OUT AND ABOUT

"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. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about Cork Production. 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.

Click Here for Restaurant Descriptions
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Click Here for July/August Hill Festival
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Click Here to Get Information about Cork Production
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Click Here to Get Some
Interesting Walks and Drives in the Area
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Revised: 04/23/07