Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
getarian choices. It has an appealing indoor area, with fishing nets on the walls, and out-
door seating under large umbrellas. It's hugely popular at weekends and is good value.
Sítio do Forno
( 282 973 914; mains €10-17; noon-9pm Tue-Sun Apr-Oct)
On the cliff overlooking Praia do
Amado, this large place grew from a tiny fisherman's cabana. The value is in the setting -
the magnificent ocean views - not so much in the cuisine, though some fish dishes are de-
licious, depending on what's available.
SEAFOOD
€€
Aljezur
POP 3300
Some 20km north of Carrapateira, Aljezur is an attractive village that straddles a river.
The western part is Moorish, with a collection of cottages below a ruined 10th-century
hilltop castle; the eastern side, called Igreja Nova (meaning 'new church'), is 600m up a
steep hill. Aljezur is close to some fantastic beaches, edged by black rocks that reach into
the white-tipped, bracing sea - surfing hot spots. The countryside around, which is part of
the natural park, is a tangle of yellow, mauve and green wiry gorse and heather.
Sights & Activities
Hidden in the narrow backstreets of Aljezur, are a string of quaint museums (one entrance
price of €2 permits you to visit all four museums!). All are well worth a visit.
Castelo
The polygonal-shaped castle, believed to have been occupied since the Iron Age,
was used by the Moors in the 10th century. These days walls from the 13th century and
two towers survive. A climb to the castle affords great views of the village and beyond.
CASTLE
Painter José Cercas House Museum
(entry to 4 museums €2; 9am-6pm summer, 9am-1pm & 2-5pm winter)
This quaint house belonged to
Portuguese painter José Cercas (1914-1992) who left his home and belongings - an ex-
traordinary collection of furniture, artworks and personal objects - to the town.
MUSEUM
St Anthony Museum
MUSEUM
