We had a good night's sleep, it really is peaceful here under the trees. Our plan was to explore the local area by bike to day so after breakfast we packed our rucksacks with coffee and grub and set off. The area is very hilly and even getting out of the camp is an experience.
Salema is a postcard perfect holiday / fishing village perched between, and overflowing over the hills. Whilst very quiet at this time of the year, with such a lovely beach we imagine it must be heaving during the summer holidays!
We rode through a tiny street and soon got our first taste of the hills to come. We dropped down a steep incline and headed into Praia da Boca do Rio, a secluded beach with a few motor-homes in the parking area.
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| The thin grey line on the hill is our cycle route |
We then cycled around the 'lagoon' (looks like it doubles as the farmer's field in summer) and up the incline on the right of the top photo. It doesn't look like much in the photo but I have never cycled up a steeper hill, luckily it doesn't go on too long and we were on top quite quickly.
The views from the top made it worthwhile and we took a detour to see the ruins of an old fort, Forte de Almádena, built to protect the fleets from pirates in days gone by.
Although hilly, the area is stunning, the weather was perfect for cycling and we cycled down to Praia das Cabanas Velhas for coffee and snacks on the beach.
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| We were treated to an acrobatic show by a labrador and tennis ball |
All-in-all a lovely day's cycle, we both felt about twelve years old on the way back down the hill. The downhills definitely make all the uphill sweating worthwhile.
This really is a stunning stretch of coast and is very quiet - probably our favourite area in Portugal....so far!
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