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São Brás de Alportel, in the Eastern Algarve of Portugal nestles inland, the town with all the charm and character that could easily be missed if you just stick to visiting Coastal towns. the first thing you notice it is cooler than other places due to its position which is perched high giving it sea views to the coast. it was once a Roman settlement, with the old part of the town still with its narrow roads.
São Brás de Alportel is a town for all ages, and you can easily spend the whole day for what it has to offer. when you approach the town you come across a Lidl store. with modern buildings surrounding it but go across the roundabout and all is revealed when you come into the old part of town just off the side streets you will see lavish merchants houses with there hand painted tiled frontages with fancy cast iron Juliet balconies and statues on the parapet walls. The unusual twin tower church with it 2 clocks bell tower, the town has many tiny back streets that are well worth venturing down to come across the fascinating finds. as well as a cultural information office, with much information on the town and history to displays of local produced including lace work. It often holds events in the well kept gardens with views over the Public swimming baths. there is, also a tourist office further in the town. The main square in the town offer ample parking with many coffee/bars in the surrounding area. You will notice the town has a lot of one way streets and it was hard to find disabled parking even the information center did not seem to know.
One of the towns largest churches is well worth a visit as is the Museum on the corner of Rua 1º De Maio and Rua Dr.Jose Rosa Da Silva. In the 17th century the town was know for its coolness compared to the coast it was favored by the bishops all across the Algarve and Portugal. As a palace was built for them to use during the summer months. Now it has other uses. As the wealth of the town declined, due to the large cork production being moved further inland into central Portugal, the town is still a busy one and whilst popular with tourist it still has a thriving Portuguese population along with all it local traditions and markets
