0 Houses in São Brás de Alportel

São Brás de Alportel is both a region and a city in the Algarve. The municipality has a total area of ​​150 km2 and has approximately 10,000 inhabitants. The municipality is located north of Faro and Olhao slightly inland. Due to its location, there are no beaches in this region but it is characterized by other sights and possibilities.

Beautiful landscape of São Brás de Alportel

The round shapes of hills covered with cistus and cork oak trees; soft landscapes, white houses in between with scattered green fields and orchards; in such simple things lies the beauty of São Brás de Alportel and its municipality, the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet.

In the past, mainly olive oil but also wine was grown in the hills behind the Algarve. Due to the rise of tourism, much of the activity has moved to the coastline, with the result that a lot of olive oil and wine farmers have disappeared. The larger industry can be found here nowadays further north in the Alentejo.

Sights of São Brás de Alportel

The history of São Brás de Alportel is characterized by the cork industry. A very nice way to discover the history of this region and the city is to visit the “Museu do Traje”. The Ethnographic Museum of Algarve Costume (Museu Etnográfico do Traje Algarvio) of São Brás de Alportel is located in the old residence of a former donkey driver who became wealthy through the cork trade and industry. The building is a good example of late 19th century bourgeois architecture. The museum also has a piece dedicated to the past in the cork trade.

Igreja Matriz de São Brás de Alportel
Igreja Matriz de São Brás de Alportel is the most important Catholic church in the region and is located in the beautiful old village of the same name. The church dates back to the 15th century but was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The result was a fairly simple temple with no significant architectural elements.

Inside, the chapel Capela do Senhor dos Passos is worth a visit. The chapel is decorated with gilded carvings and the statues of the Archangel São Miguel, those of São Libório and those of Santa Eufémia from the 18th century are very special. The church square is a good vantage point over the surrounding landscape of São Brás de Alportel.

Bengado Windmill
Bengado Windmill is located in the beautiful landscape and can be visited freely. It is a beautiful Mediterranean windmill. Inside you can see how the mill was used for grinding grain. Outside, the view is worth it.

Cork industry
The cork industry, which contributed significantly to the founding of the municipality at the beginning of the 20th century, is still the typical industry of the municipality and is currently enjoying a renewed period of growth through fashion and tourism. When visiting the São Brás de Alportel region, a visit to a cork factory cannot be missed. Several tours can be booked where you can see the complete process from tree to end product and where unique products made from cork are shown during a walk through the cork trees on a cork oak plantation.

Finally, it is recommended for sports enthusiasts to take a bike tour in this region. The beautiful peaceful landscape makes it wonderful to cycle with the necessary height differences. It is possible to rent a bicycle, for example at Avalanche Algarve (Avalanche Bike Shop Algarve - Bike Rental (avalanchealgarve.com). Here you can also rent E-bikes.

During a holiday to São Brás de Alportel you can enjoy the many sights, surrounding nature, many beaches and delicious food. Book a holiday home in or near São Brás de Alportel.