Algarve - Day 3, Olhos d'Agua Beach

 We woke to beautiful blue sky and after breakfast walked down the hill to the beach.

We followed the road straight down from the hotel and I took a picture of this sign where it intersected with another road, so we would know how to get back.

Less than 10 minutes and we were at the beach.

We decided, weather dependent, we would splurge at some point on a beach front meal.

The west end is backed by sandstone cliffs and one restaurant that the water goes right under at high tide.

The stairs down to it from the cliff top were being repaired.

The retreating tide had left smooth stones and patterns on the sand.

Caves and holes in the cliffs and rocks.

Rock pools

and smooth, wet sand.

We had read there was a wind advisory for the area and it was just starting to build with rollers forming out in the sea and breaking as they came in. We thought this rock looked like a jaguar.

The East end of the beach has a cliff and rocks and then another beach extends to the next community, Vilamoura. We have been told it is a two hour walk to be done at low tide and then take a taxi back.

Also at the East end, a boat ramp. No picturesque traditional Portuguese fishing boats here, they are all practical, basic power boats with some nets and gear in them.

Behind the boat ramp, a row of little blue huts.

Peaking in a couple of open doors I could see fishing nets, life jackets, chairs and BBQs - a mix of business and pleasure.

We opted for coffee at one of the beachside cafes and paid considerably more for 2 coffees than we had for 2 coffees and 2 custard tarts up on the main road, location, location, location.

Octopus salad, prawn salad....yes, yes, yes.

A statue on one of the benches

made of wire and washers.

And a standing figure

made the same way.

And then we found another one, this time

made from chicken wire.

I have looked on the internet but been unable to find out anything about them.

There are not a lot of gardens around

but occasionally some pots on a terrace or some beds beside the road.

An ornate chimney for an outdoor grill.

Starting back, past the restaurants that line the road down to the beach,

and turning up the hill towards the hotel

we are happy to have an excuse to stop

catch our breath and admire

the sculptures

and paintings.

Nearly there when we reach the Poinsetta tree.