Tavira via Sao Bras and Alcoutim...
Wonderful Tavira... As I wrote in my first page about exploring the Algarve, there are so many fantastic, beautiful places that it's hard to know where to start, but São Brás, Alcoutim and Tavira are as good as any. On other pages, I'll write up as many 'days out' as I can, so you can choose from a greater selection, no matter where in the Algarve you arrange your stay. (Of course, if you hire a car, you can drive just about anywhere in the Algarve - and back again - in a day, with plenty of time left over to enjoy the sights and sounds). And a hire car will be necessary for this circuit - the itinerary wouldn't be 'do-able' in any sensible timescale if you tried to rely on public transport. The first 'mini-circuit' I suggested was easy to do - a sort of 'introductory offer'. So this one's a more involved (but no less enjoyable) day trip, comprising a... Bracing Mountain and Riverside TourThis is one of the longest circuits we undertook when we first began to explore the Algarve's hinterland. It's about 170 km (105 miles). So, unless you drive without stopping (not recommended) this is pretty much a full-day tour, and perhaps best avoided on very hot days. But this circuit does get you away - for a while - from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas. And, during parts of it, you can absorb the wondrous sights with only the occasional donkey-drawn cart to negotiate. From wherever you're staying, you need to head for São Brás de Alportel, which is your 'kick-off' point. When you've finished swooning at the view from the terrace of the pousada, get back on the road and carry on north past Barranco do Velho. Then turn off toward Cachopo (you'll have covered 36 km or 22 miles) and stop there for something to drink, especially if the day is warming up. You're now in a lovely hilly area, with great views whichever way you turn. It's the foothill area of the Serra de Alcaria do Come, and while it's not too precipitous, you'll definitely need to stop to enjoy the views that tempt you. It's too winding not to keep your eyes on the road while you're moving (unless of course you're lucky enough to be a passenger). Continue along to Alcoutim, with as many stops as your fancy takes. I'd recommend a break at Martim Longo (13 km or 8 miles further on), where the local 'cottage industries' include pottery, and dolls made of sacking. It's only a tiny place, but pretty unspoiled - yet - so catch it while you can.
Once at Alcoutim, you can take in the ruins of the castle and also view their Spanish equivalent across the Guadiana river, at Sanlúcar. Down at the river, you can check out the yachts moored there and daydream about owning one -- as I did (until I remembered my lack of 'sea legs'). Choose a café or restaurant and stock up your system for the rest of the journey. Or, if you're feeling energetic, you could hire a pedalo and go on the river. We had a hoot the time we tried that - it was like those TV programmes about 1950's British holiday camps, only with much better weather! If you've dawdled enough on the way, it's probably approaching mid-afternoon by now, so you need to 'get your skates on' as there's still much to do and see... Driving now down the Portuguese side of the Guadiana river, through Castro Marim (34 km, 21 miles further) to Vila Real de Santo António (another 4 km, 2½ miles), there are more splendid views, but again, you need to stop to enjoy them in safety. From Vila Real, take the main road west to Tavira. There, you can enjoy the lingering splendour of its numerous churches and fine houses. The riverside gardens are a great place to rest, and you can see what's claimed to be an example of a Roman bridge (though I suspect it's been 'repaired' many times in the interim). There are lots of cafés with views over the river, so if you're peckish or thirsty, now's the time to relax for a bit and just let the local life wash around you. Or, if you'd rather work off some calories, stroll around the market where fresh fruit and fish are sold.
There are some interesting craft workshops to see on the Rua Dr António Cabreira. In this age of 'mass-produced tat', it's refreshing to meet and marvel at gifted human beings who can still make things using their hands and God-given skills. There are also some characterful back streets that are worthy of your attention if time permits. Just soak up the atmosphere and thank your stars that such sights and places of interest still exist in our shrinking and increasingly 'plastic' world! Once you've done enough sightseeing, it's time to stiffen the sinews for the drive back to your starting point... In my opinion, this is a top-notch day out, and one that I'll certainly repeat soon when we visit the Algarve. It has a bit of everything I like about the region; interesting places to see, some stunning views of the countryside, quaint unspoiled aspects of local culture, wonderful fresh air... Oh, and it's a complete contrast to toasting on the beach, so you'll enjoy that even more when you get back to it! Let me know if you try this circuit and enjoy it (using the Your Algarve Best form) -- and especially if you threw in an extra interesting stop
along the way. ...please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News, by clicking on the link below or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about the new information I have added about exploring the wonderful Algarve.
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...another great Algarve Day Out
Return to the square and find the church of Santa Maria do Castelo, where the remains of Dom Praio Peres Correia are entombed. The Dom is revered as the mastermind
behind much of the liberation of Algarve from its Moorish occupation (see the 
