Talking about my hometown is almost the same as talking about my daughter… I’ll never say bad things about my daughter, and neither my hometown.
I was born in Portimão, a town in the district of Faro, situated in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The Algarve region is well known for its golden sands, warm waters and beautiful beaches. We can easily say that Algarve is the French Riviera of Portugal; a dreamy place to be at.
There was a time the region was a well-kept treasure, when only a few people knew about its beauty and charms, while others simply didn’t have enough money to go south to discover this place.
Now, everything has changed. We live in a modern age where everyone has a camera in their pocket, sharing the “hidden treasures” of Earth daily on their social media. Places that used to be a secret a decade ago are now overcrowded. We could blame the long and dark economic recession that hovered Europe and Portugal for a while or the presence of social media into our lives, but no matter what is the cause, more and more people decide to pilgrims to the Southern region of Portugal, in search of salty airs and quiet time.
And your heart beats so slow
Through the rain and fallen snow
Across the fields of mourning
Lights in the distance
Oh don’t sorrow, no don’t weep
For tonight, at last
I am coming home
I am coming home.
— U2 in “A Sort of Homecoming”
Algarve is still beautiful though, even overcrowded.
During the winter season, we have a very temperate weather with ways less rain than the rest of the country. You will also always find waves to surf on, with, of course, the most beautiful landscapes to amaze you.
During the summer, I headed south again for a few days.
A sort of homecoming….
Read next: Myths and Legends of the Azores Islands.
