Portugal 2007 (Apr): Abrantes

Friday, 13 April 2007

Friday the 13th is a travel day as we leave the Alentejo region for Ribatejo. After saying our farewells to Stella at Casa de Terena, we went to Orvalhos to buy some more queijo and pão and have our morning café. The couple that runs the Mini Mercado (for our bread) and the attached café were especially nice.

We then drove leisurely northwards through Portalegre and stopped for a picnic lunch at a lovely miradouro high in the Serra de São Mamede. While it was a bit hazy, the views were still gorgeous. Then, into Castelo de Vide, which is a very nice town. We wandered around for a while and had our afternoon bicas. It turned out to be a very nice day for driving, with only some occasional clouds – 2.5 on our scale.

Dropping out of the Serra, we slowly drove west, arriving at Quinta de Coalhos in the late afternoon, where we were familiarly greeted by senhor José and senhora Isabel, our gracious hosts. We had stayed here last year for three nights and very much enjoyed their hospitality and the local cuisine. And, this stay (only two nights) started out very well on the eating front with an excellent meal in Constância at the Remédio D’Alma. Senhor Carlos was our host and treated us very well. We liked it so much that we have arranged to have Sunday lunch there as we leave Coalhos for our final destination (Nazaré).

Today's picnic spot. A lovely spot with incredible views high in the Serra de São Mamede.  And, we had it all to ourselves.
Today’s picnic spot. A lovely spot with incredible views high in the Serra de São Mamede. And, we had it all to ourselves.

Castelo de Vide. A lovely town in the Serra da São Mamede.  Looking north.
Castelo de Vide. A lovely town in the Serra da São Mamede. Looking north.


Saturday, 14 April 2007

A warm day in Chamusca.
A warm day in Chamusca.

Igreja Matriz, in Chamusca.
Igreja Matriz, in Chamusca.

Chamusca branch.
Chamusca branch.

Late night port in one of the common areas at Quinta de Coalhos.
Late night port in one of the common areas at Quinta de Coalhos.