Sophie Lam Travel

A quick splash of sunshine before the weekend with a photo gallery of a recent trip to the eastern Algarve.

It was a long way (in spirit rather than distance) from the crowded beaches, mega resorts and neon strips of Albufeira, the glitzy marina of Vilamoura or the golf courses of Val do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

Faro Island – the airport is just to the right and planes come in to land Wayne’s World-style over your head

There were wildflowers everywhere among the olive trees

A stork nesting on a lamppost in Faro, where they’re as common as pigeons

Pousada de Faro, Estoi’s pink palace

Taking it easy at Fazenda Nova, Estiramantens

Heading off to deserted beaches on Ilha Armona

…and here they are

Waiting for the ferry back across the Ria Formosa to the mainland