eventually we found the old little railway that took us to the seaside. We paid our fair in a machine and waited for the little train.
This took us to the anchor cemetery:
The old tuna processing buildings are now toilets and a cafe/ bar and souvenir shop.
Footwear are the tyres for our feet. You wouldn't put cheap tyres on your car or feet or would you?
I think if you want wall to wall sunshine even in winter. Visit the Algarve. It really is beautiful.
Sounds like an interesting, if somewhat tiring, day out. Anchor cemetery! Anything to entertain the tourists?
ReplyDeleteIt was like a Portuguese Anthony Gormley had a light bulb moment and created the anchor cemetery TM. It was a lovely spot next to the sea and we got sun tanned drinking our Super Bocks.
ReplyDeleteThis brought back happy memories for me. I think it was in 1980 that Shirley and I first holidayed in the Algarve at Pedras d'el Rei where we rode the old tuna train across the dunes to the seashore and there were the anchors - though it was never a tourist attraction back then. We liked Tavira and I remember eating lovely moist orange cake there. We had a battered old green Mini to drive and up in the hills we saw poor farmers tilling the soil with horses.
ReplyDeleteThe anchors were used to secure the huge tuna nets to the sea floor when shoals of tuna tried to make their way into the Mediterranean Sea. The anchors were basically just abandoned there. It was never meant to be an art installation - it just happened.
ReplyDeleteThanks the tuna anchors heads up YP. Isn't it amazing how it just happened? A place of beauty made with old iron.
DeleteLovely photo's it's a place we have never been. I find cheap shoes are a waste of money, I buy quality which cost more but last longer, and often far more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marlene. You live and you learn. Totally agree about cheap shoes being a waste of money.
DeleteSounds like a good and memorable holiday YP. I would love to have seen the poor farmers tilling with their horses. We had chicken kebabs for five Euros each at a Sikh restaurant in Tavira for tea. Very reasonable.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks lovely, especially the little railway, bar, loos and souvenirs. Had far did you actually walk? Holidays to foreign places always seem to include a lot of walking. But it was in the sunshine! And you definitely good well worn shoes that you know will keep your feet happy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. It was a lovely sun spot and worth the walk. We walked over ten miles including the walk to the anchor cemetery and around Tavira. I will break new shoes in future before going anywhere.
ReplyDeleteIt looks very quiet and calming there. a good place to walk and enjy the sunshine... and beers.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the cheap shoes. There is nothing worse than walking ten miles with blisters!
It was gorgeous for February (20 degrees) JayCee. I think I have got plantar fasciitis or heel pain like YP had. I won't be buying cheap trainers again.
ReplyDeleteRolling a golf ball with bare feet always works for me when I get it.
DeleteThanks for the advice JayCee.
ReplyDeleteWhen we stayed on the Algarve in the 1980s we went everywhere by train. The train service was great. Portimao was one of my favourite towns. When I planned the holiday I planned it around the trains and where there were stations. I love Portugal.
ReplyDeleteThe trains in the Algarve are very good except Sunday morning Rachel. They are also inexpensive. I thing we have covered most of the Algarve but we love going back there. Thanks Rachel.
ReplyDeleteIt looks fantastic there, Dave! One of the things I've learned as I've got older, is never wear cheap footwear. Get yourself some Hoka's. X
ReplyDeleteThe Algarve is so beautiful Jules. We love it. I have learned my footwear lesson. You put dear tyres on cars not cheap ones.
ReplyDelete