Cape Vincente (Cabo Sao Vicente) Algarve Portugal
Fishing from cliffs near Cabo Sao Vicente lighthouse
Cape Vincente (Cape St Vincent), in Algarve, Portugal, is a few hour's drive west of Albufeira, or Faro, near the village of Vila do Bispo (with its menhirs). Here at Cape St. Vincent, I stopped at the park and museum on the high cliffs. Far above the Atlantic rollers, I watched in amazement as fishermen cast long lines down to the swirling ocean, then reeled in their catch (Usually, small bass). These waves rushing in from the open Atlantic undercut the cliff rock in places, making what are called 'blow holes' -- openings in the cliffs where water can rush in, and force the air into the tunnels, make eerie howls as it does. If you come here, pack a lunch, as there are few restaurants nearby, but lots of places to have a picnic. Bring your camera and lots of film, or storage space and batteries! (Western Algarve travel story here.)
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 Cape St. Vincent lighthouse
A few hours easy driving west from Albufeira and you're on the west coast -- the End of the World -- at the Cabo Sao Vicente lighthouse on Portugal's southwest shore. You can pick up tourism brochures with minimal history information, but if you like detailed information, take along one of the Portugal travel guides. From these shores, Prince Henry the Navigator sent his corvairs to find Madeira in 1420, and the Azores, in 1427. Before him, Roman legions, Moorish conquerors and Sir Francis Drake trod along these cliffs, and watched the huge rolling waves break along their rocky base. Known for centuries as Al Gharb (Arabic for 'the west'), the modern day Algarve is a prime tourist destination year round, but be warned that summer's crowds send the locals fleeing to offshore islands. |
 Natural Stone Form Mimics lighthouse
Mimicking the form of the manmade lighthouse that rises on the cliffs above it, this natural stone castle shape shows the effects of centuries of wind and water sculpting. Yet it's easy to miss. When you're at the lighthouse, walk to one side. to the norht (left, as you face the water), as near to the sea wall as you can get. Peer over the wall to see below. If you visit the Algarve during late January and early February, look for the olive trees in bloom that turn valleys into clouds of pink. Near the coast, though, look under your feet for a carpet of wildflowers hidden in the spiny grass. And the large yellow blooms on vines that cover village fences are trumpet flowers. |
Cape St Vincent viewsNear Cape St. Vincent, there are many narrow paths leading down to the water's edge and the red gravelly beaches. The rocky cliffs that run along the shore give some idea of their height. I truly had the feeling of being at the edge of a continent, and would love to hike from Albufeira along the coast to Lisbon and beyond. What a gorgeous walk that would be! . |
 Receding wave shows red sand
I doubt anyone has ever counted the number of small private coves along the Algarve coast. thee dramatic colors, cliffs and waves seemed ot be only along the westernmost shorelines. From Portimao, and east to Spain, the shores seemd generally sandy, and flat, with a few high dunes. I could be wrong, though. |
 Cabo Sao Vicente fisherman
At the Lighthouse Park area, there's an expansive field edged with a wide promenade. From these heights, there were men fishing. What wonderful views! Part of me wants to get a home here, and part of me is very glad so much of these lands are national parks, so that everyone can enjoy them. |
 Fishing in the Algarve
With a healthy respect for high cliffs, I watched in fascination and some dread as fishermen hugged the rocky heights. If you use binoculars or a telephoto lens, you can see the narrow paths they take to get to these precarious perches. I don't know for certain, but I would bet real money that these fishermen never drink on the job. I talked to a few of them over several days and in various locations, and to a man, they were, of course, fishing for the sport of it, and to take home for dinner. From the cliff top, it's a little hard to practice 'catch and release' :-) |
 More Algarve cliff fishermen
Here's another group of fishermen, nestled on a ledge, up the cliff face. When you travel here, look closely all along this shoreline. Chances are, there's someone with rod and reel angling for bass. This rocky coastline is on the west, and as you can imagine, not a gentle swimming beach. There are a few tiny coves, if you can get to them, but know you are on your own. Look to the south coast for stretches of golden sand. If you have a housekeeping unit, stop at the docks in most centers for the catch of the day. Local white wines are a bargain, too. Add a loaf of bread, some tiny local olives, and dinner's nearly done. (TIP Bottles of local olive oil and port are nice (and small) gifts to take home for friends). |
 Portugal Cliff Fishermen close up view
These fishermen are in the shot above (bottom, where water and cliff meet. |
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Algarve Coast
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