In the municipality of São Brás de Alportel, there are breathtaking natural beauties, unique places, a lot of heritage and history, heritage of people with knowledge and flavors to show. There's also a lot to do, whether it's going to discover or take advantage of a sporting activity, in some cases quite radical.
These were some of the arguments that the São Brasense municipality presented to journalists and tour operators, in a «Fam Trip» (familiarization visit) that the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) promoted in that municipality last week.
The visiting day served to make people known, on-site visit, the assets that São Brás has to offer to Tourism. Regional and national journalists, including the Sul Informação, hoteliers and representatives of national and foreign operators, were being surprised with different activities and many delicacies. And not even the president of RTA Desidério Silva escaped wearing the skin (in this case, the suit) of an inhabitant of the Algarve from other times.
The day began with a tasting of some of the gastronomic products of São Brás, at the Municipal Market. This was the first of several moments dedicated to tasting some mountain delicacies, made with local products, which were provided throughout the day.
Between fresh cheeses with herbs and spices and the tiborna of oil, journalists and operators were able to live closely with artisans and the local population.
With a warm stomach, he set out to discover the historical and heritage richness of São Brás de Alportel. The Igreja Matriz, whose square overlooks the sea, the Jardim da Verbena, the Interpretation Center of Calçadinha and a walk along the Calçadinha, itself, served to show some of the richness of this land.
And, as tourism, especially of niches, is increasingly made up of experiences, that was exactly what the event's organizers provided. A carriage ride through the ancient streets of the historic area of São Brás gave the feeling of a journey into the past.
Even because the destination was the Museu do Trajo, which shows, precisely, how the people of the Algarve lived in other times.
Here, in addition to visiting the permanent exhibition, the Museum director reserved a surprise for Desidério Silva and for the vice-president of the São Brás City Council, Marlene Guerreiro, who were challenged to dress up in XNUMXth century costumes.
In the same cultural space, the cork cycle was made known, an information that was later complemented with a visit to the Pelcor store, a brand owned by the company Nova Cortiça which has become internationalized for a long time.
From São Brás, you can also see the Sea
It is not possible to talk about São Brás without mentioning the privileged view that its viewpoints and hills provide, over the barrocal and the coast. During the visit, there were several moments of pause for contemplation. Starting at the Igreja Matriz square, passing by the Alto da Arroteia viewpoint and the Cerro do Botelho, it was possible to have different perspectives of the village and the great natural wealth that surrounds it.
These landscapes are one of the reasons that make São Brás so attractive to Paragliding practitioners. Another reason why people from many countries come to this county to practice this sport are the unique natural conditions, as it is there, next to the geodesic landmark of Funchais, that you can find «the only place in the Algarve where if you can fly in the North-Northwest direction”, according to the members of the Paragliding Association of the Algarve.
In the gutter was a demonstration, but the wind didn't help. The door was still open for a baptism of flight (accompanied, of course), extended to all who have a more radical streak, residents or tourists.
Another radical sport that is booming in São Brás is mountain biking. And, let's say, if you drive and see bicycles flying over the road, don't worry, they know what they're doing.
The members of the «X-Dream» team from São Brás, who have been organizing, with the local authority, national Downhill competitions in that municipality, demonstrated (and again demonstrated) the exciting jump that exists next to Cerro do Botelho, one of the emblematic points of the city. clue that exists there. A feat capable of boosting the adrenaline even for those who are just watching.
Discover the deep Algarve
Another challenge for tourists who choose São Brás de Alportel to spend their holidays or simply to take a walk is to discover the riches that exist in Serra-Adentro.
From the beautiful and tranquil Parque da Fonte Férrea, near Alportel, to the typical village of Parizes, there are many surprising places to be found. In some of them, such as the village located in the heart of Serra do Caldeirão, the landscapes and fresh air are combined with local gastronomic products, such as medronho and sausages.
At the end of the day, taking into account the good mood and enthusiasm of the guests, despite the tiring day, the objective of the «Fam Trip» seemed to have been achieved. Some operators working on the Russian market did not hide their smile and assured: «this is precisely what our customers are looking for!».
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