Adara to Atecru

What should have been an easy 1.5 hour walk (which I’d done before) turned into a much longer walk, attempting to walk between Adara and Atecru around the coast at high tide. I basically ended up walking most of the coastal and most of the high tide route, so at least I had variety and a decent workout!

Things started well, leaving Adara for an easy walk along the beach, until the way was blocked by overhanging cliffs and an impassable section.

Returning the way I came I found the high tide route which was quite spectacular.

This dropped back down to sea level, where there were huge cacti, and a few houses with an evocative cemetery.

I made the mistake of walking in front, rather than behind, the houses, which took me to impressive coastal scenery.

Which after scrambling around for a while proved to also be impassable…

I returned and failed to find the correct route. Instead I rock climbed with a heavy pack up the easiest section of cliff I could find.

This brought me out onto a field, and after crossing the gate I found the high tide path.

It was straightforward walking from here, following the water pipe that runs between Adara and Atecru (which would have been the best way to find the correct route).

I’ve been to Atecru before and rate it as one of the most pleasant places on Atauro Island. It is scenic, with a huge sandy beach, peaceful and friendly.

I had a delicious lunch with Jhoky, my guide when I did a five day walk around the island in March 2024. He can be contacted on WhatsApp at +670 7670 5089 to organise accommodation, transport or food in Atecru. After lunch I went for an amazing snorkel above Atecru Reef. Compared with Adara Reef this had clearer water, many more fish and coral, a similar drop offs, and much easier and safer access as you can enter from one end of the beach, drift with the current, and get out at the other end of the beach.