Awesome Algarve

Spain-Portugal Stage 4 – Sun 15th May 2016 – Monte Gordo to Tavira (24 Km)

Weather: 16⁰C min – 22⁰C max, sunny

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” Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use “ ~ Charles M. Schulz

My first day’s riding in Portugal, a short 25 Km ramble from Praia de Monte Gordo to Tavira, was as near perfect as it gets. Under an azure blue sky scattered with a few fluffy white clouds, I soon found my way onto the Ecovia do Litoral … a dedicated cycle route that runs along the Algarve coast of Portugal, linking Vila Real de San António on the Spanish border (where I was yesterday) to Cabo de São Vicente in the west (where I will be on Thursday).

The route took me along smooth, palm tree lined, boulevards, over quaint little wooden bridges, past red poppy lined, well-compacted, dirt tracks, and through fabulous residential areas that you miss when speeding along the motorway in your car. Just as well I was wearing good sun glasses because I would have been dazzled by the rows of immaculate, white-painted, houses with doorways and windows neatly trimmed in calm pastel colours, all topped with terracotta tiled roofs.

Wasn’t Portugal one of those European countries struggling financially recently? You would not guess so if you could see it now, but then I have only seen the Algarve region which is definitely atypical.

It would be hard to find a town anywhere in the world as stunning as Tavira in the Algarve region of Portugal. Riding over the Roman bridge across the Gilao river you are presented with a stunning view of picture-perfect town. The first thing you notice is the beautiful medieval houses adorned with Gothic windows and portals. Some houses even have colourful mosaic tiled feature walls and nearly all the street signs are made of the same tiles, which is a nice touch.

The river is certainly the focal point of the town, lined with cobbled promenades, parks, trees and (of course) lots of cafes and bars. I am off there now to try some more delicious Portuguese food! And delicious it was indeed …a plate of huge sardines plus salad all for €5 plus €1.20 for a bottle of soda water.