Mertola drive

Leaving the Algarve coast behind we headed for Mertola. Our route took us through some wonderful scenery with rivers and streams in full spate.

Mertola  is a pretty whitewashed town of great historic interest with a very nice castle. It dates back to the Phoenicians who built a great port here. Later the Romans and the Moors capitalised on this success We saw our first Blue Rock Thrush of the year here as well.

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Alcoutim drive from Castro Marim

The drive along the Guadiana river, the border between Spain and Portugal, was a revelation. A totally different aspect of Portugal and its diversity. The road climbs gently with the river through some beautiful scenery, past Barragems and lovely villages. Despite the threatening sky the drive was wonderful. We arrived at Alcoutim and parked the Scooter near the castle. At first it seemed closed, but after a little research we found the entrance. For a measly 2.50 euro we had books and tickets and sunshine, a bonus. The museum is beautifully laid out amid the excavated ruins of the original castle and is tastefully done.

This old river crossing was once a major mover in the history books and all the locally mined copper was shipped from this port down to Castro Marim and onwards. The river is still navigable and many large yachts ply the waterway. On our return the heavens opened and we we deluged with rain and hailstones. Fortunately it stopped long enough to complete our journey and dry out a little before we arrived back in Tavira.

Igreja Matriz de Sao Lourenco

Just outside Almancil off the N125 lies the beautiful church of Sao Lourenco. Its interior is totally covered in ceramic tiles in blue and white,,depicting the life of St Laurence. Even the high cupola is decorated. The outstanding fact is that the earthquake of 1755 which devastated many towns in Portugal, only dislodged five tiles from the vault.

Sadly no photographs were allowed, but unfortunately Sarah did not hear this or see the notices.

www.portugal-lol.com/2012/04/sao-lourenco-church-almancil/

Cachopo and environs

As our next area for walking was in this region we decided to do a field trip to assess the potential.

We had heard that the fires of last summer had devastated the flora so we needed to see how badly it had affected the environment. We stopped off on route at Parque da Fonte Ferrea, essentially a picnic site in the valley by a stream. In summer time it must be streaming with tourists but at this time of year it had but few and we walked up the river as far as possible, There were a few people and a camper van in the park but very quiet really. In summer they have quad bike tours of the forest and the machines were all lined up and ready for next season. It was all a bit artificial with man made weirs etcetera but at this time of year it was quite acceptable. 

Continuing onwards we noted that the whole area was badly scarred by last years fire. All the Cistus had been burnt along with the trees. Thousands of acres were affected. The trees seemed to be recovering but it will take a long time before it all gets back to normal.

We continued our journey inland towards Cachopo, but taking a detour on an interesting road into Castelao, a tiny village down a dirt track.  We wondered whether we should have taken this road but by then it was too late. The people of the village looked surprised to see us there, on a scooter of all things. They looked like Peruvians with all the clothing and hats. We resisted the temptation to stop and film and carried on out of the village on a proper road. This was the real way in to the place. Eventually we arrived in Cachopo and stopped for a coffee. By then we were getting cold so we took the main road back down into Tavira and then back to camp at Olaho..

Mesquita and a walk to the spring.

Another day and another walk from our book.

This one started at the Fonte de Mesquita and takes in some lovely countryside, some of it at the start could easily have been in Derbyshire UK with the stone walls and rock outcrops. Lots of wells and springs along the way made for a great walk through some beautiful landscape, and for once, a well marked trail..

Praia Do Barril

Praia do Barril is one of the sand bars off the main shoreline in the Eastern Algarve near Tavira.

The walk takes you across a bridge and then alongside a small train line and out to the semi island.

A very pleasant walk and cafes open and doing good business in the lovely sunshine. Great beach about six miles long, beautiful sand and lots of shells.

There is an Anchor graveyard here,as the pictures show and some good bird life.

Fonte Benemola and Querenca

Still staying at Albufeira camping and wanted to do the Benemola walk with a visit to Querenca as well.

When we arrived at the parking we were amazed at the information panel. It actually marked the route of the walk in our book. But also it had a longer route which I vetoed that day as I was not quite up to par so we settled for the shorter walk. Once again the route followed a river and was really peaceful. We stopped a long while on the river bank just watching the birds and resting in the sun. We will return to finish the walk another day. We carried on the Querenca which our guide book described as an uninspiring town. This was indeed an accurate description. Sterile was my version. Some plastic cows and a lot of new marble adorned what was probably once a pretty village square.

Very miss able.