Yesterday we realized by this time last year we’d been to Svalbard, touched 80 degrees north, and were on our way back to Tromso, Norway. So we determined to set out on an adventure to see if our anchor still worked after a week of marina living, while checking out a quaint Portuguese fishing village we’d heard about at the same time.

Unspoiled beaches and dramatic cliffs give promise.

And if the “fishing village” appears to be bustling, that Moorish era castle overlooking the town provides a cool backdrop with Santigo fort in the foreground..

The Moors, of course, play a prominent role in the history of this part of the world, and this is our first significant visual image of their earlier presence.

The anchorage in front of Sisembra is protected from north winds, but the swell does wrap around the headland. There are half a dozen other yachts sharing this Sunday idyll with us.

With MoonBeam lV just leaving.

Sisembra appears to have been discovered by tourists and developers.

The thin strip of beach is a touch crowded, but the sun is out, there is a refreshing breeze, and it is, after all, a day of rest.

The steep hillside below the castle offers a combination of old and new, with access primarily on foot using steep steps on narrow passageways. You will stay in shape carrying the groceries home here.

There is a craft fair and dozens of sidewalk cafes and restaurants.

And for those more inclined towards modern conveniences, the latest in condo/time share living awaits.

This is an active fishing port, and while most of the commercial guys are in church this morning, a few are out with a handline.

The gulls remain at work.

And the local citizens are enjoying their day off.

This entrepreneur is doing a brisk business towing discs. He and his customers, along with a banana boat ride, and a few water skiers, have fun running circles around Wind Horse.

By eight pm the beaches are empty, only two yachts are left in the anchorage, and we are enjoying the solitude of this quaint fishing village.

For full screen high res versions of these photos click here.