Estombar
- Written by Come to Portugal
Estômbar in Western Algarve Portugal, lays to the south off the EN125.
Estômbar comes under the district of Lagoa even though it is close to Portimao, however rivers always act a boundary.
Estômbar was given town status in 1991. The nearby Rio Arade has salt fields that are well prized in the Algarve.
The main church of the town, Igreja Matriz, sits proud at the top of the town with its twin bell towers, although only one has bells in it, due the fact it was more important for the look rather than both towers having bells. It can be seen from the road before entering the town.
On entering Estômbar there is a very well kept mature park with children’s play area, whilst just across the road on the corner is the large indoor daily Municipal Market with fresh fish, bread, fruit and vegetables. Heading up towards the centre there are many narrow streets as you would expect from any Algarvean town. You will find the odd merchant's house, and the main church sits on a large square made of cobblestones with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. There are some good restaurants with traditionally decorated brightly coloured fronts. In addition, some small bars with outside seating terraces just off the church square.
There is a large building on the eastern side of the town used for events, but if you take the turning on the right, you will head out towards a very well-known vineyard, Quinta dos Vales. The successful vineyard, producing award-winning wines is owned by the businessman and artist, Karl Heinz Stock, who opens it to the public. You can see life-size works from the artist, from giant hippos to elephants in a tree.
The vineyard not only sells its wines but also offers a petting zoo for families with pot belly pigs, horses, goats, deer, and lamas - entrance is free to walk around. Just further along is also a well-known Donkey Sanctuary that offers housing to abandoned and unwanted pets. There is always a friendly welcome should you just want to visit or perhaps help out by taking part in dog walking. They are funded completely by donations and have several charity shops in the Algarve.
The town has a railway station that sits just the other side of the main road as you enter Estombar. Further up the road towards Lagoa is the popular 'Slide n Splash' water park.
