PLACES Our East Algarve Beach guide

Places

The Beaches of Eastern Algarve

The beaches of Barril, Tavira, Manta Rota and Altura have been given the Blue Flag and Gold Quality awards, serving as confirmation of their environmental quality, as well as of the high quality of their water and infrastructures. They are supervised beaches, protected by lifeguards, with bars and a restaurant nearby, and offering visitors the possibility of renting sunshades, awnings or canvas beach huts and toilet facilities. All have showers and provide easy access for the disabled, as well water sports equipment for rent. To get to Barril, walk across the narrow pontoon bridge, and take the train that runs for roughly a kilometre through the marshland of Ria Formosa. On the beach is a bathing complex with a bar, restaurant and children’s playground, ensuring all kinds of entertainment for visitors. Isolation is only a short distance in either direction. The excellent beach of the Ilha de Tavira is ideal for families that enjoy camping; everything can be hired. The endless beach, the calm, clear water and the good bathing facilities meet all the family’s requirements. Tavira Island or Praia Ilha de Tavira can be reached via a short ferry journey from town in the peak season or from the 4 aguas port. There are some lovely walks through the sand dunes. The beach is 11km long by 500m wide, has soft golden sand, is very child friendly and provides excellent swimming. There are also plenty of restaurants on the island. If you’re feeling very daring, there’s even a ‘reserved’ section for naturists. The famous calm, warm seawater with children’s playgrounds at the beach of Manta Rota is an attractive feature that offers the chance to enjoy oneself on the beach in an atmosphere of complete safety. Great parking facilities allow you to drive right up to the beach. Further along the coast is Monte Gordo, which provides all the traditional beach attractions, but can become very busy in July and August. A luxury place to eat, excellent service but not cheap is Praia Verde, with parking close to the beach and a short walk to Monte Gordo or Manta Rota. Also within walking distance from Manta Rota is Altura, a children’s delight with a lovely restaurant on the beach, good service, excellent food, great prices. Children can play in the sand, there is a football/volleyball pitch and the usual pedal boats for hire. The nature reserve is situated between the road and the quiet beach at Vila Real Sto. António. Right in the corner where the land ends, you will find most beautiful and special shells, especially after heavy wind or in winter. No cafes, restaurants or water sports, heaven for some. For those who do crave peace and privacy there is Fabrica, a little, private, almost hidden, beach reached by boat from the village of Fabrica, close to Cacela Velha and the lovely restaurant at the Ria Formosa. A personal favourite is Fuseta beach, generally quiet most of the year with a couple of fishermen to watch. No watersports. A friendly beach close to the town, parking close to the beach. There is a small popular café on the beach and more within walking distance. Lots to see with all the fishing boats passing by and water taxis to ferry people over to the island. Last but by no means least is Praia da Armona beach, which usually requires a ferry journey from Olhão of about a half-hour’s duration. It’s convenient enough to get there and back though, because the ferry service is pretty frequent and the journey’s not long enough to require ‘sea legs’. Safety Notes: Currents: Algarve beaches give onto the Atlantic Ocean; they’re not Mediterranean beaches. Some beaches, especially on the west coast, can experience dangerous sea conditions. One of these conditions that should concern even strong swimmers is that of a ‘rip’. Another term for undertow, a rip current is caused by strong wave conditions and can be

he Beaches of Eastern Algarve

Calm waters and lush nature define the beaches of this stunning region. Places

permanent or temporary. Rips are the effect of below-surface water rushing back out to sea and can reach speeds of up to 3 miles per hour (around 5 kph). Although recognisable to experienced sea watchers, they can go unnoticed by the average beach user. If caught in a rip, the received wisdom is: try not to panic. Most people killed by a rip current died because they tired from struggling against it and couldn’t keep their heads above water. The current will lose strength as the seabed contour changes, and it will release you. Rip currents are rarely wider than 10 metres. Once you’re free of the current, you should swim for a while parallel to the shore (away from the dangerous current) and then try to get back to the beach. If possible, attract attention and get assistance. This information was gleaned from a number of sources, especially that of the North Carolina Sea Grant Rip Current Safety Campaign. Please try to bear it in mind when you step into the Atlantic waters. Lifeguards: After the end of September, it’s rare in Portugal that lifeguards are present on beaches. There may not even be safety flags to guide you, since the swimming season is regarded as being over. Ask locally about sea conditions (surfers are usually knowledgeable) and swim with caution.

SUMMER PROMOTIONS NOW ON!

Rua Dr Jose Dias, Sancho 183, 8150-144, São Brás de Alportel near Intermarché Tel 289 791 121 email colours.cores@.gmail.com

A Lura dos Livros

Rua Poeta Emiliano da Costa 16, Tavira Tel 281 323 199

A wide and eclectic range of new and used books in the English language, as well as a generous helping of used and collectable books in Portuguese and French. Also a wonderful selection of children’s books. Special orders and book finding service available. Gift certificates.

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