When full-time nomad Jocelyn Garwood found herself in the beautiful Algarve in wintertime, she was fascinated with the skyscapes of sunrise and sunset. The beaches of Algarve is a perfect to witness both phenomena, as you have unobstructed views to the south. Within minutes, the sky changes and reveals different colours, and Jocelyn shows us with her photos how nature is so beautiful it almost makes a mockery of art.
Sun, sand, and sea. Cliffs, caves, and coves. Fresh sea air.
Ochre cliffs, turquoise water, and verdant vegetation
By far the most beautiful, though, were the glorious bookends of a winter day: dawn/sunrise and sunset/twilight.
Jocelyn found herself leaning into each moment and realising more than ever that the only thing permanent in life is change itself.
Jocelyn shows us with her photos how nature is so beautiful it almost makes a mockery of art
By Jocelyn Garwood
The Algarve is a paradise in so many ways. Sun, sand, and sea. Cliffs, caves, and coves. Fresh sea air. Fascinating cobbled lanes. Lovely local residents. And, in winter, silence and solitude.
However, what struck me the most were the colours of the Algarve. Ochre cliffs, turquoise water, and verdant vegetation – all seeming to change in hue throughout the day. By far the most beautiful, though, were the glorious bookends of a winter day: dawn/sunrise and sunset/twilight.
With dawn signalling the birth of a new day and twilight signalling the end of day, I found myself leaning into each moment and realising more than ever that the only thing permanent in life is change itself. I felt quite small – almost insignificant – in the overall scheme of things. On the other hand, basking in such celestial splendour, I felt overwhelming joy at being here at all, no matter for how brief a time.
Although the same features are common throughout the Algarve, I’ve elected here to focus just on Praia da Rocha, the resort area of Portimão.
Praia da Rocha has a distinct advantage of having an excellent viewpoint, Miradoura dos Três Castelos, at the west end of the promenade. This viewpoint is designed in such a way so as to give every visitor a clear, unobstructed view of the entire beach area from east to west. It‘s also an ideal location to capture sunrises and sunsets.
Alternatively, there is easy access to beach areas and to viewpoints along the cliff-tops, where the sky’s kaleidoscope of colours can also be savoured, along with a drink at one of the many restaurants en route.
Whatever your location, the winter skies of Praia da Rocha offer peace, quiet, and an unrivalled plethora of colours.
About Jocelyn Garwood
Jos is a female nomad (also a senior citizen who travels solo), born in Canada but citizen of the world. When she was on the morning side of the mountain, she just slung her backpack over her shoulders and set about hitchhiking. Now that she’s on the evening side of the mountain, she still slings her backpack over her shoulder, but no longer hitchhikes – too dangerous.
Follow this inspirational nomad as she proves that curiosity and a sense of adventure doesn’t have an expiration date nor a price tag.
Learn more
- The Best Beaches of Algarve – in our modest opinion
- Algarve’s official Tourism website
- Algarve on Visit Portugal’s website
- Algarve on Wikitravel
