It’s not all about the coast! Head into the Algarve’s hinterland and explore the beautiful landscapes of the Serra do Caldeirão on a beautiful driving trip. The gentle hills mask hidden villages that each has their own traditional trades, architecture and local cuisine. Admire the whitewashed walls and the traditional stone benches that characterise this part of the Algarve and stop at São Brás de Alportel to admire the quaint church and the iron bridge. You’ll also find an exhibition of traditional local crafts at the small museum centre of Cachopo. Don’t forget to soak up the landscape, too. The green forests of eucalyptus, cork-oaks and pine-trees are spectacular, as are the views over wheat and barley fields. To round of your tour of the region, don’t forget to taste some of the local cheese, wine, brandy and sausages, not forgetting the “filhós” fried pastries.
Cabo de São Vicente - Lagos, photo by José Manuel
Another interesting excursion is exploring the Cabo de São Vicente. This is the southwestern tip of Europe, and was considered to be the “world’s end” in the Middle Ages. It is named after a Spanish priest who was martyred by the Romans. Legend has it that his bones arrived at the cape on a boat, accompanied by ravens and carrion crows.
By the reign of Dom Manuel I, the headland already had a beacon kept lit all night by the Capuchin friars and with a range of 95 kms, the lighthouse is still one of the most powerful in Europe.
ATOP members: Milestones
