Cinco Meses

Sete Vales Suspensos

This week, we explored parts of the Sete Vales Suspensos (Seven Hanging Valleys) trail, about an hour west of Tavira. This cliffside walking trail is roughly 5.7km between Praia Vale de Centeanes and Praia Marinha. It is considered one of the most picturesque parts of the Algarve because of the aqua colored water and vertical caves lining the shoreline.

The hanging valleys were the result of ancient rivers that cut through the limestone cliffs. The lowest points of these valleys do not reach sea level, hence the hanging aspect. Most people advise walking from east to west, starting at Praia Marinha — one of the most famous beaches in Portugal, known for its crystal clear waters and its double arch algar.

We didn’t hike this trail as shown, instead we explored parts of it. Please note shown above is a google map made by The Orange Backpack.

We started by walking down to Bengil Beach to look around. From here, we could have booked an excursion taking us to places only accessible by boat — such as some beaches and into the famous Benagil cave. But, that is for another day. Heading back up to the top of the street, we entered the trail heading east. Soon, we stopped to look at Benagil Cave from above.

Continuing along the trail, we saw spectacular views, and lots of wildflowers. When we return again, we plan to start at Praia Marinha and descend to a beach there and again via the tunnel at Praia do Carvalho.

After about an hour, we headed back to where we started, and had a seafood lunch while planning what to visit next.

Porches

Capela da Nossa Senhora da Rocha is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic in the parish of Porches. We were in the neighborhood, so we explored this area too.

This was an absolutely beautiful location, and the surprise here were shells strung together and attached to trees and the windows of the buildings. Looking closer, the shells have inscribed messages and together, with the help of some wind, made such a pretty sound.

Algarve Bike Race

Over the weekend, the Algarve Bike Challenge was in Tavira. We watched the prologue event on Friday night and it was a sight to see. Mountain bikers rode over cobblestones, down stairs, around churches and through narrow roads with tight turns. Here’s a 💎 Highlight Video

Procissão Do Triunfo

On Palm Sunday we saw lavender covering the entire Ponte Antiga (Old Bridge). Abertura da Igreja do Carmo! A sign reminded us that we can go into Igreja do Carmo today. Inside were the gilded wooden floats (andores de talha dourada) which depicted the life of Christ.

Later, these wooden floats would be carried from the church, down to Praça Dr. António Padinha, across the old bridge, into Praça da República, through Jardim das Palmeiras, across the new bridge and back to Largo do Carmo. Because of the route, we were able to watch the processional from the church, and then weave down the small alleys to Ponte Antiga (the old bridge) to see it from there. Here is a 💎 Highlight Video.

We expect to see a couple more events leading up to Easter in Tavira. On Easter, we plan to see the Flower Torch Festival in the town of São Brás de Alportel. Here, flowers cover the streets and torches are raised to the heavens. More on this next week.

Cat Colony

There are feral cat colonies all over town, and recently we had the opportunity to help feed and care for the cats. A cat colony will have one or more shelters. The one at 4 Águas had over 15 cats. The star there is Mr. Kibbles, who can be seen on the Frankie Foundation instagram page.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Frankie Foundation (@the_frankie_foundation)

The cats know when it is time for food, and arriving about 30 minutes after the scheduled time, many cats were waiting patiently. These are feral cats, so they are very quick to run away when approached. They were all very appreciative, in their own way.