Another glorious day here in the Algarve and a perfect one for a road trip. Our plan was to head off into the wonderfully winding mountain roads and make our way to Alcoutim, which is on the Rio Guadiana and borders with Spain. What a great road trip it was.
Looking out over the mountains from one of our stops.
We love to stop and wander on the old farm roads along the mountain route.
Smiling James. He has had over two weeks of glorious sunshine and it looks as if he will not have a second of precipitation before heading home on the 18th
The broom is already blooming and this is quite high in the mountain where it gets cool at night.
My fella resting his knees, which are acting up quite a bit these days.
He didn’t require any coaxing to jump in this wagon!
Our next stop was Cachopo which is a lovely small village situated on the amazing Caldeirão Mountain. It truly feels “tucked away”. We parked and wandered for quite a bit enjoying the tranquility and the colours.
Peeling paint and warped wood but still a piece of art to my eyes.
A tiny local market had set up and the women of the town were scurrying to see what the purchases of the day might be.
I loved this tile and the doors.
A detail of the door handle.
This was a challenge to photograph but I liked how the ostentatiousness didn’t match the village at all yet, it worked!
This was quite beautiful despite the obvious neglect.
A garden full of these gorgeous tinyNarcissus daffodils
I loved that they used two old tires, one painted, to create this succulent holder.
We seem to have created in a bit of a routine with our trips to Alcoutim as this past several we time it to land on the patio of Restaurante Monte Branco in Martim Longo for lunch. There are a multitude of storks nesting near the restaurant yearly and sitting to enjoy lunch and watching them primp and preen, not to mention flying overhead, is quite a treat. Not to mention the food is wonderful AND cheap.
This beautiful succulent was in bloom. Right next to our table on the patio.
James and I both ordered the robalo
Marc a mushroom omelette. He raved about the homemade fries!
This pair was nesting to the right of our patio table
This pair, directly in front of us.
The final leg to Alcoutim is always pleasant as it’s a long flat stretch, no more winding mountain roads.
Somebody had grafted a lemon branch onto an orange tree. I think one of those lemons just might have made its way into Marc’s pack!
Alcoutim is sleepy and tranquil when the Sweets Fair is not on. What a great day to be there wandering.
We climbed up through the village and all around the castle walls.
This is Spain the background……taken from the top of the castle wall.
I have been to this town several times and until today, had never noticed this little church on the hill outside the village.
He was silently checking us out.
Looking North on the Guadiana River.
There was a poem on the wall about this donkey…I’ll have to have it translated but obviously he was important enough to write a poem about.
Little Missy was squeaking at me in hopes I had some food for her. Turns out she, and two others, are quite well fed by the restaurant owner.
Loved this old building.
The colours and light on the window frame was lovely.
I was delighted to find this painted on the wall of a building. Quite clever.
Don’t know what this is but it was lovely.
Tranquility!
We enjoyed a fabulous day and as happens on these day trips, wore ourselves out. The drive home, along the river, was quite lovely at days end and we did make at least one stop to enjoy the last of the vistas.
This house was tucked into a valley on the opposite (Spanish) side of the Guadiana. There were no obvious roads to get to it…boat perhaps? In any case, it was beautiful.
Our final look back down the river before taking a bend in the road for home.
Cascading down the mountain and all along the sides of the road…..jonquils……a delightful find at the end of the day.
More jonquils.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Another day to tantalize the senses. Thanks for all of the posts. Loving it!!
We will be in Portugal ourselves in 8 more sleeps.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll bet you’re excited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Duh…excited….yeah. ☺ With all the great stories and pics you guys generate it surely adds to the excitement. See you soon.
LikeLike
24 more sleeps for Gary and I. You guys are having such grand weather….hope it keeps up. But honestly, there won’t be ice and snow. Take care mon ami.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t wait to know you’re just “down the street “.
LikeLike
What a lovely post. The trip to Alcoutim is one of my favourites.
LikeLike
It was especially beautiful today as it was such a warm day and to be the only ones wandering around the village felt special.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a glorious day with fabulous weather! Truly your header photo looks like a painting with the branch of leaves superimposed on it…love it! Your pic-tures captured the tranquility and beauty of the Alcoutim area and the creativity of the Portuguese people!
58 days to go!
LikeLike
Hey you, nothing was superimposed…..I framed that shot! By the way, I heard that all shopping centres here in the Algarve are closing in 57 days until June!
LikeLike