Some photographs taken on a very early morning jog along Praia da Falésia (Cliff Beach) in Vilamoura, Portugal. No filters applied; the rising sun brings out the natural reds and oranges in the cliff face.
Running along the beach is never easy. Too far from the sea, the sand is too dry and your feet sink in. Too close and the sand is too wet and your feet sink in! You have to find the strip inbetween, where the sun has dried the sand to a brittle solidity. You can see my footprints along that line in this photograph. It's wonderful unbroken running when you get going.
There are two beaches in Vilamoura. Praia da Falésia is the less frequented (although still busy in peak season). It is around 8km long. You can see the next town (Olhas de Agua) in the distance. Plenty of space and solitude if you're early!
The cliffs are red sandstone deposited over white clay giving them a characteristic striped effect. Slow erosion of the soft stone carves the base of the cliffs into interesting forms.
If you come back later you can relax on a lounger under an umbrella. Or if you're staying in the nearby Lake Spa Resort there are four poster beds around the pool for you to laze the day away!
Thanks for reading!
