Well, without wanting to make anyone jealous (really, I don’t!!!), but what can I say? December is starting sunny and warm in Vilamoura. Thanks to the conservatory and the sun, it’s already 20°C at 9 a.m. Perfect for a delicious cockpit breakfast with our homemade granola muesli. Although December 1 is a public holiday in Portugal, all the shops are open. While Axel goes grocery shopping, I take advantage of the beautiful weather for a short bike ride through the Vale do Carro. At Praia dos Tomates, I make a short detour to the beach and admire the many lambs that seem to be born here in winter. The little ones are so cute! Back on board, we cook a delicious meal and spend a cozy evening sitting in the saloon.
Meanwhile, our small German-speaking community is growing again. Ralph and Martina arrive in Vilamoura with their Atlas Shrugged and join the row at Steg G. Together with Guido and the two of them, we go to the steakhouse and enjoy a nice evening together. The next day, Mücke from Playmobil also arrives back in Vilamoura. Just in time for her birthday, which we start on St. Nicholas Day with a little serenade from the pier and a joint trip to Loulé. While it is quite foggy in Vilamoura, the sun has already come out in Loulé. The atmosphere in the city is now very Christmassy, perhaps a little kitschy in parts, but also very nice in others. We particularly like the giant snowman in front of the market hall, whose individual parts were still leaning against the wall during our last visit. After we have explored the market extensively and Mücke has been able to buy ingredients for the birthday party in the evening, we head to Olhos de Agua. However, we have completely forgotten about the morning fog. The small beach promenade is still completely shrouded in fog, but here too the sun is doing its best. A little later, we sit in the sun and enjoy delicious grilled sardines and omelets. Finally, we return to Vilamoura, where we spend a leisurely afternoon on board. In the evening, we head over to the Playmobil for the birthday party. It’s a super nice evening with delicious tapas and a glass or two of wine.
The next few days alternate between boat projects and – thanks to another rental car – more excursions in the surrounding area. We start with a trip to the west coast, as a storm has caused high waves, which we want to see in sunny weather. We drive west to Vila do Bispo and then turn north towards Carrapateira. There we drive to Praia do Amado and marvel at the crashing waves. Apparently a popular surfing spot, unfortunately there are no water sports enthusiasts to be seen today. Perhaps it is too dangerous with the offshore wind and fairly high waves? We continue north along the coast on a small side road. Numerous viewpoints invite us to stop and we risk a glance or two at the imposing cliffs and the choppy sea. Finally, we reach Praia da Bordeira and look out from a rocky outcrop onto a kilometer-long beach. Here, we actually see a few surfers, although not many dare to go into the water. On the rocks, however, there are numerous anglers trying their luck in the churning surf. We continue along winding roads through beautiful countryside. If only we had a convertible! What a beautiful route we could drive here. But let’s not complain! After a few kilometers, we reach Aljezur and turn off again onto a side road towards the coast. A little later, we arrive at Vale da Telha and Praia da Arrifana. The small village is picturesquely situated on a rocky outcrop that winds its way steeply into the Atlantic Ocean to Fortaleza da Arrifana. Once again, we enjoy a breathtaking view and read with great astonishment that the small fortress, built in 1636, was destroyed to its foundations by the tsunami that followed the great earthquake of 1755. It’s hard for us to imagine, as we stand far, far above the crashing waves. It is truly impressive to think how high the sea rose here and with what force the waves knocked down a stone fortress. After enjoying the wind blowing around our noses for a while, we decide on the spur of the moment to stop at the O Paulo restaurant just behind the fortress ruins. We are surprised by the excellent food and great service. Not to mention the view, which alone would make the visit worthwhile. Well fed, we head back towards Vilamoura. This time we drive via Marmelete and Monchique and are rewarded with more stunning scenery. The steep slopes of the mountains stretch out to our left into the fog and clouds that have gathered around the mountains and threaten rain. The deep green, dense vegetation and terraced steep slopes are somewhat reminiscent of the landscape of Madeira. It’s just a shame that you can’t simply stop on the winding roads to take a few photos. Back in the valley, the sun is shining again and we can enjoy the rest of the evening on board in beautiful weather.
Since we currently have a rental car with a „second driver,“ I take the opportunity to go on another trip with Mücke while Guido is laid up with a cold and Axel finally wants to finish his current watermaker project. We drive on the highway to Alvor, where we first meet up with Denise from the sailing yacht Tortuga. We got in touch via a TO WhatsApp group, and Denise not only gives me some lovely rye sourdough, which I want to use to finally bake bread on board again soon, but also a SCOBY, a tea fungus for making kombucha. After the handover and a few explanations about how to make kombucha, Mücke and I take a short walk along the headland between the Atlantic Ocean and the Alvor lagoon. As usual, wooden boardwalks make it easier to walk through the salt marshes and we enjoy the beautiful nature. Next, we make a shopping stop in Lagoa, where I can stock up on supplies for Christmas and New Year’s Eve at Auchan and Apolonia. As the weather is super sunny and beautiful, we make another sightseeing stop in Carvoeiro. There, we park east of Praia on Camino do Algar Seco and walk along the cliffs. A few adventurous paths lead down through the rocks to the sea, but unfortunately I’m wearing the wrong shoes for this. However, the view of the rocky landscape is also worth it from above. We walk to Praia do Carvoeiro and finally back to our car. Another excursion that was well worth it! Back on board, Mücke takes care of Guido, who is feeling ill, and I am happy that the watermaker project is slowly but surely nearing completion.
Even though the weather has become more changeable and cooler, there are still plenty of beautiful, sunny days. We take advantage of the nice days to visit the small Christmas market in Vilamoura. We use the rainy and sometimes quite windy and cold days to work on the boat and enjoy cozy get-togethers in the heated saloon. Meanwhile, our German sailing community is dispersing again. First, Guido and Mücke leave us for North Rhine-Westphalia, then Ralph and Martina for Bavaria, and finally Wolfgang and Sylvia also for North Rhine-Westphalia. Christmas and family are calling. Only Nico and Harald from the Blue Eyes are still waiting with us at the jetty. We prefer to stay in the warmth, even though we naturally miss contact with our family and friends! This makes us all the more delighted to receive a video call from the Bremen Christmas market and warm greetings from our friends Andrea & Pit, Elke & Luer, Maike & Torsten, Anja H. and Anja Brill. Thank you so much for thinking of us!
We still have one world-famous destination on our list of places to visit that we haven’t managed to get to yet—the caves of Benagil. This is actually a destination that you have to explore by boat or kayak, but it’s too cold for that at the moment. So, we’re heading to Benagil from land first. The small village is nestled in a small gorge, and you can take various tours on the water from the beach. However, we first walk along the rocky coast above and take a look into the cave from above. Even though you can hear the sea rushing below, unfortunately you can’t see very much. But of course, the view of the sea is beautiful here too! On the way back, we stop for shopping as usual, this time at Aldi. For me, it’s almost like winning the lottery today, because my absolute favorite cheese, Langres, is on a super special Christmas offer! Three pieces go straight into the shopping cart. When we then discover white asparagus at Apolonia, our culinary happiness is complete! We haven’t been able to find white asparagus since June 2024 and are now delighted about a very late start to the asparagus season.
Shortly before Christmas, visitors from Germany arrive on board once again. Our friends Andrea and Pit fly in from Bremen, bringing not only greetings from all our friends, but also a few gifts from our old home. Homemade chocolates from Axel’s sister Anja. A Christmas envelope from Axel’s parents. And licorice and leaf brittle always find takers on board! In the evening, we all go to the Rare restaurant, where we plan the next few days together.
On Sundays, after a delicious breakfast, we take advantage of a few hours of rain-free weather to take a walk to Praia de Falesia. There we stop at the Rocha Baixinha beach bar and enjoy a tasty snack for lunch. While Andrea and Pit continue hiking, Axel and I return to the boat and start preparing dinner. Unfortunately, it starts to rain just as I put the delicious marinated chicken breast fillets on the grill. Never mind, it tastes good anyway, of course. You might think that we didn’t do much apart from eat…
The next day, we get up early and head to the local Europcar branch. A rental car is waiting for Andrea and Pit, and we immediately set off on a little trip together. By now, I could work as a tour guide in the Algarve, so I lead the small tour group first to Lagos, then to Ponta de Piedade and the pretty city center. Then we go to Ferragudo for lunch and to Club Nau. For a digestive walk, we stop in Carvoeiro and climb a little through the rocks. As always, it’s a beautiful round trip with lots of nature and spectacular views of the rocks and the sea.
Unfortunately, I’ve caught a cold and am feeling a little under the weather. It’s a shame, because it means I can only enjoy the wine tasting at Wine Emotion, which we booked for the afternoon, to a limited extent. The following Christmas Eve is also spent coughing and sniffling for me. Andrea and Pit prefer to escape to the beach for a walk and don’t come back until dinner. Meanwhile, Axel has cooked a delicious bouillabaisse, which we enjoy together in the evening.
On Christmas Day, I’m feeling a little better, so we set off on another trip. As the weather is sunny and clear, we head west again and into the mountains. First, we stop in Caldas de Monchique and hike a little along the springs. Then we continue uphill to the Foia viewpoint. As there is a fresh wind blowing and all the cafés are closed, we quickly continue on to Alte without a warm-up or coffee break. The road takes us on a winding route through the mountainous hinterland and we enjoy the varied landscape. Since everything is closed in Alte too, we just take a short walk to the springs before heading back to Vilamoura. In the evening, Axel and Andrea prepare a delicious Greek bowl, which we enjoy with a nice glass of wine in the cozy heated salon.
The next day, Andrea and Pit leave us again for the time being. They are traveling to Lisbon, where Andrea worked for a few years, to meet up with friends there. We use the time to cure our colds—Axel has unfortunately caught it too in the meantime. So we do nothing, drink fresh juice and tea, put our feet up, and relax. We make the fresh juice with our new slow juicer, which I gave Axel for Christmas. Only healthy and vitamin-rich ingredients such as orange, apple, pear, ginger, and celery. In addition, we have our first homemade kombucha with ginger and lime. That should quickly get rid of our coughs and colds! The weather is also more suited to staying indoors. It’s pouring with rain and the wind is howling through the rigging. Fortunately, it’s supposed to get better again at the end of the year!
After Andrea and Pit return from their trip and the sun comes out again, we all go to the Alxama restaurant for dinner. Located just outside Vilamoura, we had already bought some delicious beef fillet there in the spring. Now we want to enjoy the restaurant’s culinary skills, and we are not disappointed. Well, you have to like meat. Otherwise, you’re in the wrong place here. But the meat served is of very good quality and cooked to perfection. The highlight is that the meat is grilled and served hanging on huge skewers. Accompanied by a delicious wine from the region and a modern but very cozy atmosphere. Only the lighting could be a little better for reading the menu, but what’s a flashlight on your smartphone for? All in all, perfect and definitely worth a second or third visit!
The next day, the sun is back and we make one last culinary excursion to Quarteira. Next to the market hall, we have walked past the fish display at the Rosa Branca restaurant countless times, and now we finally have the opportunity to stop for lunch. We get a nice, sunny spot with a view of the sea and, a little later, are served a Portuguese specialty. We have fish cataplana, a kind of fish stew with fish, seafood, vegetables, and potatoes, which is prepared in a special pot called a cataplana. For dessert, Pit and I have Delicia Algarve, an almond, fig, and carob cake. Everything is delicious! While Andrea and Pit take a stroll along the beach promenade, Axel and I march to the local Decathlon. There we learn that my bike battery is unfortunately beyond repair and not covered by warranty. Apparently, someone tried to steal it and broke it in the process. Our argument that the sealing ring on my battery was already visible upon delivery and was probably broken from the start falls on deaf ears. We should try again at Decathlon in Faro, where we bought the bikes. What a mess! I already couldn’t use my bike for several months in the summer because of the broken motor, and now the battery is broken too. Even though it lay unused from May to July. A very unsatisfactory situation! Especially since a new battery is supposed to cost around 500 euros. Well, let’s see what we can do about it…
After Andrea and Pit left us to head back to Germany, we’re getting ready for the end-of-year celebrations. We’ve invited guests aboard La Ola for New Year’s Eve and are expecting Matthias and Corinne from the Seren Wen with their friends Tom and Alexandra, who are bringing their used Parasailor and our new one with them. Later, Guido and Mücke from the Playmobil will join us, but unfortunately they won’t be landing in Faro until around 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Let’s just hope that the airport strike announced for December 31 doesn’t throw a spanner in the works! In any case, we are optimistically shopping for a raclette evening together.
On December 31, all our friends arrive safely in Vilamoura. In addition to the Parasailor, we have also brought plenty of raclette cheese with us from Switzerland, and we enjoy delicious varieties such as mango chili, truffle, porcini mushroom, and, fittingly for Portugal, port wine. Shortly after ten o’clock, Guido and Mücke join us and we head to the beach with a magnum bottle of sparkling wine. Once again, a large crowd has gathered there and we toast the start of the new year together and marvel at the spectacular fireworks along the coast. Back on board, Lucky has fortunately survived the hustle and bustle unscathed and we sit in the cockpit until 2 a.m. and start the new year with fortune cookies.
Faster than we thought, the year 2025 is already over. We have seen a lot in the past 12 months, even if we haven’t racked up any miles. We have fully settled into life on board as sailors. Hopefully, the new year 2026 will continue in a similarly relaxed manner for us, taking us to familiar and new shores. In any case, my fortune cookie oracle promises good things to come! We are very much looking forward to the coming months and hope that some of you will accompany us virtually on this website or on Facebook and Instagram. We wish everyone a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year 2026!