I always say there’s plenty of beach for everyone in Portugal, but these pictures are making a liar out of me. This was Praia de Leça da Palmeira on Sunday.
(The white round building in the background is the cruise ship terminal, which I tried to shoot on Sunday but with no luck — the gate was closed.)
These pictures illustrate what I like to call “Portuguese togetherness”… it’s a very real thing. However, I do have some other theories as to why the beach at Leça da Palmeira is SO BUSY:
- easy walking distance from homes
- public bus service
- parking
- cafés and bars
- showers and toilets
- McDonald’s across the street (there aren’t many in Portugal and they’re fancy here)
- lifeguards
- there’s a section of this beach where the waves come in strong for body boarding
Less than five minutes up the road are beaches that are empty (no lifeguards, fewer cafés, no showers). If you prefer to escape the crowds, it’s a cinch.
July 17, 2016
Album: Portugal [Summer 2016]
