Walking to Cabanas

Sunday’s are quiet in Tavira so I decided a stroll to Cabanas, only 6 km away on the well trod Ecovia bike and walking trail, would be interesting. It was, but I forgot about the 6km return and on Sunday no buses operate. Ah well ...the tourist officer said it was all flat, the foot Bridge was open again and the road was well marked with signs and she circled the beginning over by the shopping centre.  I guess I need to learn to clarify because the “road” ended about 10 minutes later and a local pointed me to a dirt pathway veering left.  It did look flat and there were others on the pathway but signs, what signs?   

   “Well signed” obviously means look for the yellow arrows that can be anywhere...up high, hidden in graffiti or down low. And keep on trekking.


Cabanas is a small village just east of Tavira that was once a major tuna fishing centre, but today the only catch are tourists. There is a nice promenade along the waterfront, with some cafes and tourist shops but not much else. A few streets back there are a slew of condo type complexes, with lovely gardens and pools. A beautiful 7 km beach just across the lagoon, is the main attraction once the weather heats up. 


The trail wasn’t really picturesque, but lots to see as you pass by small farms, orange and olive groves and the whole area is full of salt pans. Salt is gathered by hand throughout the area but this is done mainly from June to Sept. This time of the year, you can see the dyked areas but the first impression is mud. I did see quite a few herons and even flamingos that are feeding on scrimp and algae before heading to their nesting sites in southern France, Italy and North Africa, although many stay here year round.  The almond trees are just coming in bloom along the roadside. I had lunch in a small cafe along the waterfront and then headed back to Tavira. It wasn’t long before I was feeling the walk in my legs and was dreaming of a hot shower to ease my throbbing muscles.  That night I looked at my calves and realized I had hikers/golfers legs again - a strange condition I first encountered in Oslo a couple of years ago. It is a harmless rash but looks like the bubonic plague, fortunately disappears in a few days.  I will stick to buses and trains for the next while...


 The walking footbridge and the train bridge to the left.
Not sure what these flowers are - at home I see them in tiny pots at grocery store.  Here they are 6 ft hedges 

Almonds in bloom coming into Cabanas

Salt pan with a trail marker
      Although I did see both herons and flaming along the salt pans, this pic is from another blogger.  I couldn’t get close enough without wading through mud...

Comments

  1. Joan.. I'm loving these.. and your style of writing. Seems like a quiet little town.. Are there some decent restaurants/coffee shops to sit at.. or do you spend more time on your own balcony?Sounds like you're making the most of exploring opportunites. I laughed at the 'path arrows' ...
    my sister &I tried to follow one in France and we gave up after walking 1/2 mile straight down a steep hill. .with no indicator we were really going in the right direction! Opted to return rather to 2 miles to bottom and be in wrong town!! At least your path was flat!
    Enjoy your evening wine treat. I'll toast you from this end. Take care

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