60 Days on the Road – and a Perfect Day at the Algarve

Today was a very special day as we celebrate 60 days of travel! It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed and how many wonderful experiences we have already had. Today at the Algarve was another highlight.

Our day started with a walk through the nature reserve at Praia Poente de Pêra. From the parking lot at Restaurant Carlos, we followed the picturesque wooden walkway to Restaurant Os Salgados. The weather was lovely: sunny and warm, with a gentle breeze – perfect for enjoying nature.

Especially impressive was the variety of birds we discovered along the way. We saw storks with their majestic wings, elegant herons, ducks, seagulls, and many other species. It was a beautiful experience to observe the vibrant natural spectacle amidst the peaceful surroundings.

The Lagoa dos Salgados is a fascinating wetland. This area connects lagoons, marshes, and dunes, providing a unique mixture of fresh and saltwater that forms the basis for a rich ecosystem. The wetland is a paradise for bird lovers and home to over 200 bird species.

The lagoon is also an important stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. The vegetation in the area consists of reeds and water-loving plants which are ideal for many bird and insect species. One plant particularly caught my attention with its shape. I also can’t remember seeing it anywhere else before. I even had to look it up to know what kind of plant it is. It’s a plant from the tamarisk genus (Tamarix), also known as salt cedar. Tamarisks are shrubs or small trees characterized by their fine, needle-like leaves and their graceful, delicate appearance. Tiny, scale-like or needle-like, often grayish-green to bright green.

They prefer to grow in salty soils, in coastal regions, or humid areas like the Salgados wetlands. Tamarisks are salt-tolerant and are often used to stabilize dunes or as windbreaks.

This plant is typical for Mediterranean and desert-adjacent areas and blends beautifully into the landscape of the Algarve.

Besides birds and plants, you can also discover turtles, frogs, and various fish species.

The Lagoa dos Salgados is a natural area worth protecting, which is threatened by development and human activities. Various organizations are fighting for its preservation to improve water quality and to safeguard the habitat for rare animals.

Upon arriving at Restaurant Os Salgados, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved break and a delicious meal. I enjoyed scampi with rice, enhanced with garlic and coriander, while my husband chose a tender 200-gram beef fillet with vegetables and crispy Patatas Fritas.

The dishes were not only perfectly prepared, but they also tasted like vacation and pure joy of life.

We took the return path along the beach. The sea slowly receded, revealing its sparkling, peaceful beauty. The warm sand beneath our feet and the gentle sound of the waves were the perfect accompaniment.

In the late afternoon, I had the pleasure of ending the day with a soothing massage from our dear friend Christina – a wonderful moment of relaxation.

After 60 days on the road, we feel richly blessed with experiences, golf, nature, and enjoyment. Every day is unique, and we are already looking forward to what the journey still has in store for us!