Iron giant

Stretching dramatically across the Douro river in Porto is the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, an iron masterpiece that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.

A scenic view of Porto, Portugal, showcasing the colorful buildings along the waterfront, with the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge spanning over the Douro River.

The Dom Luís I Bridge is more than just a crossing over the Douro River – it’s one of Porto’s most striking symbols and an engineering feat that still impresses today.

Completed in 1886, the building of the bridge was overseen by Théophile Seyrig, a German engineer and former partner of Gustave Eiffel.

A panoramic view of the Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River in Porto, Portugal, with colorful buildings along the riverbank under a clear blue sky.

That connection is easy to spot: the bridge’s elegant iron arch and latticework echo the bold industrial style of Eiffel’s most famous works.

A panoramic view of the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto, Portugal, showcasing its iconic steel arch structure and pedestrian walkway packed with visitors, with buildings and river below.
Aerial view of the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto, Portugal, showcasing its steel arch structure, with pedestrians walking across, and colorful buildings lining the riverbank below.
A panoramic view of a city with colorful buildings alongside a river, featuring a train crossing a steel bridge.
A panoramic view of the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto, Portugal, with pedestrians crossing the upper deck, surrounded by colorful buildings on the hillside and blue skies.
A view of the Douro River in Porto, Portugal, featuring a bridge in the background and a lamp post covered with various colorful stickers.
View of the Ponte Luís I bridge with a clear blue sky in the background, showcasing the intricate ironwork and stone arches.

At the time of its construction, the Dom Luís I Bridge boasted the longest iron arch span in the world, a remarkable achievement for the 19th century.

The bridge was built with two levels, a clever design that serves as both function and spectacle.

Walking across it is an experience in itself: below, the Douro sparkles; above, the city unfolds in layers of terracotta rooftops and historic façades.

Aerial view of a colorful street featuring red and yellow buildings with terracotta roofs and a black car parked nearby.
A scenic view of colorful buildings along the waterfront in a city, with a yellow boat anchored in the water and people walking along the quay.
A wooden boat equipped with solar panels, sailing on water, with several passengers seated on deck.
A solar-powered boat cruising on water, with people relaxing on the deck and solar panels on the roof.
Aerial view of multiple traditional fishing boats navigating in a narrow waterway, lined with a rocky shore.
View of colorful historic buildings along a waterfront in Porto, Portugal, featuring red rooftops and balconies, with people walking along the promenade and white tents set up for a market or event.

The bridge doesn’t just link two sides of a river – it frames some of the most unforgettable views in Portugal.

A historic building complex perched on a rocky hillside, featuring white walls and a dome, with visitors walking along a stone terrace under a clear blue sky.

Walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge isn’t just about getting from one side to the other.

A man stands near a railing, overlooking a scenic view of Porto, Portugal, with colorful buildings and a bridge spanning the river.

It’s a moment to pause, look around, and take in Porto at its most iconic—where history, engineering, and breathtaking scenery come together in a single view.

Watching the Douro

The Douro River is the lifeblood of Porto, flowing wide and steady through the city and shaping its soul.

A panoramic view of a riverside cityscape featuring colorful buildings with red rooftops along the waterfront, surrounded by hills and modern structures in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Along its banks, life feels unhurried – boats glide across the water while locals and visitors linger at cafés, soaking in views that feel almost unreal.

Aerial view of a riverside street lined with old buildings featuring orange tiled roofs, with people walking along the cobblestone path and colorful banners hanging above.
Scenic view of a river with small boats, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings, under a bridge on a sunny day.
Aerial view of narrow street lined with historic buildings and terracotta rooftops, surrounded by greenery and a scenic hillside.
Aerial view of colorful houses with orange rooftops on a hillside overlooking a river, with some construction cranes in the background.
A smiling individual wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, taking a selfie with a river and a bridge in the background.
Aerial view of a waterfront with boats on a calm river, featuring a mix of colorful buildings and docks along the shore.

Nearby, architectural gems line the riverbanks. Colourful, tiled buildings of the Ribeira district rise tightly packed along the hillside, their weathered charm telling stories of centuries past.

A vibrant street view of colorful buildings with red-tiled roofs along a riverbank, showcasing a mixture of architectural styles.
A panoramic view of Porto, Portugal, showcasing colorful buildings with orange rooftops, the Douro River, and the Dom Luís I Bridge in the background.

Just across the water, the historic wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia stand proudly, a reminder of the region’s deep connection to port wine and river trade.

Aerial view of a riverside city with colorful buildings and red rooftops, featuring boats in the water and people walking along the riverside promenade.
A view of a river or harbor with a small boat in the foreground, surrounded by a cityscape featuring colorful buildings and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two boats floating on calm water, one red and one yellow, near a rocky shoreline.
Aerial view of a riverside city with colorful buildings and red rooftops, featuring boats docked along the water's edge.

Here, architecture, water, and history meet effortlessly, making the Douro River not just a scenic backdrop, but the beating heart of the city.

A view of a historical building with a round structure atop a rocky base, featuring a bell tower on the left and surrounded by modern buildings below. The sky is clear with a few clouds.
Aerial view of old buildings with red roofs covered in greenery, located near a body of water.
A scenic view of colorful houses with red rooftops stacked on a steep hill, overlooking a waterfront walkway and pedestrian path.
Aerial view of a narrow street featuring buildings with colorful facades, including a yellow and red building with tiled roofs, along with parked cars and stone pathways.
A panoramic view of colorful houses with red roofs in a steep hillside area, featuring a stone wall in the background and a waterfront promenade below.
A picturesque view of a riverside area with colorful buildings, vibrant rooftops, and a traditional yellow boat moored along the waterfront. A pedestrian bridge is visible, connecting different parts of the landscape, with outdoor market stalls and people enjoying the scene.

Falling for Porto, One Tile at a Time

Porto has a way of slowing you down—in the best possible sense.

A tall, unique building with yellow and gray facade featuring large red signs displaying text in Portuguese, including 'VESTIR BEM E BARATO' and 'SÓ AQUI'. At the base, there are tourist service kiosks with information about tickets and attractions.
Facade of a historic church decorated with blue tiles, featuring detailed sculptures and a statue in a niche at the top.
A close-up view of a historic pink building featuring ornate architectural details, large windows, and decorative balconies against a partly cloudy sky.

From the moment we arrived, the city felt like a living postcard, layered with history, colour, and the gentle rhythm of the Douro River.

A blue and white mural depicting two figures in a boat, surrounded by water and rocky scenery, showcasing a historical or cultural theme.
A decorative tile mural featuring a vintage steam locomotive with colored flags, surrounded by geometric patterns and floral designs.
View through a stained glass window featuring yellow and clear panes, overlooking a building with multiple windows and decorative facade details.
Interior view of a historic train station featuring decorative blue and white tile murals and large arched windows.

One of our first stops was Estação de São Bento, and it immediately set the tone.

Close-up of a wall mural featuring blue and white tiles depicting historical scenes, including people in traditional attire, set in an architectural interior with a large window.
Interior view of a building with a large blue and white tile mural depicting historical scenes, framed by stone architecture and a decorative ceiling.
Mosaic tile artwork depicting a steam locomotive with the Irish flag, surrounded by decorative floral patterns.
A detailed blue and white mural depicting agricultural scenes, featuring farmers harvesting hay with traditional tools, oxen pulling carts, and a serene landscape in the background.
A person wearing a straw hat and glasses smiles in front of a mural depicting historical scenes in an architectural space.
A mural depicting two figures in a boat, surrounded by water, with mountains and a bright sky in the background, painted in blue and white tones.

The station is famous for its stunning azulejo tiles, and they truly live up to the hype.

A woman with glasses and a straw hat smiling for a selfie in front of a large mural depicting historical scenes.
A person standing in front of a large arched window, framed by intricate blue and white ceramic tile murals depicting historical scenes.
A colorful tiled mural featuring a vintage steam locomotive surrounded by decorative patterns and geometric designs.
A detailed mural depicting historical agricultural scenes, featuring farmers working in fields, a horse-drawn carriage, and figures harvesting crops, all depicted in blue and white tiles.
Interior view of a building showcasing an ornate stone archway with a large stained glass window, decorative tiles, and a painted mural of a person in a cart.
A person standing in front of a large historical mural depicting significant events, with intricate blue and white tile work in a public space.

Covering the walls are thousands of blue-and-white tiles that tell stories of Portugal’s past—royalty, battles, and everyday life—turning a simple train station into a museum you can walk through while waiting for a departure.

Entrance of a train station featuring intricately decorated tiled walls with blue and white scenes depicting rural life and traditional activities.

Wandering through the city, tiles seemed to be everywhere. Porto’s buildings wear them proudly, shimmering in the sunlight and giving even ordinary streets an artistic charm.

One standout was the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, its grand tiled façade overlooking the city like a work of art.

Facade of a historic church featuring intricate blue tiles, statues, and bell towers, with stairs leading up to the entrance.
A person standing in front of a historic church with blue and white tilework, featuring ornate architecture and a staircase leading up to the entrance.
A woman with sunglasses and a straw hat smiles in front of a beautifully tiled church featuring intricate blue and white designs.

The contrast between the intricate blue tiles and the bustling streets below made it impossible not to stop and stare.

A close-up view of a decorative tiled wall featuring blue and white tiles with floral and ornamental designs. The focal point is a window with a red iron grate, above which is inscribed the word 'SPES'.
A man with glasses stands in front of colorful hydrangea flowers and a stone column, with a building in the background.
A close-up of a tiled wall featuring a blue and white mural of a cherubic figure painting, surrounded by decorative floral motifs.
A close-up view of blooming hydrangea flowers in various shades of purple, pink, and white, with a soft focus background showing a decorative wall and window features.
A vibrant display of hydrangea flowers in various shades of purple and pink, blooming abundantly in front of a red wall with decorative windows.
A close-up view of a historic building featuring a tall stone tower adorned with a blue and white tiled mural, set against a red wall.

We meander our way through the bustling streets, just soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the varied architectural styles to be found.

Decorative green column with intricate carvings at the corner of an old building, showing signs of age and peeling paint.
A display of various postcards and bags featuring images and designs related to Porto, Portugal. The postcards showcase scenic views and landmarks, while the bags have artistic prints highlighting Portuguese culture.
A building corner with a prominent vertical sign displaying the word 'PERFECTA' in large, bold red letters. Below, a smaller sign reads 'OURO PRATA JOIAS'. The building features large windows and a slanted roof.

Porto isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place you feel.

Narrow street with decorated buildings and colorful festive garlands, under a clear blue sky.
Colorful flyers promoting tattoo events, featuring various designs and illustrations, displayed on a wall.
View of a narrow street decorated with colorful garlands hanging between buildings under a clear blue sky.
A weathered wall featuring two posters: one with an illustration of an angelic figure with wings and a crown, labeled 'Traditional Tattoo,' and another poster beneath it that reads 'Casas Para Rente' with a purple heart doodle on top.
A carved stone face of an elderly woman wearing a headscarf, integrated into a pink wall, situated beneath a window with a decorative frame.
Facade of a historic building featuring ornate designs, a large wooden door, and decorative blue tiles with steps leading up to the entrance.
A person standing on stone steps in front of an ornate wooden door, surrounded by intricately designed blue tiles and decorative architectural elements.
A close-up view of a decorative stone door with intricate carvings, leading to a building with blue tiles and greenery, taken from a low angle.
A painted door featuring a cartoonish figure with a blonde hairstyle, holding a bag and wearing a blue shirt with yellow polka dots, surrounded by various graffiti.

Between the tiles, the river, and the timeless streets, it quietly works its way into your memory—and stays there long after you’ve left.

A man standing in front of a modern observation tower with a glass structure and a metal framework, surrounded by outdoor seating areas.
A textured wall featuring decorative blue and white tiles with a torn poster depicting hands holding a building and text that reads '4 de julho 14:00' and 'São João'.
A brightly painted yellow building featuring white windows, adorned with blue and white ceramic tiles depicting scenic landscapes and structures.
A red brick wall with two windows and a reflection of a person standing in front of it, captured in a storefront window.
A colorful green building with wooden windows and a balcony, showing signs of age and wear, among urban surroundings.
A close-up view of a building facade decorated with blue and white tiles, featuring several windows with black frames. Clothes are hanging on a balcony and a wire, while a satellite dish is visible on the upper level.
@lubastos.tattoo handpoke tattoo artist advertisement with a butterfly drawing and QR code on a green background attached to an orange wall.

Lava and last looks

Our final day on Lanzarote and there is still so much to see! Today we’re exploring some of the islands evocative lava fields.

Sign of Parque Natural Los Volcanes with rugged volcanic terrain in the background
A long, straight road stretching towards a mountainous landscape with white buildings on the left side and a clear blue sky.
A rocky shoreline with dark volcanic rocks extending into a calm blue ocean under a clear sky.
A winding road leads towards a mountain with a rocky texture, and a few white buildings are visible in the foreground.
A person standing on rocky shoreline with ocean waves in the background.
A person walking along a rocky path in a volcanic landscape, with a mountain in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
Close-up of rugged volcanic rock formations with various textures and openings, under a blue sky.
Close-up of volcanic rock with a distant volcanic mountain under a blue sky.

Los Volcanes Natural Park is a stunning national park located near Timanfaya National Park. It offers rugged volcanic landscapes and various trekking routes for hikers to explore.

A person walking on a rocky volcanic landscape with a mountain in the background and cloudy blue sky.
Close-up view of rocky terrain featuring dark volcanic rocks with unique textures and cavities.
Lava field with rough, uneven terrain and scattered volcanic rocks, mountains visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
Rocky volcanic landscape with dark lava stones and a cloudy sky in the background.
A man standing in front of a rocky volcanic landscape with large boulders and loose stones.
A man standing on rocky terrain near a volcanic landscape, wearing a South Beach tank top and camo shorts.
A rocky volcanic landscape with a vast field of lava rocks and a distant mountain under a partly cloudy sky.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 10,000 hectares and is a sea of petrified lava as far as the eye can see.

A straight road leading towards a mountainous landscape under a cloudy sky.
A white heron standing on a rocky shoreline with clear blue water in the background.
Panoramic view of a sunset over a white-walled town with clouds and vibrant orange and yellow hues in the sky.
A scenic view of a coastline at sunset, featuring a calm sea, a rocky shoreline, and a hillside with white buildings under a colorful sky with clouds.
A scenic view of a coastal promenade at sunset, with a rocky shoreline, calm water, and clouds illuminated by warm colors in the sky. In the background, white buildings are visible on the hills against the fading daylight.

Then a last walk around our home for the week Puerto Del Carmen. It’s a perfect base to explore this fascinating island.

Coastal view featuring rocky formations, a palm tree, and colorful buildings in the background under a blue sky with some clouds.
Coastal view featuring white buildings with blue accents, palm trees, and rocky shoreline under a partly cloudy sky.
A person standing on a wooden walkway by the ocean, surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery.
A vibrant outdoor scene featuring tall palm trees, a yellow umbrella, and numerous potted plants arranged on terraced stone walls, with ropes and wooden boards nearby.
A vibrant garden scene featuring a spherical cactus surrounded by pink flowering plants and lush green foliage.
A rocky landscape with a tall cactus and a lush green tree in the foreground, and a white building with balconies in the background under a blue sky.
A rocky shoreline with clear water, featuring green and brown hues. A single white bird stands on a rock near the water's edge, with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky.
A lush garden featuring various cacti and ornamental plants, with a tall palm tree in the foreground and a white building in the background. The scene is vibrant and sunny, highlighting the greenery and colorful flora.
A close-up of a water bus with a pink sign that reads 'WATER BUS' on top and 'ASS BOTTOM' in bold red letters on the side, docked in a harbor.
A scenic view of a coastline featuring cacti on rocky land with clear blue water in the background.
A close-up of tall, green cacti with a backdrop of clear blue ocean and sky.
A scenic view of the ocean with a rocky shoreline, where two people are fishing or engaging in a similar activity, surrounded by cacti and a backdrop of hills under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.
A person wearing sunglasses and a striped shirt smiles while holding a large drink with a blue straw and an orange slice, with a harbor and boats visible in the background.
A person wearing sunglasses and a decorative headband is enjoying a large cocktail with an orange slice while sitting at a marina, with boats and hills in the background.

And a final plane spotting adventure rounds off our busy week exploring Lanzarote.

A beach scene featuring large black rocks in the foreground and gentle ocean waves in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Rocky shoreline with black stones and sandy beach, ocean waves in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A smiling woman with sunglasses and a white headscarf stands on the beach, holding a book, with the ocean and blue sky in the background.
An airplane approaching for landing over a beach, with wind turbines visible in the background and a turtle resting on the sand in the foreground.
A rocky beach with a clear blue sky and gentle ocean waves in the background. A person walks along the shoreline.
An airplane is taking off against a backdrop of wind turbines and a clear blue sky.
A commercial airplane flying through a partly cloudy blue sky.
A man sitting on a rocky beach looking out at a sandy shoreline and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
Airplane flying through a blue sky with clouds.

Weird art

If it’s weird, wacky or just amusing, count me in! Hence the reason we pull up to explore this roadside sculpture gallery!

A sculpture of a woman with long hair and a bare bust stands above a smaller statue of a child with a sign in front that has abstract mosaic patterns.
Two white plaster statues of human figures with raised arms, surrounded by greenery and scattered flowers.
A collection of white sculptures featuring human figures in various poses, positioned in front of a textured building with green windows under a cloudy sky.
Two weathered mannequins dressed in tattered clothing, set against a cloudy sky. One mannequin appears to be holding something while the other leans slightly, displaying signs of age and wear.
A white, abstract sculpture of a man waving and a woman in traditional attire, surrounded by small stone structures and vegetation. Two mosaic signs are positioned at their feet.
A white sculpture of a woman with raised arms and a goat next to a stone pedestal, set in a garden with trees.
A white stone sculpture of a figure with raised arms, surrounded by greenery and rocks.
White statues of human figures in an outdoor setting, with one figure appearing to salute, surrounded by several other abstract sculptures and vegetation.

The Museo Mara Mao was created by the self-taught artist José García Martín (1932-2019), popularly known as Pillimpo.

This unique artistic space represents one of the most outstanding examples of outsider art or art brut in the Canary archipelago.

A sculpture of a female figure standing in a field with green plants in the foreground and houses in the background.
White sculptures of human figures in a garden setting, with cloudy skies in the background.
A white statue of a standing figure with an outstretched arm, wearing a long coat and hat, set against a cloudy sky.
A man standing beside two large, white, lion sculptures on a street.
Two colorful statues standing on a white stone wall, with one statue in a brown coat and the other in a traditional outfit. The setting includes greenery in the background.
A white stone statue of a woman standing in a field with flowers, set against a backdrop of white buildings and hills.
Colorful sculptures of human figures standing in front of a white wall surrounded by palm trees and shrubs.
Two sculptures of figures, one with hands on their head and the other standing beside, set against a backdrop of palm trees and a white wall.
A white stone statue of a lion, featuring intricate details on its mane and body, displayed outdoors with green plants in the background and cloudy skies above.

The museum is the artist’s garden, transformed over several decades into a world of fantastical sculptures created from recycled materials.

The origin of this name came from a lyrical phrase he himself devised: “Mara Mao, ravine of sweet, enamored tears ,” to which he was particularly attached and which may have been part of one of his poems or songs.

View of a sculpture garden featuring abstract white sculptures among tall cacti under a cloudy sky.
A white statue of a male figure with one hand raised to its head, standing against a cloudy sky.
A white sculpture of a figure on a cross with a stern expression, while another smaller figure stands above, waving. The background is a textured wall made of white stones.
A white sculpture of an angel with outstretched arms, surrounded by other abstract figures and architecture under a cloudy sky.
Two large white sculptures of a woman and a man standing in a garden, surrounded by cacti and rocky terrain.
An outdoor sculpture garden featuring unique white statues, stone structures, and palm trees, under a cloudy sky.

Not all of his neighbours were impressed by the eclectic collection but today, Mara Mao is recognized as a prime example of folk art and a symbol of island inventiveness outside the mainstream.

Arrecife

Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote. The city owes its name to the rock reef (“arrecife” being Spanish for “reef”) which covers its local beach. 

The Charco de San Ginés is located in the heart of the capital of Lanzarote. The island’s first fishing settlement was built around this seawater lagoon.

Close-up of a wooden boat with a green base, showing weathered paint and markings.
An elderly man in a tank top and camo shorts exercises at an outdoor gym, using a modern apparatus for workout, with a sunny backdrop.
Scenic view of a harbor with several small boats on clear water, surrounded by palm trees and buildings under a blue sky with clouds.
A scenic view of a marina with multiple small boats anchored on calm water, surrounded by buildings and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a harbor with multiple boats docked, a gentle mountain range in the background, and a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a harbor with various colorful boats floating on calm waters, surrounded by buildings and palm trees, with a mountain in the background.
A weathered wooden boat floating on calm blue water.
A colorful wooden boat with a blue and orange color scheme floating on still water, reflecting its shape and colors in the surface. There are a few small buoys nearby.
A scenic view of a harbor with numerous small boats floating on calm water, surrounded by buildings and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A peaceful marina scene with several boats docked in calm waters, and a person working on one of the boats. In the background, there are white buildings and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Scenic view of a harbor with several boats floating on calm water, surrounded by white buildings and palm trees.

It was the presence of the Charco that led to Arrecife being known in the past as the Venice of the Atlantic.

Another famous sight is the Castillo de San Gabriel, an imposing stone fortress dating from the 16th century, with cannons and history exhibits.

To reach the castle you must cross the Puente de las Bolas. Built in the 16th century, its 175 metres connect the castle to dry land.

A close-up of a sticker on a metallic surface that reads 'STOP MASIVE TOURISM' in bold letters, with a hashtag '#CanariasSeHarta' underneath.
Bronze sculpture of a seated man looking towards the sea, with a fortress visible in the background and a clear blue sky.
Two boats floating in clear water, one is white with green accents and the other is green with a blue trim.
A bronze statue of a seated man with a thoughtful expression, located near a waterfront, under a clear blue sky.
A stone bridge with two towers and arches over clear water, with people standing on the bridge and a fortress in the background under a blue sky.
A person standing on a stone pathway leading to a scenic ocean view, framed by two tall stone pillars under a clear blue sky.
View of a stone bridge with towers leading to a historic fort, surrounded by clear turquoise water and blue sky.
A scenic view of a stone bridge leading to a fort, surrounded by clear turquoise water and blue sky.
A man with a bald head and glasses stands on a stone pathway beside an ocean, wearing a tank top that says 'SOUTH BEACH MIAMI' and camouflage shorts, with a fortress in the background.
Scenic view of a rocky coastline with a stone structure in the background, under a clear blue sky.

This historic castle was built to defend the island from pirate attacks and is located on a tiny island called Islote de los Ingleses.

Originally built as a small wooden fortress, this proved insufficient to prevent attacks and had to be rebuilt after it was burnt down by Amazigh pirates.

The subsequent stone castle was completed in the 16th century and become an important defensive post for the harbour.

A piece of art depicting two hands reaching towards each other, with a light blue background. The artwork is slightly weathered, lying on a concrete surface with some rust spots.
A rocky coastline with clear blue water in the foreground and a historic fortress perched on a hill in the background under a blue sky.
A stone fortification on a rocky coastline with clear blue water in the foreground under a clear sky.
Clear turquoise water with a rocky shoreline and an old building in the background under a blue sky.
A scenic view of a calm ocean with a sandy beach and rocky shoreline under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Two people are walking along the shore.
A clear body of water with visible rocks at the bottom, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A close-up view of an antique cannon with wooden wheels, positioned in front of a stone wall under a bright blue sky.
A scenic beach view featuring calm turquoise waters, sandy shores, and a person walking along the shoreline.
A coastal view showcasing a modern skyscraper beside a harbor filled with small boats, with mountains in the background and fluffy clouds in the blue sky.
A man with a bald head and sunglasses stands on a stone walkway by the water, wearing a tank top and camo shorts. A historic building is visible in the background.
A sandy beach with footprints leading to calm waters and a historic stone fort in the background under a cloudy sky.
A serene beach scene featuring clear blue water, a sandy shoreline, and gentle waves lapping against rocky edges. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, and distant boats are visible on the horizon.
A man with a beard wearing sunglasses and a blue backpack is sitting on a stone wall overlooking a beach and the sea in a coastal area.

We then take a wander into the town itself to check out more architecture and street art.

A close-up view of a textured stone structure in the foreground with a statue and white building in the background beneath a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Close-up view of a wooden building with a circular window and a digital screen on the upper part, showing a beachfront scene.
Exterior view of a wooden structure with decorative elements, displaying two digital screens featuring images. A black flag with white text stands in front of the structure under a blue sky.
Statue of Blas Cabrera Felipe, a physicist, in front of a white building with green windows and a chimney. The base of the statue includes an inscription detailing his contributions and the date of the statue's inauguration.
A small boat named 'AUX. EL TORMENTA' floating in clear blue water, surrounded by other boats and a rocky shoreline in the background.
A small green boat floating on clear blue water with a distant sailboat and pier in the background.
Colorful mural featuring a cartoon cat playing the saxophone, surrounded by playful elements like bubbles, a fish, a pig, and drinks.
Colorful mural featuring a pink flying pig, a sardine can, glasses of wine, and musical notes on a textured background.
Black and white mural depicting two children smiling, with colored balloons (pink, black, and white) attached. The background features faded text resembling newspaper pages.
A mixed media artwork displayed on a door, featuring an old photograph of a boy, a map of the Canary Islands, and a drawing of a fish. The surrounding area shows peeling paint and textures.
A mural depicting a vintage photograph of a woman holding hands with two children, set against a green background and a sign prohibiting stickering.
A close-up of an old, weathered teal-colored wooden window shutter against a white wall, showcasing peeling paint and a rustic appearance.
A tall white bell tower with a clock, surrounded by green trees against a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A mural on a wall featuring two girls sitting on a bench, surrounded by various printing textures and images, including a heron and a chicken. The mural includes a warning sign that reads 'Prohibido Pegar Este Les.'
Graffiti mural of an orange cat wearing a black top hat and striped shirt on a garage door, with the name 'KATU' displayed above.

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A rustic green door with a number 6 above it, set against a white wall and a grey base. A leafy plant is positioned beside the door on the stone pavement.
A lush jade plant in a terracotta pot, with vibrant green leaves, set against a backdrop of green wooden lattice and a grey wall.
A green door with a weathered finish and a decorative knocker, framed by a lush, green succulent plant in the foreground.
A close-up of a textured, weathered door featuring a distinctive door knocker. The door is painted in light green and blue hues, showing signs of wear and scratches.
Close-up of a vibrant red and white amaryllis flower blooming among green foliage in a pot.
A potted plant arrangement featuring various types of foliage, including a tall stem with red leaves and shorter greenery, displayed against a green wooden wall.
A torn paper heart with wings, attached to a green wall, symbolizing themes of love and loss.
Graffiti on a green wall that reads 'PUNK'S NOT DEAD' with an anarchist symbol underneath.
A small white boat rests on the sandy shore next to calm blue water, with a backdrop of white buildings and palm trees under a partly cloudy sky.
A man standing on a stone walkway near a calm harbor with small boats, wearing sunglasses and a tank top, against a backdrop of white buildings and palm trees under a cloudy sky.
A rusty windmill stands on a stone pedestal by the water, with a backdrop of a blue sky and buildings in the distance.

The Castillo de San José (Castle of San José) is an historic fortress and art museum just down the road from Arrecife.

Even if you are an art lover, it is worth a quick pitstop to enjoy the architecture.

A stone castle with a rounded tower and distinctive architecture against a backdrop of blue water and palm trees, featuring colorful plants and rocky landscape in the foreground.
A sculpture of a wooden figure with pointed ears, positioned near a stone wall, on a gravel surface with scattered stones and greenery in the background, under a blue sky.
A person standing on a stone pathway surrounded by greenery and blooming flowers, with shipping containers and cranes visible in the background under a bright blue sky.
A person leaning over a flowerbed with bright pink hibiscus flowers, surrounded by gravel and stone pathways, near a harbor with shipping containers in the background.
A close-up of a spherical stone sculpture on a metal stand, set against a backdrop of rounded pebbles and a glass building near the water.
A man standing on a cobblestone walkway beside a calm blue sea, with a white building and greenery nearby.
A large, abstract bronze sculpture stands on a textured dark ground, with a blue sky and white clouds in the background.
A close-up of vibrant red hibiscus flowers in the foreground, with a stone structure featuring small windows in the background against a blue sky.
A coastal view showing a building with a glass facade reflecting the sea and sky. Green plants in the foreground and a harbor with buoys in the distance.
A man with a beard stands on a pathway made of smooth pebbles, alongside a large sculpture, in front of a modern building with large glass windows and a view of the sea.
A contemporary building with large glass windows overlooking a calm sea and a harbor, featuring green and red buoys in the water.
A man walking along a stone path beside the water, with a green buoy visible in the background and a building on the right.
A woman in a floral shirt poses for a selfie with a smiling expression while a man stands casually in the background at a harbor featuring ships and containers.
A close-up view of vibrant pink hibiscus flowers in the foreground with a stone building featuring a lookout tower in the background against a clear blue sky.
Bright red hibiscus flowers surrounded by green foliage against a textured rock background.
A close-up view of a rough stone wall featuring a barred window, with a vintage, rustic look.

Playa de Famara

Famara beach with its pale golden sand stretches out for over five kilometres.

Traffic sign warning about sand on the road, with symbols indicating caution and a sandy landscape in the background.
A shirtless older man with a beard stands on a beach, wearing blue swim shorts and sunglasses, holding a black shirt in one hand.
A sandy beach with a rocky area and gentle waves in the background, featuring several people walking along the shoreline under a clear blue sky.
A person with sunglasses and a headband smiling at the beach, with ocean and sand in the background.
Close-up view of a person relaxing on a sandy beach, with bare feet visible in the foreground and ocean waves in the background.

Famara beach is an untamed sport’s beach ideal for doing water sports like surfing, body boarding, windsurfing and kite surfing, thanks to the swell of the waves and constant winds.

A wooden lookout or observation tower set against a backdrop of blue skies and scattered clouds, surrounded by sandy terrain and distant mountains.
A person jumping joyfully in the sand dunes with the ocean in the background.
A car parked in a desert landscape with mountains in the background and a windmill-like structure.
A stop sign stands in a sandy landscape with rolling dunes and a distant mountain under a clear blue sky.

The constant winds also create one of the beach’s most iconic sights – sand dunes alongside the road.

A person jumping in the air on a sandy dune, with mountains in the background and a wooden structure nearby under a blue sky.
A white Audi Q3 parked on sandy terrain with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person jumping joyfully on a sandy hill with mountains in the background and a wooden structure nearby under a blue sky.
A wooden observation tower situated on sandy terrain with mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A person with a bald head, wearing a black tank top and blue shorts, is jumping in the air with arms raised, against a backdrop of sandy dunes and a blue ocean.
A sandy landscape with gentle dunes and scattered rocks, with a distant view of buildings and mountains under a clear blue sky.
A stop sign positioned on a dirt road in a sandy landscape with hills and a mountain in the background.