Through the inland of Spain we travel further into the interior of Portugal. I have already visited the coast, Algarve, and the cities of Lisbon and Porto, but not the inland. Great to explore this area now together with Leo and my own camper.
Aldeias Históricas
Aldeias Históricas are the 12 most wonderful historical villages in the interior of Portugal.
We visit three of them, Belmonte, Sortelha & Monsanto!
Belmonte
This town owes its name to the view of the Serra de Estrela mountain range, which means beautiful hill.
Belmonte turns out to be a very nice old village with a castle on top of the hill. Cup of coffee on the way for €0.90 wow that’s cheap. Also an aggressive group of street dogs, so via another way back down. A very nice walk!
Sortelha
On to Sortelha, our next historical village. It is located in the mountains and the road to the village is breathtaking! The view at the castle is magnificent and the village itself too, we walk our kilometers today. Leo is happy and walking loose because there are hardly any cars here.
Monsanto
Monsanto on the mountain, also one of the 12. The walk up via an unpaved footpath is amazing! These slate houses also have red roofs, see main photo. The village has been the setting for Games of Thrones. I wanted to buy local olive oil but it is gone, so I buy a gourd sambabal from a street vendor who speaks a little Dutch 🙂
Tomar village
Tomar is probably my favorite, what a nice city! We visit the Convent of Christ, Castelo de Tomar, Church Santa Maria do Olival, Seven Hills National Forest and Igreja de São João Baptista. The old city campsite is now a free camper place.
The Tomar monastery-castle on the hill is gorgeous, Leo and I walk through the garden and over the castle walls. There is a festival in the city and it is full on the free camping. I meet Birgit, Martin & son David and Caroline & Martin. Lovely people, great coffees and super nice conversations.
Pilgrimage site Fatima
My pilgrimage from Lagos (in the Algarve) to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, I broke off before Lisbon because of Corona. I would have loved to visit the pilgrimage site of Fatima on the way. That was not possible in 2020 and that is why I am doing it now!
Fatima is special, there is a serene atmosphere. We walk via the large cathedral over the gigantic church square, there is an open air mass going on. I am the only one with a dog and the only stray dog in Fatima walks with us.
Then a walk through the forest, we end up at Valinhos Sanctuary. I love these Christian statues and small chapels. We walk down the road via the constructed footpath.
Medieval Óbidos
Through this enchanting city gate (see video!) we walk into Óbidos, a journey back in time. Nice streets, a big castle, lots of shops, terraces and tourists!
Evora city
Evora city is fortunately less touristy. Between the showers I look at the city wall, several churches and we walk a bit of the Camino. Then the Chapel of Bones or Capela dos Ossos. In the small chapel next to the Franciscus church the interior walls are decorated with human skulls and bones, a bizarre monument.
Beja town
On to the village of Beja, where we stay at the campsite for €3.60 per night, a bargain.
The morning walk in the park, it’s Sunday and the church mass sounds through the loudspeakers. In the afternoon a walk to the historical center and the castle of Beja. Then a terrace on the village square, wine, sun, happiness!
Walking in Mértola
I travel a little further south but first a walk along the river in picturesque Mértola. We spend the night in the hamlet of Pereiro.
Hamlet Pereiro
At the almost empty lake is a camper place. We are a bit crooked and eventually I accept that, because this wonderful view is also worth something. The PR4 is a nice walking route, I walk straight from the camper into the fields. Be careful of the cross bikes that also often use these paths.
It is raining a lot now, the almost empty lake is actually filled when we leave, bizarre.
Relax in Tavira
In Tavira the sun is shining again! Tavira is located in the east of the Algarve and is our last stop before we travel to Morocco. It is a lovely city on the river with many footbridges, a castle, churches, shops and many terraces.
I find the interior of Portugal incredibly beautiful and very diverse. Especially with a camper or car you can tour around here very good. As far as Leo and I are concerned, a recommendation!
After a short stopover in Spain, we travel to Morocco. Curious about the rest of our journey? Please be patient, this blog is currently being created.
