UP INTO THE MOUNTAINS Most winter visitors take time out to move away from the coast to enjoy the more mountainous hinterland. We were no exception and pointed our rental car towards Silves and Monchique, en route to Foia, the highest point in the Algarve. Silves is regarded as the best non-coastal northern town of the Algarve. We were led to believe that it was very different from the developed resort towns, but we found it packed with tourist shops. Monchique, on the other hand, we enjoyed very much. It was along this route that we encountered dozens of storks nesting on the telegraph poles, their enormous nests precariously balanced. We also stopped at a pottery and bought several items, including clay chimney pots. These characteristic intricate chimney toppers were on homes everywhere, and I loved them and photographed far too many. The town had lovely views, and a short walk brought us to a great coffee stop with wonderful stone walls, a barrel brick ceiling, and a great atmosphere. On the hillside of Monchique grow the trees which supply the corks for champagne bottles. We saw many of these which had been stripped of their bark, but always in a manner which would not destroy them. Much is also used today by craftsmen to make all types of tourist gifts. At Portugal’s highest point at Foia we stopped to admire the views. FARO Having reached the city, we made our way to the harbor. It was quiet except for a few fishermen mending and sorting their nets. We took an overview tour, but it was the old district which appealed to us most, encircled by an ancient Moorish city wall, which we accessed through narrow city gates where there were more nesting storks. The cobbled streets, the square, the orange trees laden with ripe fruit, the cathedral, and the ambience are our fondest memories. At the heart of the old town is the Sé cathedral, and from the top of the clock tower, there are wonderful views over the city and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There was a film crew working in the
square and inside the cathedral, but we were still invited inside, and as we admired its lavishly decorated interior, the organ played.
RIA FORMOSA NATURAL PARK The famous Ria Formosa Natural Park consists of 45,000 acres of marshlands protected by 37 miles of sand dunes and islands. It prevents the ocean from entering the marshlands and is an ideal habitat for water birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It is an amazing place, and a boat tour with a biologist in summertime is a must. In winter there are some great walks looking out over this unique natural reserve. FOOD In recent years, the Portuguese custard tart has found its way into bakeries in many countries, but nothing matches those found locally. There is something very satisfying about sinking your teeth into one, freshly-baked and served with a steaming hot cup of coffee, as you sit in the warm sunshine. You will soon discover that it is only one of many cakes and pastries, all well worth trying. The Portuguese consume more fish per capita than any other Mediterranean country, so be adventurous. Try the cataplana de marisco —a seafood feast. The dish gets its name from the copper pan it’s cooked in: a cataplana, a pan with two rounded sides connected by a hinge that opens and closes like a clam. It contains onions, garlic, and tomatoes, which are stewed with glugs of white wine, clams, whole prawns, and chorizo. PERFECT CHOICE We found that Faro is easily accessible from many local UK airports, which eliminates the stress associated with travel from the larger international airports. From Bristol, it was just over a two hour flight and another half an hour by car brings you to Albefuria, which is a popular choice for many. It is a winter destination we would highly recommend.
34 ] REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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