Alcantarilha

This small village in Central Algarve has grown in size in the last ten years with the EN125 running through it. The old part has remain little changed, with narrow lanes and a main street that runs the length of the village, narrowing to just one car's width near the impressive church.

Attached to the church at one side is small bone chapel that is open every day, with skulls and bones covering the walls and ceiling. It is large enough for 2 or 3 people to stand and gaze in amazement at this wonder. It is well worth walking around the village as you will come across an early dwelling that dates back to the 17th century. In addition, walking around the rear of this property, down an alley that brings you back to the high street, you will see an old garden wall with slits in it to fire upon intruders.

The village has much to offer throughout the year. It holds a monthly market near the fire station, also a monthly flea market in the same place. The village holds annual events including a popular dried fruit festival which has live music and entertainment in the evening. You may also come across an old 'nora'. This is an early well that was driven by a donkey that walked around the structure to draw up water for drinking and washing.

The village offers a good range of restaurants that are well worth a visit, you may even come across the Scouts as they often hold meetings in the village hall, and can be heard during band practice. There is a small museum in one of the back street that shows different farm implements, and other early household items used in past years.

The new houses of Alcantarilha can be seen on the other side of the EN125, along with an Aldi supermarket and a small retail park. If going to the nearby town of Armaçao de Pêra, this village is well worth exploring as such places are the hidden gems of the Algarve.

• < Prev
• Next >