Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museu Etnográfico do
Trajo Algarvio
( 289 846 100; Rua Dr José Dias Sancho 61; admission €2; 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Mon-Fri, 2-5pm Sat, Sun &
holidays)
This constantly expanding and beautifully maintained museum, 200m east of the
Largo (along the Tavira road, known as Rua Dr José Dias Sanco), is a labour of love for
the curator and Friends of the Museum. It's housed in a former cork magnate's mansion
(which is stunning in itself - note the original kitchen). The building displays a rambling
collection of local costumes, while the garden has agricultural implements. In the stables,
there is a fascinating exhibit, including a video, of the town's once-buoyant cork industry,
which is part of the local cork route.
MUSEUM
Calçadinha de São Brás de Alportel
The Calçadinha de São Brás de Alportel is an ancient road constructed during Roman
times, possibly linking Faro (Ossonoba) with Beja (Pax Julia). It was used by mules and
shepherds until the 19th century. You can wander along two branches - one is around
100m, the other 500m. It starts near the
Centro da Calçadinha
(information centre; Rua do Matadouro 2;
WALKING
. The centre provides a text-heavy explanation of the
9.30am-1pm & 2-5.30pm Tue-Sat)
route (in English and Portuguese).
Cork Route
( 960 070 806;
www.rotadacortica.pt
; per person €26)
An English-speaking guide from the municip-
ality office leads a fascinating guided tour along a cork route, which includes anything
and everything from visiting a traditional cork factory to cork stacks in the surrounding
countryside, known as the
barrocal
(limestone) coastal region. Participants learn about the
cork industry - from the extraction of cork from the trees to its production, processes and
use. Minimum numbers may apply.
WALKING TOUR
Sleeping
Hospedaria São Brás
( 289 842 213; Rua Luís Bívar 27; s/d €30/50; )
Around the corner from the bus station (along
the Loulé road), this guesthouse is jam-packed with attractive antiques (note the gramo-
phone), pretty
azulejos
and plants. The delightful owner is happy to show you the full
range of eclectic rooms.
GUESTHOUSE
€
