We continue to explore the Eastern Algarve by foot and bike. Last week we hopped on our bikes and traveled 4km west to Monte Gordo. You may recall I previously referred to it as the Ft Lauderdale of Portugal. But I never expected what we found that day.
First Stop, Wide Open Beach
When we entered the town we turned into a large parking lot between the highrises and the beach. At this time of year, the parking lot was mostly empty. We parked our bikes and followed the boardwalk to a wide-open beach. You’ll find lots of restaurants along the boardwalk which front a very long and wide beach. Many were open even though it is off-season.
We had already eaten breakfast, and other than sand there wasn’t much to see. But as we looked west, we saw lots of flags and some kind of commotion. We jumped on our bikes, rode a few blocks, parked, and again walked to the beach. We found a small flotilla of fishing boats on the beach.
Fishing Boats on the Beach
It turns out Monte Gordo does not have a harbor, so each day between 10:00 and noon a large tractor wades into the water and tows the boats onto the sand. The fishermen then unload their daily catch and tend to their nets.
We are told in years past you could actually purchase the fish directly from the fishermen on the beach. But today, the catch is sold to retail outlets and restaurants.
We walked among the brightly painted boats. We were able to observe the fisherman caring for their nets.
Vinho at 10 am
As we were returning to our bikes we passed the small, open-air cafe you see below. It was full of locals and tourists from all parts of Europe. We heard German, French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. (Hearing all these languages at once is one of the things I love about living in Europe.) We spotted a couple and asked if they spoke English. It turns out Theo and Ilse, a Dutch couple, vacation in Monte Gordo for six weeks every winter.
They explained that around 4:00 or 5:00 the tractor pulls the boats back into the sea. On many mornings Theo and Ilse start their day by enjoying a glass of wine while watching the boats return. It would appear they are not alone!
As I am typically an early-riser. I might venture out some morning to see the process unfold. If I do, perhaps I will be able to make another video. As you see above, Substack (the platform on which this blog is published) has added a video function that does not require YouTube. Great news for me, and I hope for you. Stay tuned…
Fishing Boats on the Beach