Alentejo

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Tag: Alentejo

🍯 Sweetness of the Sun: Honey Producers & Bees in the Eastern Algarve

Local Flavours & Products,  Nature & BiodiversityPosted on

Honey and the Algarve go hand in hand—sun-warmed blooms, aromatic herbs, and busily buzzing bees all combine to make some of Portugal’s most beloved honeys. Here in Tavira and across the Eastern Algarve, small apiaries are reviving traditions, supporting biodiversity, and crafting pure, seasonal honey based entirely on local flora and age‑old methods.

🐝 Bee Heroes of the Algarve

Apicultura Algarve – Founded by Tomás

Tomás, a Belgian-born ecologist with a master’s in Sustainable Rural Management from the University of Algarve, fell for bees while researching raspberry crops. He started Apicultura Algarve to support pollinators and produce 100% raw honey in harmony with nature. His hives dot the Serra Algarvia , Barrocal , and Baixo Alentejo , offering small-batch honey without pasteurization or additives.

Melaria do Monte – Manuel & Célia Jesus

Located near Monchique (1,5 hour drive) but with production zones reaching into the Eastern Algarve, this family business began in 2003. Manuel, raised in a beekeeping family, now runs 350+ hives. Harvests happen from May through August , using natural smoking techniques and careful handling.

  • Varietals include orange blossom, thyme, and wildflower
  • Sold in eco markets and select Algarve shops
  • Proudly uses no mechanical filtration or heat

🌼 A Taste of Local Flora

Each honey reflects local blossoms:

  • 🍊 Orange Blossom Honey – Springtime freshness, pale and floral
  • 🌿 Thyme Honey – Rich, earthy, and high in thymol
  • 🌰 Carob Honey – Autumn-harvested and bittersweet, perfect with cheese
  • 🍓 Medronho Honey – Rare, late-season from the strawberry tree, slightly bitter

Production depends on rainfall and flowering seasons, so local honeys vary every year—true slow food at work.

🧂 Real Honey: Pure & Protected

Portugal’s local honeys are among the EU’s most genuine. Look for labels like:

  • “Mel de Rosmaninho” (rosemary)
  • “Mel Multiflora do Algarve”
  • Or simply buy from the Tavira Municipal Market on Saturdays for zero-km authenticity.

Beware: the Algarve wildfires of 2023–24 devastated many apiaries. Projects like Tomás’s are critical for bee recovery and future harvests.

🍯 Experience It: Tastings & Tours (not personally checked)

Note: The tours and producers mentioned have not been personally tested by Taste Tavira. Please check availability and reviews before booking.

Day Trip to Alcoutim and Mértola: Border Views and the World’s Only Cross-Border Zipline

Family Friendly,  History & Cultural Heritage,  VillagesPosted on

For those staying in Tavira and looking to escape the coast for a day, a drive inland to the historic villages of Alcoutim and Mértola offers a completely different side of the Algarve – one shaped by river valleys, whitewashed hill towns, and a quiet echo of frontier history.

Start your journey heading east from Tavira along the N125 or A22 towards Castro Marim and then north along the N122, passing rolling hills and cork oak forests until you reach Alcoutim , a tranquil village on the banks of the Guadiana River . Directly across the water lies Sanlúcar de Guadiana , its Spanish twin, and the two towns have shared centuries of peaceful coexistence – even exchanging festivals and customs. From the waterfront promenade in Alcoutim, you’ll enjoy beautiful views across to Spain, while the castle ruins above the village offer panoramic vistas and a small archaeological museum worth visiting.

But perhaps the most thrilling way to experience the border is not by boat or bridge – but by zipline . From Sanlúcar, adrenaline-seekers can launch themselves across the Limite Zero zipline , the only cross-border zipline in the world . In just under a minute, you’ll fly 720 meters across the river at speeds of up to 80 km/h – landing back in Portugal… and in a different time zone. (Yes, Spain is an hour ahead!)

After your ride (and the small boat ride back to Alcoutim), consider continuing north to Mértola , a hilltop village nestled in the Guadiana Valley Natural Park. Its layered history includes Roman ruins, a former mosque now serving as the main church, and winding cobbled streets with traditional houses. This is one of the most atmospheric towns in inland Portugal — and a photographer’s dream.

Don’t forget to enjoy lunch at a riverside taverna, where dishes like pork with clams , grilled black pork , or wild boar stew reflect the hearty Alentejan cuisine of the region.

From Mértola, you can return to Tavira (via Martinlongo and Cachapo), the scenic N122, N124 and N397 routes — a leisurely drive through the hills, with the occasional stork nest or shepherd crossing your path.

From Tavira to the Hills: Hiking the Algarve’s Hidden Trails

Family Friendly,  Hiking & Outdoor Activities,  Nature & BiodiversityPosted on

Just a short drive inland from Tavira, the landscape transforms into rolling hills, dense cork oak forests, and traditional whitewashed villages. This is the Serra do Caldeirão , a mountain range that forms the natural border between the Algarve and the Alentejo regions. Despite its modest altitude, with peaks like Pelados reaching up to 598 meters, the area offers a rich tapestry of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Nature and Trails

The Serra do Caldeirão is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Trails wind through cork oak groves, heather-covered slopes, and alongside clear streams. The region’s schist and greywacke soils support a variety of flora, including wild lavender and cistus.

Starting points like the village of Parises or areas near Cachopo provide access to well-marked trails. These routes offer panoramic views and a chance to experience the tranquility of the Algarve’s interior.

Navigating the Trails

Given the remote nature of the Serra do Caldeirão, it’s advisable to use navigation apps like Komoot , AllTrails , or Wikiloc . These platforms offer GPS tracks and user reviews to help you plan your hike. Always carry sufficient water, wear sturdy footwear, and inform someone of your planned route.

Cerro da Cabeça

For those interested in exploring the Cerro da Cabeça , it’s a separate destination located near Moncarapacho. This limestone hill, part of the Serra de Monte Figo, offers its own unique hiking experiences and geological features.

Whether you’re seeking the rugged trails of the Serra do Caldeirão or the distinctive landscapes of the Cerro da Cabeça, the Algarve’s diverse terrain provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.

History and Heritage: Tavira’s Churches and Museums

History & Cultural HeritagePosted on

Tavira may be a beach lover’s paradise, but for those who seek history, architecture, and cultural depth, it’s equally rewarding. This charming town is home to more than 20 churches, several small but fascinating museums, and centuries of well-preserved history waiting to be explored.

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo – Echoes of the Knights

Located next to the castle ruins, this imposing white church stands on the former site of a mosque and is one of Tavira’s most important religious buildings. It houses the tombs of seven knights of the Order of Santiago, linking it to the Reconquista and Christian conquest of the Algarve. The large clock tower and peaceful cloister garden offer a tranquil break in the heart of town.

Igreja de Santiago – Pilgrimage Begins Here

Also near the castle, the Igreja de Santiago is more than just a beautiful church — it is the starting point of the Caminho Nascente , one of the lesser-known Portuguese pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela. Dedicated to St. James (Santiago) , the patron saint of pilgrims, the church holds special significance for those embarking on this spiritual journey. The route stretches northward through Alentejo and beyond, connecting Tavira with one of Europe’s most important religious destinations.

Igreja da Misericórdia – Blue and White Glory

Perhaps Tavira’s most beautiful church interior, the Igreja da Misericórdia near the Praça da República showcases 18th-century blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting scenes of charity and compassion. The carved stone portal is a fine example of Renaissance architecture, and the small fee to enter is well worth it.

Núcleo Museológico Islâmico – Islamic Roots

To understand Tavira’s layered history, stop by the Islamic Museum , located inside the Palácio da Galeria. It offers insight into the town’s Moorish past and includes archaeological finds like the famous Tavira Vase. This museum is part of the broader Museu Municipal de Tavira , which includes several small exhibits across the city.

Palácio da Galeria – Art and Archaeology

Housed in an elegant 16th-century palace, the Palácio da Galeria hosts rotating contemporary art exhibitions as well as permanent displays on Tavira’s Roman and Islamic past. The building itself is worth the visit — don’t miss the underground cistern and mosaic fragments.

A City of Quiet Corners

Walking through Tavira’s cobbled streets, you’ll find smaller chapels, bell towers, and convent ruins, each with its own story. Whether you’re a devout traveler, a culture seeker, or a lover of beautiful architecture, Tavira offers a quietly rich experience away from the typical tourist paths.