ThePADDLER 32
PRAIA DONA ANA
This is a paddle boarders paradise , and you need to park the car around the beach and then go towards Ponta da Piedade . The experience is impressive ; you can play around the rocks and get inside little passages to the other side of the rocks , basically another playground . Unfortunately , many boats and kayak tours can be busy sometimes during the day .
If you want to experience it , the kayaks for two are very nice , and they tell you remarkable stories about the caves and the rocks around . I recommend you go in the morning ; it ’ s cooler then and was better for Ella as from 12 midday it can be busy .
Check out nowhere2farsup , which is fantastic . It ’ s run by an Australian guy called David , who will look after you well and take you on a SUP experience you ’ ll never forget . Tell him Supdude . stu recommended you .
I spent weeks exploring and paddling this area , and Praia Don Ana has the most fantastic sunrise . I have seen it many times , and if you go up the road on the other side of the peninsula , you will see the sunset on the same day . It was magical .
In the evenings , I would head into Lagos town with Ella , its was very busy , with restaurants , shops , bars , café and many buskers – such a great vibe .
BURGAU
My next journey was to Burgau , which I believe was the Jewel of the Algarve . I was greeted by Marco ’ s mum Maria , who runs a fabulous little beach bar on the left-hand side of the beach looking out to sea called Prateleira – look out for the red umbrellas overlooking the beach – the table at the front is called the ‘ Titanic table ’. I sat there many times with a cold beer . I was well looked after and spent several beautiful days in Burgau , with a Sunday evening hosting live music from a local band .
Burgau is a small fishing village but a very beautiful one ; some say it looks like Santorini . Exploring it will take around 20 minutes and is a little small . The beach is also very nice ; you have a few bars and cafés for refreshments and food . If you have a chance , paddle to the next beach ; it is inaccessible to walk , but it is nice to walk around the different colours and shapes on the rocks ; however , go on a low tide ; otherwise , it will