4x4 Adventures in Alte

Today started slow, FINALLY! A much deserved break from the packed itineraries of previous days, we slowly made our way out for brunch in the Old Town. We grabbed gelato, then explored the white washed buildings and churches of the town on the hill. Only remains of the original Arab castle remain, destroyed in the **** Earthquake, as was a massive portion of Portugal. We explored the remains of the “motherchruch” - again destroyed in the earthquake with only pieces of the collection remaining. Nonetheless, the carcass of this once mighty place of worship was still breathtaking. The Portuguese carved wooden altars and figures, and painted them, so the pieces were colourful and well preserved in the dry heat.

The next stop of the early afternoon were the Old Town beaches - Praia do Peneco and Praia dos Pescadores. We took an outdoor elevator down to the warm white sand beaches then at the other end, took an escalator back up!

We grabbed another gelato and waited for our last minute 4x4 countryside tour to begin. Tidor, a Slovakia man, pulled to the side of the road in a 37 year old green Jeep. His excitement was infectious and onlyRead more