-
Evora, Portugal
Although it is inland, this small town whose Historic Centre was declared of
interest by Unesco, was my starting point. I arrived just before sunset, and I
could see that it was still as wonderful as I remembered it. Quiet, with its
charming squares where the terraces overflow with life and its whitewashed
streets, where, fortunately, no construction stands out in height or style.
-
Comporta, Portugal
This coastal area, its long beaches of fine sand and the traditional port ‘Cais
Palafitico da Carrapateira’, built entirely in wood and very unique will make
you fall for the Alentejo’s coast at the beginning of this road trip. When you
visit, do not forget to check the tide schedules in advance and try to match
your visit with the high tide and, if possible, the sunrise or sunset. Neither
of them I had when I was there, instead, I faced a hard noon light and low tide.
Still, I think it’s possible to appreciate the beauty of the place, don’t you
think?
-
Porto Covo, Portugal
The abrupt Alentejo coast offers a myriad of fascinating spots. Take for
instance its coves, cliffs, and beaches where you feel like stopping every ten
minutes and simply getting lost for a while, exploring its beauty. Like the
beaches of Porto Covo, where the turquoise blue of the water and the yellow of
the fine sand mix with the charcoal rocks and the sea-foam when hitting against
the same. Bring your camera along!
-
Sines, Portugal
The fourth recommended stop is Sines. An alluring coastal town that has one of
the most active fish markets in the region and where it is possible to get close
and see how the boats unload fresh, fresh fish. There I learned that the
fishermen begin their daily duties when the rest of the world goes to bed. After
about four or five hours picking up and releasing pots and nets a few miles
offshore, they return in the morning so we can enjoy their catch on the table.
-
Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal
Very touristy in summer, you can pretty much have this village to yourself if
you happen to approach it in the low season.
At Tasca do Celso, a local restaurant whose decoration will make you feel at
home, the grilled robalo and the ‘açorda de camarao’ are two great choices.
-
Porto das Barcas, Portugal
One of the smallest ports with which I have ever drop by, Porto das Barcas
serves the local fishermen and community. Once again, I saw the freshness of the
fish that was sold in his tiny fish market and a little later, I was able to
enjoy it at the local restaurant. Talk about responsible consumption.
-
Rota vicentina, Portugal
To lower your meal, after enjoying a leisurely meal in Porto das Barcas, there
is nothing better than to venture into one of the coastal paths of the
Vincentina Route. I went through a section of the so-called Fishermen’s Trail.
And as it was predictable, I came across three of them. The last one, who I
watched for a good half an hour from the top of a cliff, gets the ‘most extreme
climber fisherman of the year’ award.