Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is often overlooked by the hoardes of tourists who disembark at the airport and head straight for their beach resorts. However it has a wealth of beautiful buildings, a quaint old town and some macabre secrets to share with anyone who takes the time to explore it. I hoppedContinue reading “Faro and bones”
Author Archives: Derbyshire Gal
Albuferia old town
On the hunt for peeling paint and ornate stuff, I head to Albuferia old town. While it is quite small I still managed to find some details to snap away at. From the ornate tiles that are found on most houses, to beautiful doors and colourful paintwork. In Roman times Albufeira was known as Baltum andContinue reading “Albuferia old town”
Around the headland
Having sat on the beach for all of half an hour I was predictably getting itchy explorer feet so decided to strike out for the headland and see what was around the bend! I knew that the beach of old town Albuferia could be found via a cliff top walk and it was apparently was onlyContinue reading “Around the headland”
Algarve memories
Fresh from a week’s break with family in Albuferia, a bustling part of Portugal’s Algarve. Ten of us rocked up to the very swish Villa Bosque with its own private pool and spacious living quarters. Set down a quiet residential street it is just minutes from the main drag of Praia d’Oura with all itsContinue reading “Algarve memories”
Beautiful Brixham
Our cosy caravan home from home was situated just above the lovely little town of Brixham. It is thought that the name ‘Brixham’ came from Brioc’s village. ‘Brioc’ was an old English or Brythonic personal name and ‘-ham’ is an ancient term for village. The sunshine came out in force for our trot around the little village.Continue reading “Beautiful Brixham”
Teignmouth
On route back to the caravan we took in the sights of pretty Teignmouth. The first record of Teignmouth, Tengemuða, meaning mouth of the stream, was in 1044 (according to Wikipedia!! – warning most of the “facts” in this post are mainly nicked from it as I am in hurry!!) There were originally two villages, East andContinue reading “Teignmouth”
Slapton sands and naturists
After the hustle and bustle of touristy Dartmouth we had a complete change of scene at the wild and empty beach at Slapton Sands. I found an impressively huge piece of sculptural driftwood on the beach. More of a drift truck really! Cue a lot of pictures of the tree from a varity of anglesContinue reading “Slapton sands and naturists”
Dartmouth
Dartmouth is set on the western bank of the estuary of the River Dart and is a picturesque, colourful harbour town. Dartmouth was of strategic importance as a deep-water port for sailing vessels. The port was used as the sailing point for the Crusades of 1147 and 1190. These days it still attracts vessels of all sizesContinue reading “Dartmouth”
Quaint little Cockington
Back to the Easter break catch up! On-route to the caravan in Brixham we take a little detour to the delightful little village of Cockington. It’s a place that I remember fondly from when I was a nipper. It’s just a handful of buildings but each of the dwellings are delicious little confections topped withContinue reading “Quaint little Cockington”
Grey Torbay days
Easter break means extra days off! Whoopie! So which part of the globe did we whizz off to this time? A sunny beach? A chic city? Nope – Torbay!! Torbay spans the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham located around an east-facing natural harbour (Tor bay) on the English Channel. Not quite the most glamourous of destinations itContinue reading “Grey Torbay days”