Bordeira, Western Algarve
- Written by Come to Portugal
Bordeira, western Algarve (not to be confused with Bordeira nr Sao Bras Alportel) is perhaps known more for it huge beach with sand dunes and popular with surfers who visit Praia da Bordeira for its winds and large waves. Few venture a couple of kilometres to the little village itself. The main road in which you enter the village is a fairly new one, it is wide and planted with rows of palms and flowerbeds.
In front you cannot help but see the small church, said to date from before the earthquake. The inside is stunning with a heavily carved gilded wooden centre piece. The church is dedicated to the patron, our Lady of Incarnation.
Unlike other small villages that are just whitewashed, Bordeira has many that are whitewashed but with vibrant colours picking out the buildings' features. The many small cobbled stone roads, planted with orange and lemon trees, give the feeling of a traditional village, with some houses sitting staggered high above one another. There is a café/bar, aptly named Café da Bordeira, which offers light snacks and a limited lunch as well as another restaurant used by the locals and a shop. It is not surprising that there are not many ruins in the village, as it is a thriving little community; even what once was the communal bake oven/house, has now been converted in to living accommodation.
The area is a green and agricultural one and is known for growing figs. Outside of the village, there is a surfing camp.
