The ramshackle palafitte port of Carrasqueira is built on stilts and is a must visit on any trip to Portugal’s Alentejo.
The Alentejo is the less well known centre of Portugal, sitting south of Lisbon, and north of the more popular Algarve. It seems slightly neglected in favour of Lisbon and the port producing Douro valley to the north, and the sunny Algarve to the south, full of the second homes of British holiday makers. I’d not heard of it before my visit, which is a shame, but on the other hand I went with no preconceptions and an open mind.
The Alentejo is a massive area, predominately rural, sparsely populated, and has a slightly timeless feel about it. It is certainly well worth a visit, the region is in within easy reach of Lisbon, but you do need to be prepared to drive for a few hours between towns, but the peace, tranquillity and slower pace of life make for a relaxing trip. For those, like me, who are always thinking ahead to the next meal both the food and wine are excellent.
Portugal has been cropping up on list after list as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2017. Shamefully I’d never been before last year, although Lisbon has been on my must go to list for years, so it is time to go before it gets really popular. It is ideal for British visitors – a short flight from London, a warm climate, and a genuine fondness for the British from the Portuguese people – the Anglo-Portugese treaty was established in 1373, making the oldest alliance in the world which is still in force.
Our first stop was the fascinating palafitte, or stilted fishing port of Carrasqueira. A ramshackle series of interconnected walkways and buildings extend over the Sado river estuary.
Wtih a very muddy river bank the jettys were the only way to access to boats at low tide.
Over the years the port has grown and grown, with walkways extending this way and that. First built over 200 years ago, it looks as if planks and stilts have been used for repairs as and when needed, and more modern pallets have been requisitioned for use as walkways.
Despite the weather (there was both a gale and pouring rain when I was there) it is both a beautiful and fascinating place and slightly eerie when completely deserted, and I’d have happily lingered for longer taking photos, and would have longed to have gone back both at sunset and in the sun to take more photos. It actually was so windy that I was slightly concerned about slipping and landing in the mud beneath with a gentle splat.
For an idea of how to use the fish caught at this port – how about a traditional Portuguese Seafood Cataplana?
Fuss Free Flavours was the guest of Tap Portugal. We shall be covering more of the sights and flavours of the Alentejo in later posts. All opinions our own.
TAP Portugal flies direct from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Lisbon up to 10 times daily, prices start at £41 one way including all taxes and surcharges.
For further information, visit FlyTap.com or call 0345 601 0932.
Gingey Bites
I love the rickety old walkways. This place looks great, very photogenic!
Helen
it was amazingly photogenic, and absolutely deserved the time we spent there.
Ceri Jones
This looks so beautiful Helen. I have never been to Portugal and this has made me want to go even more!
Helen
It was an amazing start to the trip – I could have lingered for hours.
Jacqui Paterson (JaxFortyNorth)
I absolutely adore ramshackle old buildings and places – so much character! I’d have been in heaven taking photos here. I’m hoping to take the family to Portugal in the next couple of years – it’s so close, but so stunning x
Helen
I was so sad about the driving rain there. It happens, but is still a shame
Rhian Westbury
Looks like such a fascinating area full of character x
Helen
I’d never seen anything like this port. Fascinating.
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet
I love these walkways, reminds me some of the old memories. And I love Portugal as well. Thanks for this.
Helen
It was an amazing place.
Jon
Wow! Looks like there’s a lot of history to this place. You’ve got a great eye for photos btw!
Helen
Thank you Jon. It was an amazing place. I could have shot all day there!
Jo
What a beautiful place. My husband would be in heaven with his camera!
Helen
It is just the perfect place for photos. So much to shoot.
Gareth Torrance
That looks like the sort of place I would love to explore! I’m a sucker for eerie places!
Helen
It was amazing, the ideal place to photograph.
tots2travel
What a curious destination, it’s really eye-catching. definitely off the beaten track, good find!
Helen
It was amazing, if I’d not been on a press trip I’d have probably not gone there, or even known about it.
Hayley Warren
This looks beautiful, I would love to visit Portugal one day.
Emma
I love Portugal and go there every year but we always go to the Algarve. Im ashamed to say I’ve never been to the Alentejo region (although I’ve drunk a lot of wine from there). I love how rustic the port looks and how quiet it is – very different from the glitz and glamour of the Algarve!
Helen
I think that the Aletenjo is far more untouched, and also probably quite a bit poorer. Rawer and not as sophisticated.
julie porter
It really does have a raw, wild beauty and it looks as though it has been around forever. I can imagine it is very eerie at night or just even when there are no people around. I really hope to visit Portugal one day and I will have to remember this place.
Helen
Oh my gosh, it would be amazing at night under a full moon.
Nikki
The port looks so pretty! I have only been to portugal once when I was very young but I would love to go back!
Helen
I cannot wait to go back to Portugal. so much to see and explore there.
Fashion and Style Police
This looks amazing. Would love to visit one day.
Helen
it was so photogenic there.
dena jayne
Such a beautiful place, i love your photography! I’m actually thinking of going to Portugal in March ! xo
Helen
Thank you, it was an amazing place. I checked it out before I went and was so looking forward to photographing it.
Anosa
Every time I have thought about visiting Portugal I have always thought Algrave or Lisbon nothing else but it’s good to be introduced to new places and this looks like a lovely place to consider
Helen
I think the Alentejo is very forgotten, which is part of its charm.
Kara
Sounds like a wonderful trip, Portugal is somewhere I have yet to visit
Helen
I cannot wait to explore more of the country.
Lyndsey
Wow what beautiful photography it looks totally beautiful!
Helen
Thank you. I am sure it would have been more lovely not in the pouring rain.
Jenni
Stunning photos and I can’t believe how affordable the flights are x
Helen
The other huge advantage, if you are in London is that they fly from Terminal 2 at Heathrow, which is easily the nicest one.
clare AKA Emmy's Mummy
Such beautiful photos, they’ve certainly made me want to visit soon
Helen
Thank you Clare, it is a beautiful part of Europe.
Lisa Backsnbumps
Portugal is one of my favourite places to visit. Beautiful photos, I love the character of the place you have captured.
Helen
It was such a wonderful photo opportunity.