Day 22- Albufeira

No rushing today. We took ourselves off for a good walk around the area. 

   And this time I remembered the selfie stick. Looking back along the beach we look down upon from the apartment. Fantastic viewing spot is quite high for those not liking heights(me). This is the level where you can catch a lift down to the beach or for those more energetic there are the stairs or the old tumbling down walkway below.

   As you can see the sand is below the weathered cliffs which affords us spectacular views.

We did walk a good distance today and came across the fishing harbour not very far down the road. Getting there we passed quaint streets with out of the way little restaurants and bars, a must to go back and visit.

    This little harbour still brings in the fresh seafood cooked and served in the local restaurants.

A little further afar but only about a 15minute walk from the apartment is The Albufeira Marina. This marina is part of a tourist complex that includes hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, swimming pools, villas and a leisure centre. 

It is said that it is the fast growing destination of choice for many holiday makers, not sure about that. If you are young and into activity seeking holidays, yes go there but for me Old Town is the place to stay.

  One of the significant features of the Marina are the candy-coloured apartments painted in lively blue, pink, orange, green and yellow squares. Personally I don't like them, I think they look tawdry.

    Walking back more pictures of Old Town and the apartment block. We are on the top level of the building on the left and from the very left of the picture the third balcony in. The vegetation in the foreground is the beach wall, so close, so good. We are surrounded by church bells that are so old and one special one has a man that goes up twice a day and plays songs such as 'when the saints come marching in' and other classics by hitting the bell in different spots I can't imagine how good his ear protectors could be or he might have a hearing problem as he is right in the middle of the bell. He is sooo good.

Thought we would hit the beach for the first time on this holiday so, two towels, two small beach umbrellas and two hats had to be purchased from the local store two minutes away. 

All set, we look so much the typical tourists.

The sand is super hot, the water a good cool temp but cloudy, can't see the bottom and the beach a hive of activity.

   The kids swim out in life vests to jump all over, the oldies sit on the beach and watch the passing trade and enjoy a very cold local beer.

   Two tourists with their ill fitting hats, cheap umbrellas and small over priced beach towels. Mez is very coordinated with her lime green swimmers, lime green beach umbrella and lime green beach bag, very nice! 

Late lunch on our balcony - local cheese, salami, tomatoes( not good for the figure- too late, worry about it when we get back).

Outlook for a late afternoon snack and rose wine couldn't be better.

Packed a lot into today but didn't feel like it, very relaxed.