
Now that summer’s over, it’s the perfect time to incorporate a beach into a walk, and I know just the one. Praia de Faro sits right alongside the airport, and as you land and taxi down the runway you will already have glimpsed this stretch of golden sand. Not much of a recommendation, I expect you’re thinking. But Praia de Faro has a laidback charm all its own. You reach it via a narrow causeway, on which traffic lights operate. Beware you don’t get stuck there! I recall an infamous afternoon on which we were collecting our daughter from the airport. We seemed to have lots of time in hand and I suggested a stroll on the beach first. Alas, I wasn’t the only one to have this thought. On Sunday teatime you are almost guaranteed to queue, and there is no easy escape route. By the time we made it onto the island we had to about face and join the queue to come back. My highly exasperated husband was unamused, and I was merely thankful we made it to the airport in time…just!
But don’t let this put you off. The walk I’m suggesting doesn’t require you to drive across the causeway. There is a car park before you approach the causeway, and opposite this a walking and cycle path which takes you through the salt marshes.

Proximity to the airport does, of course, mean that you can count aircraft along the way. The particular Monday on which I did this walk was in the half term holiday, soon after flight restrictions to the UK had eased. The resulting air traffic was considerable.
But it didn’t seem to perturb the waders in the least. Their focus was solely directed at the food content of the saline waters. I couldn’t help but think that the smart new bird hide was wasted effort, but it obviously complimented the extensive new boardwalk.

I had to smile at the bird keeping lookout atop the post, and his companion chameleon, but the signboards gave useful pointers as to which birds you might expect to see. In the background, the footbridge which crosses the lagoon, to access the beach.
For the moment we’ll ignore it, but if you wanted a shorter walk then this is the route to take. The footpath continues on past the golf course, bypassing the exclusive Vale de Lobo resort with its private lake and imported beach.
There is no restriction, however, on the surrounding beauty and you can pause here for as long as you like to observe the pecking and poking of the waterfowl. The path continues on for some distance around the coast, but we chose to turn inland through the landscaped gardens and unaffordable villas to rejoin the footpath and return to the bridge. Time to investigate the beach.
You can, in fact, walk the length of the beach until you find a restaurant that appeals, or spread a towel and watch the Atlantic pound to shore. It’s more boisterous here than the sheltered eastern shoreline. The damp, compacted sand is easy enough to walk on but the beach slopes away and can become hard work. The boardwalk will lead you into the heart of the community. Simple shacks with wellies by the door, each with a barbecue and many with a scooter. It’s a long ‘island’ and errands are frequently conducted this way, a bag of buns balanced on the handlebars. As the sea sparkles beneath the blue sky you can see the idyll, but the reality is much harsher. Making a living from the sea is seldom easy. Meanwhile, aircraft lower their wheels for landing as small boats zip across the water.
My fondest memory of Praia de Faro is sitting at that beachfront restaurant, while my son smiled lazily back at me. It was his last day here and I was happy to be able to grant his wish to sit beside the sea, beer in hand, and ‘chill’. But we must return to the start of our walk, crossing over the causeway on foot and along the boardwalk to our car.
The airport bus, from Faro, can also bring you out to the beach, or you can spend a pleasant afternoon ‘birding’ by the shore.

Also in seaside mode, Sarah shares a birthday jaunt to Lyme Regis :
While freedom beckons Teresa, at long last! Don’t miss walking that ‘extra’ mile with her :
Drake has a long-standing love affair with Paris :
Nothing beats a good garden, and there’s nobody better to show you around than Jude :
Garden Portrait: Hestercombe Landscape Garden Walk
You will be blown away by this one. I was! Thanks, darlin’ :
Garden Portrait: Hestercombe Edwardian Formal Garden
Take a look at the Thames Barrier with Margaret? And a ‘not quite’ sunrise :
What does Verona mean to you? For me it’s Dire Straits ‘Romeo and Juliet’, played hauntingly as we walked the streets :
Say a wistful farewell to Autumn with Ann-Christine
Thursday Thoughts – The last forest beauty
Or wander the canal paths with Helen :
Thanks for all your kind wishes. The family are almost back to good health. Time to start making plans? Apologies for my somewhat haphazard approach to blogging these days. The walks are fortnightly and anything else happens when I can squeeze it in. I do, though, visit you all frequently. Take good care till the next time.
This looks a beautiful spot for a walk Jo despite the proximity of the airport! Boardwalks are always a good idea – it’s lovely to be able to get so close to the wildlife in their natural habitat. I always love the change from summer to autumn here -it’s my favoruite time of the year! We’ve suddenly gone from an unusually cold and wet start to spring band into summer in the space of a few days. I’m still adjusting but mustn’t complain! xx
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We’re walking most of this again with friends this morning. They’re keen bird spotters and will make it interesting. It’s cooler now so we’ll be in jackets.
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I actually like winter walks here Jo (unlike many Perthlings who hibernate!). I love winter clothes, jackets, beanies, scarves and boots so I just rug up. I guess being brought up in Europe and visiting regularly until the pandemic hit means I’m used to colder weather. It’s invigorating as long as you’re well wrapped up. The gales and storms do howl in from the south west in the winter months. Hope you had a lovely walk with your friends xx
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It was brilliant! Fabulous weather and knowledgeable birders to accompany us.
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I so enjoyed this walk today, Jo, thank you. The numerous waders and big expanse of marsh makes this a wonderful place to observe birds. Thanks for taking us along, and I am happy your family members are recovering. Gorgeous photos, brilliant colors, and a good rendering of what’s here.
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It’s a wonderful part of the world for bird spotting, Jet. Almost always flamingos, heron, egrets… And many more that I’m not knowledgeable enough to name. It’s a fabulous backdrop and after a while you hardly notice the planes. Many thanks to you!
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Jo, what a lovely place for an airport and for an outing! I love that you could satisfy your son’s requests – bet he was relaxed and chilled as he boarded the plane! Phew, glad you made it on time for your daughter’s flight. I love seeing the ocean, beach, blue skies and a place I’d like to visit sometime. It must be strange to see so many planes again – still a heady sight for us. Thirty miles from the airport we used to see many a day still only one or two! I’m sorry to see your family have not been well and glad things are looking better. hugs xx
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It was a full day, that last one with James, Annika. We carried on from there to a friend’s house for a get together and then supper in Tavira. He was flying next morning and determined to make the most of every last minute. They are all well again, thanks, and back to house hunting and Christmas shopping! We have the very briefest of visits planned at Christmas. Thanks, darlin, and hugs back to you.
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Gosh – those deep, bright blues and serene waters seem a world away as I sit in the watery autumn sun surrounded by golds, browns and oranges – and crispy crinkly blowing leaves! I LOVE the chameleon 🙂
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Emma, I almost stood on a real one (chameleon) recently. It was disguised in brown stripes and had me well fooled. Just back from a wonderful hill walk this morning, but driving down again the heavens opened. Much needed, but torrential 🤗☔💕
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That hide has been there a long time, and you’d be right in your comment about it. Such a daft position when there are no fences either side of it to shield the path from the birds!! We’ve never used it as the best birding spots are elsewhere, still looks good 🙂
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Corker of a storm, wasn’t it? We lost the electrics all morning. Came back about half 11. I was worried for friends flying out of Faro this morning but they made it ok. Did you attempt the market? 🤗☔💕
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Yes was amazing in early hours wasn’t it – we delayed walking down to market until 9:30 by which point sun was peeping through. By the time we finished glorious sunshine and blue skies, although looked stormy over Faro
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Just had a second spell of heavy rain after the blue sky. Amazing how much it varies. We hope to walk up at Santa Barbara de Nexe tomorrow. Fingers crossed 🤗💕
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Doesn’t look too bad the forecast tomorrow, so as long as you’ve got no streams to cross up there I am sure you will be fine!
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Climbing up to 2 windmills so hopefully not. 🤣💕
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I really love to see your post again my friend beautiful and lovely photos
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Jake! What a surprise! How is life with you? Still blogging? Thanks a lot! Have a great weekend 🤗💕
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After year of resting yes i create again a new one stay safe there Jo
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I’ll come and look, Jake. You too 🤗💕
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No surprise. You had me with all that gorgeous blue water. It looks simply idyllic.
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It was a perfect day, Gunta! One of many, but last night storms rolled in and it’s a very different watery world today. But no less beautiful.
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Excellent work, really pearls on string. Starts already with the bike waiting disappointingly because it may not get in the water. The aircrafts “without” runway. The bird that “wonders” looking at its own reflection in the shallow water – etc etc. 🙂
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I thought you’d like the bike, Drake. Thanks so much for the wonderful comments and your continuing support 🤗💕
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Jo, now there’s a beautiful cafe setting after a varied walk. I love that there are sanctuaries for birds so that we can live in harmony.
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Weirdly I have had to re-follow you. I thought I had been doing that for years 🙂
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Years and years but I messed it all up with Still Restlessjo 🙄💕
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No worries, Jo. I can always find you 😉
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They are very happy birds, Suzanne. Planes? Not a care! We fly however we can 🤗💕
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I would love to take that walk! Surrounded by such lovely blue and sunshine–a perfect day! I haven’t been to too many seaside restaurants since last year, and I’m sure looking forward to a return. Until then, beautiful photos do stir my imagination! 🙂
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Wonderful being surrounded by sea and blue sky, Debbie. Always my happy place. Hope you’ll get back there soon.
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Spectacular walk, Jo. A little bit of something for everyone. I love coastal areas where there’s a good beach with water behind it, where it’s great for the birds. There’s a beach park here, Kekaha Kai, that’s under the airport approach, but the aircraft just become part of the scenery after a while.
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Sounds good, Graham. Someone was complaining about the habitat for the Fiddler crabs but I’m sure they’ll be just as happy under the boardwalk. If it was good enough for the Stones….
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What a delightful walk Jo. Such great weather and scenery and I don;t think I’d mind the aircraft at all really. Quite interesting for a while.
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We were counting them that day, Jonno, but it’s the same if you’re in Faro town. The planes take off almost over your head sometimes. Keeps you alert!
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This is my kind of walk Jo! Love the blue sky, the water and the lovely scenery!
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On a day like that it’s heavenly, Aletta. It’s been another blue sky week.
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Thar is just amazing!
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Another inviting walk today, Jo. Such clear water too. I’m happy to read your family is almost back to health. May all of you continue to stay that way.
janet
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Working from home has its disadvantages, Janet, because you’re pushed back to work faster than you ever would be into the office. Fortunately they’re young and have a positive attitude to life. They have Christmas firmly in their sights now.
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Our neighbors already have their Christmas decorations up and have had for about a week. I love Christmas but that’s a little too early for me. I’d like to enjoy Thanksgiving first.
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What???? Crazy! Happy Thanksgiving, Janet!
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You too, Jo. We have much for which to be thankful, don’t we?
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We do 🤗💕
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Fantastic blue water and sky! 🙂
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It always seems to sparkle, Pit.
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You certainly had a beautiful day for a walk, Jo. I had to smile at your story about a quick stop before going to the airport. That would have been disappointing.
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Whenever we approach the airport I look wistfully at the turn off for Praia de Faro, Carol. It’s such an appealing stretch of road. We did once make it down there when we had a flight delay due to snow and ice in the UK. Hopefully that won’t happen this Christmas.
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Hi Jo, a little late, but I’m walking with you today! I must say, your pictures remind me so much of places I’ve seen and visited in San Diego, California, where I grew up and visit often. One of your gallery shots looked just like Southern California! Probably a similar latitude. Your sunny beach walk was refreshing on this cold blustery day here in Washington. Here is my link to the walk. Thank you and have a wonderful week! https://secondwindleisure.com/2021/11/14/sunday-stills-leaves-have-fallen-from-the-trees/
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Hi Terri 🤗💕 No such thing as late for a fortnightly walk. Any time is fine. Yes, our coastlines are similar, and we have much in common with Australia too. Small world, they say. Thanks a lot!
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What a wonderful walk and it looked like such gorgeous weather too! 🙂
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We take weather as a constant around here, Nikki, and moan like hell if it clouds up. Fortunately it doesn’t do that very often.
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gorgeous blue sky and water, Jo! a perfect place to walk and sit and relax!
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I do feel lucky sometimes, LolaWi. Not sure what I’ve done to deserve it. Hope you are feeling better?
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much better, Jo. not 100% yet but getting there. thank you dear friend 💖
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This is lovely! I remember looking down on, and photographing this marshy landscape as we flew into Faro 😀
I’m pleased to read that things are looking up for you all 🤗 Hope you won’t mind that I’m doubling up again this week: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/ruislip-woods-ancient-woodland-in-suburbia/
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Hi, Sarah! I’m always glued to the window as we fly over. For me it speaks of home. Busy sorting out a swift Christmas visit to the UK and Braga for Easter.
Many thanks! With you soon.
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What a beautiful place to take a walk. The blue sky and water, Wow!
Thank you for the enjoyable walk, Jo!
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Blows the cobwebs away, Amy 🤣💕 Thanks, darlin!
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💗💓
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I see that others have commented on the overwhelming blueness as well; it jumps right off the screen!
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There’s a lot of it about here, Lexie. Blueness, in more senses than one sometimes 🤔💕
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Aaah,Blue is the Colour
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Football is the game…. Can’t remember the next line? 🤔💕
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Well, I just nicked that line, I don’t actually know the song!!! 😳
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Something to do with Everton, I believe.
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Ah, OK!
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Almost back to full health is wonderful news. I love the fence post art, especially the gecko and that perfect blue sky and sea and beach.
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We’re sitting close to another beach right now, Susan, but a short walk today. I love how resilient they are. Some things have me in bits but they soldier on. Youth, I suppose 🤗💕💕
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My younger sister seems more resilient than me at the moment, although it’s only three years! It’s not a great time for the world’s natural worriers, that’s for sure.
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A lovely walk Jo, it was nice to tag along 🙂 Great photos too and impossible to choose a favourite. My recent walk did have blue skies but unfortunately not a beach in sight 😦
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It’s funny how we don’t get tired of blue skies, Eunice. I’ll pop over this evening. Thanks, hon 🤗💕
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The blue skies are amazing. I know you cherish the time you were chilling with your son.
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Blue again today, Ruth, but a bit cooler. Thanks for your company 🤗💕
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Always nice to spend time with you. ❤️
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Oooh, most excellent! You’ve got a planespotting beach!! If you read my recent airport post, you know how much I love doing it. I’d be kept nicely busy there with the planes alone! And how cool that the little birds are not afraid of the big birds. And that chameleon? Just for show or you really have them there?
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Real chameleon! I nearly stepped on one the other day it was so well disguised 🤣💕
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Ah blue skies. I could do with a walk like that. Thanks for the links Jo 😘
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No blue skies there? Sorry! 🙄💕
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No blue skies for a week! But at least it is quiet.
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Lovely walk today, Jo! I needed this.❤️
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Oh, bless 🤗💕
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You’ve given us a lovely walk to enjoy, and others to explore later over a cup of coffee. Thanks for the double mention, and so glad to hear that health is (nearly) restored.
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Always playing catch up, Margaret. I have at least 3 walks that need sharing before the season turns. But then, apart from roast chestnut vendors and cooler evenings, not much changes. Glad to share in your dreich! Have a great week, whatever!
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So lovely to see photos of the place where I was walking a few weeks ago! Seems so far away now on a dreich Monday morning.
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Here today, gone tomorrow, isn’t it? Funny how that works. It’s too easy to get used to permanent blue, Liz. This is a popular walk with birding friends.
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Unfortunately part of the new boardwalk covers part of the beach which was covered with fiddler crabs.
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Our end is alive with Fiddlers so it’s not a worry. 🤣💕
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Glad to hear that. We will have to seek them out in the spring.
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This sounds like a lovely place to take a walk or simply relax.
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Several of my birding friends have done this recently, Sue 🤗💕
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