WHERE THE LAND BECAME WATER AND THE WATER BECAME A SPRING OF OPPORTUNITIES

The above lake, largely free of light pollution, is the first site in the world to have been declared by both UNESCO and The World Tourism Organization as the world's first starlight tourism destination, on account of the clarity of the night sky. 

At one and half hour of drive southeast from Lisbon, this 250 km2 Reserve with a 1,200 km lakeside of about 85 km long - today's biggest artificial lake in Europe -, is surrounded by cork forests, vibrant olive groves and vineyards, now and then dotted by small medieval white towns, making the whole Alqueva Region be a wonderful destination to whoever looks for unique sensations as well as the opportunity to navigate using only the stars.

The never ending nature and the picturesque medieval castle (World Culture Heritage) of the ancient walled village of Monsaraz town (photo above)  are waiting to be discovered by you. You will feel like in the Middle Age!

Thank you!

Enjoy the weekend

REVISITING A CHARMING TOWN

Returning to a place for a visit after having been away for a certain time is always a pleasure for me. It happened recently when I was in Chaves, an old town that is way up in the very north of Portugal right by the Spanish border. The town was  settled by the Roman emperor Flavio Vespasiano, in the year 78 AD. Acquae Flaviae was  its original name, owing to the superb thermal springs that the Romans found in its surrounding area.

Chaves is by a river that gives it a special charm with the shimmering green of the sidewalk gardens. It's not unusual at all, to see local fishermen enjoying the beauty of the river as they try to get a good catch. I love the colour of the river ... it's so peaceful!

Interesting contrast between the two pedestrian bridges that span over the river:

The Roman Bridge

and...

the contemporary bridge

The traditional housing, mainly with four levels, has big windows and balconies as one can see at the main square, where the archaeological findings are still in place, following the first stage of works for an underground parking. Once, a Roman thermal complex existed there.

After wandering around the town, my legs asked me to have rest for a while. 

At that time of the day, my stomach would never welcome the local specialities: smoked ham, puff pastry with minced meat filling or the special bread-like filled with cubes of pork and sausage.




I know well that some day in the future, I'll drive up again to this old town, where in the quietness I can have a break from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.

~~ Thank you! ~~