Surfing in the Algarve

Surf breaks can be found on the Algarve’s western and southern coastlines. This means that if conditions are blown out on one coast, surfers can travel a short distance, to find sheltered breaks and favourable conditions.

Algarve surf breaks are dramatically effected by rising and falling tides; consequently surfers need to be aware of local lore and head down to the beach when conditions are at their most favourable.

When to Go

The Algarve offers year round surf but in summer there can be long periods with little or no surf. As with much of western Europe, the consistent swells occur throughout autumn and into spring. Often the water is still warm enough to forgo a wetsuit and brave the waves in a rashie.

Dangers

The Portuguese coast has a large tidal range and in pounding conditions strong currents can appear as if from nowhere. As always, while testing a new break, surfers should take heed of local advice and get to know the local conditions. Good surf discipline should never go amiss, even on a holiday, but sadly this often seems to be the case. Show some concern for your fellow surfers, (locals and holiday makers alike), follow the surfers code and don’t drop in on someone’s ride.

Sadly localism is a problem the world over and in the Algarve things are no different. There have been many reports of surfers who have been subjected to intimidating behaviour amongst the waves and then return to a vandalised car. Thankfully this behaviour is not the norm and by maintaining good surf discipline these situations can often be avoided.

Where to Stay

What type of holiday do you enjoy? If you hunger for the typical holiday atmosphere then head to Lagos, a historic port town full of fun bars and English menu restaurants. By night you’ll be in the thick of the action and by day it’s a short 30 minute drive to west coast waves.

On the other hand, the town of sagres is located on the south-west tip of Portugal, ideally situated for both coasts. The town has maintained its traditional nature as a fishing port, but the area has developed a bit of a reputation for localism amongst the waves.

If enjoy the laidback lifestyle and would appreciate something a little more quaint there are plenty of small towns lining the west coast. Carrapateira, Arrifana, and Monte Clerigo are all popular choices and offer a good standard of cheap accommodation.

Algarve West Coast Surf Breaks

Arrifana

A right point break over uneven reef, Arrifana is often described as the best surf break in the Algarve. Performs best on a westerly swell with and easterly wind, at low to mid tide.

Carrapateira

A sandy beach break, Carrapateira performs best with a westerly swell and an easterly wind, from low to mid tide.

Algarve South Coast surf Breaks

Sagres

A sandy beach break, Sagres performs best with a south-west swell and north-east wind, but only at mid-tide.

Lagos

A sandy beach break, Lagos performs best with a south-west swell and north-east wind, from mid to high tide.

Praia da Rocha

A beach break over uneven reef and sand, Praia da Rocha performs best with a south-west swell and north-east wind, on all tides.

Surfing Portugal: The Best Surf Breaks in the Southern Algarve is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

Are you looking for a change of direction in your professional life? Perhaps you’ve not yet embarked on a career and want to arm yourself with as many skills as possible first. Either way, getting stuck into volunteer work abroad could enhance your employment prospects.

Having an experience like this listed on your CV can really make you stand out from the pile of applications an employer has in front of them. In an increasingly competitive jobs market, you want to be sure that it is your resume that catches their eye.

So, just what is it that makes people who have volunteered while travelling stand apart from other job hunters? Here are just a few:

Communication skills

No, not just in terms of speaking a foreign language – although this can certainly help set you apart from your fellow jobseekers! When you volunteer abroad you will be witnessing a side to the country that is well off the usual tourism trail – a more authentic side.

Rather than letting this clash of cultures be a hindrance, you can use it to your advantage. For instance, if you are helping with childcare in a country like Vietnam, you can not only interact with the children, but also with their carers. This may see you chatting with them about the alternatives to physical discipline or the importance of encouraging the kids to care for their personal hygiene. Of course, this also involves diplomacy – another attribute employers will view positively.

Independence

When you volunteer abroad, you’ll be expected to jump right in. Of course, there will be someone there you can turn to for guidance and who will show you the ropes, but often projects like this run on limited funding and rely on the people who lend their time – so you shouldn’t expect someone to hold your hand.

This requires you to have self confidence in your abilities to work independently, getting stuck in where you see a job needs to be done. Yes, you will meet locals and other like-minded travellers who could become lifelong friends, but there will also be times when you need to work alone. A jobseeker who is equally adept at working in a team or solo is always an attractive prospect to employers.

Passion

Passion is what makes life interesting, whether you’re helping monitor wildlife on an African nature reserve or working in an office in the UK. If you love what you do, you’re likely to push yourself that extra mile, which could see you rapidly progressing in your chosen line of work.

By their nature, volunteers are passionate about what they do, caring enough about something to lend their time and effort despite not being paid. This loyalty to a cause will certainly be attractive to a business, which will be keen to see you dedicate just as much of your energy to it as you do to your extracurricular activities.

Global

Developments in communication technology mean the world is becoming an ever smaller place. By having a grasp of different cultures and customs, you could become a valuable player at a company that regularly does business overseas.

While you are travelling, take every opportunity to immerse yourself in a new environment or pick up skills that come your way, particularly where languages are involved. Getting to grips with the local tongue will not only provide you with another skill to add to your CV, but will also make your time in the country you are visiting even more fulfilling.

How Volunteering Abroad can Boost Your Job Prospects is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

As the city isn’t that big, you won’t be able to spend your entire getaway enjoying different walks around it, but it is great for a day or two, especially if you want to relax after a few days of more strenuous trekking elsewhere on the island.

Corfu Town is home to some wonderful sights to discover and things to do; here are just a few of the best places to visit on a stroll through its streets.

Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town might be a rather broad area, but there is so much to see here you won’t be disappointed, even if all you do is wander around for a couple of hours. This part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the diverse array of architectural styles on display; it’s a bit of a melting pot with renaissance, baroque and classical buildings all sitting side by side. The Old Town actually dates back as far as 8 BC and while you won’t find structures from that era still standing, you can take a walk through the island’s history, as it has been controlled by the Venetians, English, French and Greeks at different times.

Among the most striking buildings are its fortresses – imaginatively named the Old Fort and the New Fort. You’ll get fantastic views from the ramparts of the former, so make sure you pay a visit and explore inside the complex.

If you’re a bit peckish after all that walking, drop in at a traditional Greek taverna. Khrysi near the Liston is a great choice if you’re looking for delicious, authentic dishes at a reasonable price.

The Liston

This is an iconic building, situated on the western side of the Esplanade Square. The ornate architecture of this terrace harks back to the days of the French occupation and you’ll certainly see the country’s influence in its design.

If you want to enjoy some fine dining or a cup of coffee in opulent surroundings, this is the place to come, as the promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes where you can sit back, relax and while away a few hours.

Achilleion Palace

This ornate building was constructed for Empress Elizabeth of Austria, who fell in love with Corfu and moved to the isle to get away from the Austrian court. The gardens are truly stunning, so wander around them and soak up the scent of the flowers, cypresses and myrtles that line the paths.

The Saint Michael and George Palace

Situated at the northern end of the Esplanade Square, this palace is not to be missed due to its beautiful exterior and the Museum of Asian Art that is housed within its walls. The palace itself was built during the British occupation of Corfu in the late 19th century, while the vast range of artworks from Asia were installed here in 1927 after Gregorious Manos donated his collection.

Pieces by Japanese and Chinese artists are prominent, as they made up the bulk of Manos’s collection, but later donations have helped boost the number of exhibits and ensure other Asian nations are also represented on the palace’s walls.

These are just a few of the top places to visit in Corfu Town, but are there any others you think should be included? Do you know of any hidden gems nestled on the city’s cobbled streets?

Great Places to Stop in Corfu Town is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

We wouldn’t want you to miss out, so here we have it, the ultimate list of unheard of and ignored spots of interest and beauty around glorious Britain. Grab a map, jump in the car and get going – just make sure your breakdown cover is up to date, nobody wants to be stuck in the dark on a winding, Cornish B-road.

1. Dunster Castle, Somerset

This remodelled castle perched on the edge of Exmoor has so many romantic turrets and towers, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for something out of a fairytale – don’t worry though, there’s no dragon protecting the medieval town from trespassers. Make sure to check out the National Collection of strawberry trees, which you can’t eat, and make time to wander the cobbled streets of the town.

2. St Nectans Glen, Tintagel, Cornwall

Heading out of mythical Tintagel, you’ll more than likely miss a hand-painted sign pointing to some unnamed “waterfall”. The walk to the Glen is shaded and tranquil under a canopy of trees, and leads to a 60ft waterfall in St Nectans Kiev. This hidden part of Cornwall has been placed in the top ten of spiritual places in the country, so expect to see offerings, messages and ribbons in all corners of this beautiful spot.

3. Bamburgh Castle, Northumbria

Once home to the kings of Northumbria, this castle which dominates the rocky coastline is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. During the summer months, you’ll be able to see archaeologists digging around Bamburgh for evidence of times gone by, as well as immerse yourself in one of the many myths and legends buried in the walls of this historic landmark.

4. Crossbones Graveyard, Southwark

One of Britain’s more chilling sites, this graveyard is the resting place of over 15,000 outcasts and cholera victims. Coloured ribbons, dolls and messages have all been tied to the entrance to the shrine and a plaque reads, “[Crossbones Graveyard is] a place of healing where the Wild Feminine is honoured and celebrated for all that she is – whore and virgin, mother and lover, maiden and crone, creator and destroyer.” This is a good spot for some gruesome history and spine-tingling tales.

5. In a Nutshell, Sufolk

Go for a pint of English Ale in Britain’s smallest pub, The Nutshell, in Bury St Edmonds. The bar measures at just 15ft x 7ft and has been serving punters the finest liquor and hops since 1867. You’d be surprised at the amount there is to see once you’ve settled down with a drink too, look out for the mummified cat hanging from the ceiling…

Britain’s Unsung Heroes: 5 Places You’ve Probably Overlooked is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

Malaria is mostly spread through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, which transmit the parasite Plasmodium. There are actually four different types of this parasite, which cause different forms of malaria – some much more serious than others. Infected needles can also transmit the disease.

The symptoms of malaria are similar to that of a sudden attack of ‘flu – headaches, fever, shivering, diarrhoea and vomiting. If you experience these within the first year of return from an infected area, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Where am I at risk of malaria?

Malaria is widespread throughout most of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, South and Central America, south-east Asia and the Middle East. Remember that there are different strains depending on where you go, which may be resistant to certain drugs, so check the guidance before buying anti-malaria pills to see if they are appropriate for your destination.

How can I prevent malaria?

Your primary defence is your clothing – keep as much skin covered up as possible when you go out in the morning and evening, when mosquitoes are most active. Use insect repellent and make sure your hotel rooms have gauze over the windows and doors at night. For extra protection, take a mosquito net treated with insecticide with you on your trip, as you can’t always guarantee your accommodation will provide one.

You should also take antimalarial tablets like chloroquine, proguani, doxycycline or malarone, depending on what part of the world you’re in. Your doctor or pharmacist should be able to advise on which ones you need. You may have to begin taking them for up to a week before your trip begins, so it is important to get this arranged well ahead of time.

All You Need to Know About Malaria is a post from: Adventure Bimbling