Page 50 - Demo

Wednesday 20th September - Tavira - Castelo de Loul%u00e9 - Quarteira - Prahia de S. Rafael - Estombar - Portimao - Estombar Hot and sunnyLeft Tavira, which we really enjoyed for its peacefulness and lack of tourism, and headed north west for a stop at the small castle in Loul%u00e9. Drove south past Castelo de Loul%u00e9 to Quarteira, a Portuguese equivalent of Surfers Paradise, or Skegness with sun! The beachfront was quite nicely built though, with a wide promenade and nice works of art, statues, etc. The beaches were all covered with rows upon rows of rentable beach umbrellas and deckchairs. Along the way a crowd had gathered to watch someone who had drowned and was being resuscitated by lifeguards. We walked on, not wanting to watch. Walked to the port area, which was not touristy and visited the huge fish markets (this being the big day of the week for them). Teia was fascinated by all the different types of fish (as was Steve). Louise put up with it but hated the smell. Walked back along the beach to find the crowd dispersed, but the drowned person died, covered in plastic at the water%u2019s edge, waiting for the ambulance to take him away. Not a pleasant sight. Stopped for a look at the big trashy markets behind the main strip of high rise. All tack though, nothing over 5 Euros. Drove west again and stopped at Prahia de S. Rafael, a lovely peaceful beach at the bottom of very steep cliffs, wedged between two outcrops. The beach was no bigger than 200 metres in length, and was virtually deserted, but had a nice posh new beach house restaurant selling at the bottom. Blew the budget on a lovely lunch of seafood, and chicken, with wine and beer, overlooking the surf. Steve and Teia had a swim. Headed to our accommodation, the beautiful Portuguese manor house Rio Arade, near Estombar\\Portimao. Had a swim and drink before driving into Portimao for dinner. Portimao was not much - just a big city, but the surroundings were nice, with lovely beaches, and fishing villages. Our accommodation wasexcellent - run by a retired Irish marathon runner! Beautifully decorated in Portuguese style with a lovely courtyard garden and pool area. Our room was huge and nicely decorated too.