The best MTB trails around Altura

The last stretch on foot, it wouldn't have been possible with an e-bike. Unfortunately, I didn't make it all the way down because I was concerned about getting back up - not even 10 years ago that would have been a no-brainer. But with the slippery path and without hiking poles, I have to be fair to my age (71) and physical condition. But the view down to the pond and the young people bathing there was worth it alone... however, I couldn't see the waterfall from up there.

The Castro Marim Salt Pans, located in the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Salt Marsh Nature Reserve, are a historical and ecological landmark of the Algarve, where the artisanal production of salt and fleur de sel remains alive. 👍

Tavira is a beautiful coastal town on Portugal's Algarve coast. It lies on the Gilão River, which flows into the sea via estuaries and lagoons in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Tavira Island boasts a long sandy beach and salt flats that attract flamingos, spoonbills, and other wading birds. The medieval Castelo de Tavira is located in the town center and offers panoramic views. The Church of Santa María do Castelo houses the tombs of seven knights killed by the Moors. The town has many charming restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops!

The Igreja de Santa Ana in Tavira is a small, charming church, probably dating back to the 15th century. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city and the Gilão River. The church has a simple façade and a quiet interior with Baroque elements. Although no longer used as a main church, it remains an atmospheric reminder of Tavira's religious history.

Praça Dr. António Padinha is a charming square in the center of Tavira, in the Algarve, Portugal. It is named after António Padinha, a local doctor and Republican politician who played a significant role in the city in the early 20th century. A statue in his honor stands in the square. It is a peaceful spot with terraces, surrounded by historic buildings, and close to other Tavira attractions.

In the heart of the Algarve, perched on a hill on the right bank of the Guadiana River, Castro Marim Castle holds centuries of history and battles. Although human presence in the region dates back to prehistoric times, it was here that Romans and Muslims found a strategically valuable vantage point, taking advantage of its privileged position. The imposing fortification you can visit today (for a small fee) was built in the 13th century by order of King Dinis, serving as a defensive bastion against invasions and as a watchful sentinel on the border with Spain. At the top, the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view: the town of Castro Marim at your feet, the shimmering salt flats, the bridge connecting Portugal and Spain, and, in the distance, neighboring Ayamonte.

Castro Marim Castle was strategically built in the 13th century on a hill on the right bank of the Guadiana River. Currently, only the remains of the castle remain, including four towers, a gate, the ruins of the 14th-century Church of São Tiago, the Mayor's Palace, and a few houses.

An important natural product is extracted from the sea's saltwater here. Only through the power of the elements, sun and wind, which evaporate the water in the saltworks' shallow basins, does pure salt remain. Even today, you won't find a kitchen without salt to season dishes. But in earlier times, it had an additional significance: It was important for preserving food—making it so precious that salt was called "white gold."