Some of Europe's, indeed the world's, most stunning beaches first made Portugal the popular tourist destination it has now become. This remains unchanged with a 100 miles of long golden sandy beaches, secluded coves and amazing outcrops of rock formations.

Most of the beaches are supervised, with flags to indicate the quality of the water, and have been annually awarded the European Blue Flag for excellence.
Naturally, tourism has had its impact. However, upmarket internationally famous resorts, with their superb championship golf courses co-exist comfortably with picturesque fishing villages and traditional rural communities, steeped with Moorish history.

The warm welcome extended by hospitable locals, for whom nothing is too much trouble, is a delightful introduction to the country for new visitors, whilst regular guests are greeted like old friends. If you yearn for more than just beautiful beaches and the tranquillity of your own private villa and pool, then drive just a few miles inland and you will discover the real Portugal. The domed church at Sao Lourenco near Almancil has a stunning interior of 18th Century tiles depicting scenes from the bible, or take a walk around the ancient walled castle at Silves, once the capital of the Algarve, and enjoy a coffee in one of the many pavement cafes. A visit to Loule in the hills is a must, a traditional town of Moorish origin famous for its regional crafts of copper-work, painted clay and brassware and boasts one of the Algarve's best weekly markets. For a taste of the lifestyle of the rich and famous, go to Quinta do Lago with its beautiful beach, lake and estates of perfectly manicured gardens surrounding truly luxurious villas - home of the jet set. Vilamoura hosts the largest marina in the country with 1300 moorings, a fashionable place to soak up the atmosphere in one of the quayside bars or restaurants. Take time to drive inland to the Monchique mountains, where the clean fresh air is scented by a mixture of cork, chestnut, pine and eucalyptus trees.

Just before reaching Monchique, you will pass through Caldas de Monchique, a Roman spa where the water is reputed to have healing qualities, and you can try it free - but be warned, it is smelly!

Back down to the coast is Portimao, still a traditional sprawling town where there are some very good shops, but the mainstay of its life is still fishing, and who can resist joining the locals for a lunch of barbecued sardines, fresh off the boats that morning. A short drive further and you will come to Lagos, one of the prettiest towns along the coast with a new marina and walkway alongside the coastal road. Full of history, museums and historic statues, it was in Lagos that Henry the Navigator had his ships built and maintained.

Eating out is the norm for everyone. It is not unusual to find yourself surrounded by families enjoying a leisurely and often noisy Sunday lunch of spicy chicken piri piri or freshly caught fish - and a general rule of thumb is "if the locals eat here, it MUST be good!" The choice of restaurants is vast, and at very reasonable prices. These are only a few suggestions; we simply do not have the space to include everything, but hope we have given you enough of a taste to whet your appetite.

Sao Bras De Alpotel

"The tranquil, unhurried lifestyle of the local people, streets of white houses, the ring of hills that tower majestically around; these are the simple charms of this typical Algarvean town".

The area was inhabited as early as Roman times and was the birthplace of the Moorish poet Ibne Ammar. By the 16th century, Sao Bras was a thriving small community. In the 17th century, the Algarvean Bishops were drawn to Sao Bras by it's agreeable climate and made the area their summer residence.

However, the real prosperity of Sao Bras was created by being at the centre of the Cork trade. The surrounding hills were laid to Cork Oak plantations and the town became not only the largest producer of Cork in Portugal but the largest in the World. Whilst Cork Oaks are still widespread, the industry has now moved to other areas of Portugal and Sao Bras has now returned to being a diversified and natural Algarvean community. Walking is a major source of recreational activity around Sao Bras. Destinations include Mesquita, Desbarato, Mealhas, Gralheira and Vilarinhos. The hills also hide the fascinating little communities such as Cova da Muda, Javali, Cabeca do Velha, Corches and Pero de Amigos.

Many of the regions traditional crafts still thrive in Sao Bras de Alportel. Brooms and Brushes are made in Soalheira, interesting objects are woven from the tough Esparto grass from Peral, Stonemasonry practised in Chibeira and Corotelo and the Baskets and Panniers from Desbarato. Tiles and Bricks are still handmade and can be seen in Vale de Mealhas.

In Vilarinhos you can additionally see Wrought Iron and Copper work, miniature Carts and children's Toys. Finally, but by no means least, if you want to see a mill grind corn and wheat as it always has been using nothing but wind power, then a visit to Cabeca do Velho is a must.

Built in the 17th and 18th centuries for the Bishops of the Algarve, this building has been systematically modified over the years until today, only part of the main building and a baroque vaulted fountain with 8 spouts remain. The Museum is probably the best in the Algarve and is located in what was once the bourgeois home of a wealthy Cork Trader. In addition to an exhibition of typical Algarvean Costumes, there is also a collection of popular Religious Sculpture. In the old farm buildings, there are a number of old Farm Implements and Vehicles plus a further exhibition dedicated to the Cork trade.

The cooking in Sao Bras is marked by the perfumes of the fresh herbs that are picked in the surrounding fields. Oregano, Wild Sage and Tyme feature particularly in the local cuisine and create memorable dishes such as a Thick Bread Soup, Wild Rabbit in Wine, Kid, Chicken with Garlic (and Pir-Piri of course!) and Eggs with Tomato and Chickpeas. Sao Bras is also very well known for it's Almond Sweets and Cakes, particularly at Easter, when there is the highlight of the year's festivals. The Portuguese come from all over to witness the festivities which culminate in a memorable flower be-decked parade on Easter Day. Finally, and much appreciated, is the spirit distilled from the Arbutus Berry, commonly known as Medronho and various other liqueurs distilled with herbs and fruit such as the abundant figs found in the area.

Sao Bras de Alportel has many Restaurants catering to all tastes and pockets. From the centre of town, there are no less than 30 Restaurants within a four kilometre radius.