Inside the serene of the Algarve, far from the revival of the best known beaches and the tourist flows of the coast, there are nooks that preserve the authenticity of the territory. Between kaids, fresh streams, rails between the mountains and baroque and traditions with deep roots, some villages keep the tranquility of a less exposed algarve alive.
According to Expresso, these localities are part of the “Portugal Authentic” collection, a selection of villages and places where the quiet reigns. Three of them stand out: Alte, Cachopo and Burgau, each with their own identity and rhythm.
ALTI: BETWEEN ROBERS, ART AND RETURNED CHAMINES
Alte, in the municipality of Loulé, is one of the so -called “villages of Portugal”. It is located between the baroque and the Serra do Caldeirão, distinguishing by the white houses with worked chimneys and flowery courtyards.
According to the same newspaper, one of the ex-libris is the Small Fountain and the Great Fountain, where you can lunch and even dive into a natural pool.
The waters continue to the vicar’s fall, a cascade with free access pond. Along the way, you can observe urban art and visit the artisan house, where Vanessa Vinhais works with natural fabrics.
The space also welcomes workshops of different artisans, such as soap opera, ceramic, jewelry or botanical printing.
The Cândido Guerreiro Museum Pole and Condes de Alte, Daniel Vieira’s gallery and Casa do Esparto are other points of interest.
Nearby, the source recommends the PR15 LLE route – between the baroocal and the mountain. To replenish energies, dishes like Xerém or the homemade rooster stew are local suggestions. The Alte Hotel is one of the accommodation options.
Cachopo: where the hands still weave and the time slows down
In Tavira, more specifically in the Serra do Caldeirão, he is Cachopo. Involved by hills and accessible by secondary national roads, this village preserves the traditional moth and equity elements such as the tapir of the high stones.
According to Expresso, in the 60s, the village had about 70 weavers. Today, Otília Casdeira keeps this practice alive, complemented by basketry and wooden crafts.
The restaurant A Charrua serves dishes like stewed boat, while the hunter retreat proves the traditional honey cake, as the same source suggests.
Another name linked to the preservation of traditions is Nuno Palma, responsible for producing meddro brandy with fruit from the region. The Serra Fair, in May, and the summer party, in August, are key moments of the local agenda.
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Burgau: Between the sea, fishing and the old footprints
From the interior turns to the coast to visit Burgau, a fishing village in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. As the newspaper explains, here are still seeing vessels next to the beach and fishermen dealing with the nets. It is the starting point for boat tours organized by the Algarve Dolphin Lovers.
Rodrigo Clímaco, founder of the company, points out that fishing experiences still start with sunrise. Sargos and Safias are the most captured fish, and snails (or “donkeys”) name the village, the term burgau is also associated with these marine species.
The white and blue house draws an urban landscape that resembles Santorini, with stairs and flowery alleys. In neighboring cliffs are ruins of an ancient fortification.
To snack, suggests the Club Restaurante & Bar, and to explore, the beaches of the old cabins, Boca do Rio and Salema, where there are brands of dinosaur footprints.
The Vicentina Route also passes by, including the stage between Salema Beach and Luz, as well as the “5 Budens Village Route”.
Three villages, three ways to live the Algarve
Each of these locations offers a distinct perspective from the Algarve: alte, with its handicraft and freshness of Ribeira; Cachop, for the rurality and cultural heritage; Burgau, between the sea, the memory of fishing and the fossil rails.
Far from the crowds, these villages are proposals that appeal to discovery with time and contact with an algarve still deeply linked to earth, water and memory.
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