Our first view of the Atlantic Ocean from the Portuguese coast was at Cacela Velha — low tide creates a river that separates us from the sea.We walked around the Sea Salt lagoons at Castro Marim. As the temperature warms in the Spring, the water will evaporate and by Fall, sea salt will be ready for harvesting: a process that has been on going for millennium.Ruins de Milreu — a Roman farm that pays homage to the sea in all the colorful mosaics.The town of Lagos has a wonderful water front cliff walk called Ponta da Piedade.What fascinating eroded rock formations at every turn!Stairs take you down to some of the shore areas where you can appreciate the size of the rock outcroppings and arches. Ponta da PiedadeSalema is our home base — looking back at the village from their wonderful clear beach at low tide……tho there are some treasures to be found!About a mile walk to the west of Salema is a small secluded beach to enjoy the surf.A longer walk to the east of Salema we climbed over this cliff headlands to another beach……and over yet another cliff is this popular beach — which we enjoyed hanging out a bit……to watch the surfers! Very big waves.The furthest southwest point in Europe is Cape St Vincent — with a of course a lighthouse. We also toured around the fort at Sagres which is on the adjacent cliff.A little further north along the coast is Praia da Cordoama — where a river joins the ocean. The layers of waves coming into shore and the endless kilometers of cliffs were captivating.Looking the other direction at Praia da Cordoama we loved the emerald greenery draping off the rocks. That beach looks enticing……We drove down and walked the sandy beach enjoying the sea spray on our faces while watching the waves crash into the rugged shore. Praia da CordoamaFurther north at Carrapateira — the geology changed to gold and red cliffs! So much diversity along this rugged coast!
Cromeleque dos Almendres is the largest Megalithic monument in the Iberian peninsula — around 7000 years old — 2000 years older than Stonehenge. A pleasant sunny spring day to visit.There are 100 monoliths stones that comprise Cromeleque dos Almendres. The high position on a hill allows for astronomical sightings and tracking the annual movement of the sun.About 2 km away is this Menhir dos Almendres — positioned to align with the sun at summer solstice from the larger Cromeleque site.‘Hello Cow’ — she is loving the flowers on the other side of the fence! Our 7.5 mile hiking round trip took us through farm lands and gorgeous cork oak tree forests.At 19.5 feet in height, those stones in back make this the tallest Megalithic Dolmen found in the world — Anta Grande do Zambujeiro. This is a funereal monument — thought to be 6000 years old — with its long corridor facing the rising sun on the summer solstice.Roman Aqueduct — Evora — in all its spring glory! So many yellow clover flowers took our breath away.Whitewashed houses built between the Evora Roman Aqueduct. The Portuguese tradition of using yellow around doors and windows is often linked to warmth, hospitality, and a sense of joy.Evora is preparing to be the European Capital of Culture in 2027. We enjoyed walking the town, the local museum, coffee on the square and this Roman Temple.Castle of Montemor-o-Novo is on the highest hill — naturally. It received charter in 1203 but was probably built on a Muslim Moor site that was built on a Roman site.Montemor-o-Novo Castle was the venue of the ‘Cortes of 1495’ (a state assembly) during which Manuel I of Portugal decreed to send Vasco da Gama, born in this region, to discover a sea route to India.Montemor-o-Novo is in the fertile Alentejo valley. A very nice place to have as a home base for a few days.Quinta Da Asneira is an estate, divided into 5 apartments, but we and the sheep are the only ones enjoying it now! Our very own country Villa in Montemor-o-Novo.An Elvis sighting!!! We enjoyed a morning walk around this town — the medieval fortifications, cafe and pastries by the plaza, the sunshine — on our drive to Spain.The beauty and history in central Portugal has charmed us. We can see the influence of the Moors more clearly after our time in Morocco — such an integral part of the history in this region.
