At the moment, every day is full of walking. From time to time I drive to a different location and from there hikes are made. I am happy the stomach is better again, because a lot of dirt roads are bumpy: deep potholes and lots of loose rocks. Wednesday it was time for one of the last parts of the Fishermen's Trail, which is part of the longer Rota Vicentina. The route along one om the most beautiful coastlines. We share a similar name; Rota Vicentina, Vincent, Vin Diesel...rough, though and beautiful.
One of the caves at Praia das Furnas
It's all about beaches
Last Wednesday we went to a little village we skipped recently: Figuera. A very small village, with a few cute places to eat and drink. We parked the car and walked about 15 minutes to Praia Figueira. Along the route you can see some vegetable gardens, tiny houses and you might even spot some freaky dolls and teddy bears. Halfway you can find a little parkspot which would be ideal for wild camping with the van, although the local police (GNR) is quite strict in giving fines for illegal camping (120 Euro's for illegal camping, 200 Euro's for illegal camping in a Natural Park). Most of the route is a Natural Park. Day parking is allowed, but between 22:00 and 08:00 it's a no go. Let's respect that. I am still surprised about the amount of rubbish you can find along the route, especially used toilet paper. I know, sometimes you can not hold it. But at least take the paper with you in a little garbage bag, Portugal is full of garbage containers...you don't have to carry it with you for a long time.
The surroundings of the first part of the walk, the van spot, puppet & teddy bear, vegetable gardens
The entrance of Praira Figueira and the only wildlife (besides the pigeons)
We reached the beach (Praia) of Figueira and it was a nice one for a swim. There were some remains of an old fortress on top of the cliff, it's full of graffiti. Because it was close to sunset time and the beach was facing the south, it was not the best time for a swim, the sun was already giving a goodbye kiss to the sand. Luckily it was low tide, so it was easy to, walk further to the other beaches: Praia da Andorinha & Praia das Furnas. In the beginning it locks like a bit of sand next to some hills and cliffs, but it got better and better. You don't meet a lot of people here, besides some single vanlifers wandering around with or without a dog and a huge family of blondes night camping on the beach, entering the beach with a kayak. We counted at least 7 kids, all in 1 big kayak with a bit of camping gear. I was impressed.
Some of the caves and the kayak night camp
The further we got, the more impressive the surroundings became. More rough rock structures and the little caves were showing their entrance. There was a nice little arch that was easy to cross with low tide. At Praia das Furnas you can find several little caves were you could chill and make a little bonfire. We didn't see anyopne anymore. It was just us, the sound of the tiny waves and some pigeons hiding in the caves...ROEKOEKOE! At the end, the beach stopped. We saw a few vans parked and wondered if this was a camp spot. The app Park4Night mentioned people getting fines there, so forget it. We walked back, luckily the tide ws still low, because you have to cross a few rocky parts. The rocks are full of green moss and a bit too slippery to cross. The fortress remains caught their last bit of sunshine. We climbed up and enjoyed the sunset on a different way.
More caves and the little arch
Hiking the way back
Views from the fortress
Sunset
Unexpected treat
When we arrived back at the park spot, we saw a tiny bar that was still open. Inside it was packed. Only 2 bar stools available, perfect. We were ready for pizza, pizza was finished they said. Okay, 2nd option smoked chorizo the...uhm no, too dangerous to light it on fire on top of the bar. So we chose a bruschetta and a cheese & dips platter. It was sooooo delicious! And there was a craft beer I didn't hear of: Vicentina... A craft beer with nice labels and listening to the feminine version of my name? We tried the fruity IPA and the fresh GOLDEN ALE. Together with the friendly service and the sweet apple crumble with homemade ice cream and whipped cream, it was all perfect.
My new favorites