A TOUCH OF NATURE

Natural running water is a rare thing to find all year round here in the Algarve, but after a short walk along the serene Fonte da Benemola Trail, that is exactly what you will find T he Fonte da Benémola Trail is situated just 20 minutes away from Loule, this well known circular walk is a little over 4000m long, though this trail is not sought after for it’s spectacular Sea or Hillside views, instead, the rural scenery at Fonte da Benémola is peaceful, pretty and very bucolic. This trail crosses a Protected Landscape composed of woodland, meadows, and traditional farmland on the banks of the little river Menalva, deep in the Algarve’s Barrocal.

What sets the Barrocal apart from the rest of the Algarve is its fertile limestone soils, rainfed orchards, and the rocky terrain. The porous rock substrate of this region prevents the formation of most surface watercourses – in fact, water usually only flows underground throughout the Barrocal. Fonte da Benémola is one of the few exceptions to this geologic rule since it flows over bedrock. Here, a few freshwater springs, watermills, dams, channels and ancient wells punctuate the leafy countryside. Located on the furthest stretch of the trail, the largest of these springs is called ‘O Olho’ (The Eye).

There is speculation that the Arabs were possibly the first settlers to build complex hydraulic structures across this valley and many of these structures are still there to

be seen by visitors as well as lime kilns, but almost all of them are now in ruins. In ancient times, lime was produced across this water-rich area by cooking the limestone that composes the area’s bedrock. Contrary to most other watercourses in the Barrocal, the stream that feeds this fertile terrain is not seasonal.

The Flora Water flows throughout the year, supporting a vibrant ecosystem composed of many distinct animals and plants: the lush banks are covered by White Willow, Poplar, Tamarisk, and Ash trees; in turn, these large arboreal species are accompanied by fragrant shrubs that include Lavender, Mastic, Thyme, Rockroses, Laurestine, Oleander, Rosemary and Strawberry trees, among many other species. Further afield there are also Olive, Almond, Orange and Carob trees, as well as Kermes and Cork Oaks. Spring brings swathes of colour and perfume to the valley, a time when many of the abundant little orchids also start to flower. Fonte da Benémola is a great place to ‘hunt’ for notable orchids.

The Fauna The pristine waters of the tiny river are a haven for several species of fish, and for salamanders, frogs and toads; the two species of pond turtle living here – Mediterranean and European – are easy to observe, but visitors must keep very silent when approaching the banks. There are Otters (Lutra lutra) as well, but these intelligent mammals are notoriously hard to pin down. On the other hand, birds are easily seen and heard throughout the valley. Frequently seen bird species include Azure-winged Magpie, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Moorhen and Jay; dashes of colour are provided by smaller birds like the Iberian Green Woodpecker, the Serin, the Greenfinch, the Melodious Warbler, the Blue Tit and the Great Tit. Particularly flashy are the Hoopoe, the Kingfisher, the Golden Oriole and the Bee-eater; the latter pair are migratory birds best seen from early April to early September. The numerous caves along the valley also shelter two threatened species of bat, the Bent-wing Bat and the Lesser Mouse-eared Bat.

There are numerous boards (both in Portuguese and English) explaining the natural and cultural features of the trail.

Fonte da Benémola. Visitors must walk on small square pylons to cross the shallow river and complete the walk; however, besides these ‘stepping stones’, walkers shouldn’t attempt crossing the river in winter or when the water flows in abundance. As an alternative, there’s a longer and more difficult signposted route that takes you further inland; you’ll need stout footwear if you intend to follow this craggier route that provides good opportunities to observe raptors like the Buzzard or the Short-toed Eagle. Spring is the best season to visit Fonte da Benémola. Autumn and winter are also good times to walk, but you’ll miss many of the flowers and many of the birds.

This is a very popular place among local families, mainly in summer and on weekends throughout the year. There are a couple of car parks here – one at the start of the trail (next to a derelict building) and another one along the trail, in Fica Bem.

If you’re trying to find your way to Fonte da Benémola then a quick Google maps search should get you there quite easily!

Susana Guerreiro

Interior Design & Architecture

Your ultimate Restaurant Guide We are back with some of our readers favourite eateries. Some are close by, others worth the journey.

RAIZES COZINHA SAUDAVEL & VEGETARIANA Quarteira “This is our favourite eaterie by far. It has the kind of menu that makes you want to try everything and homemade food that is clearly produced with love, wellbeing, and creativity in mind. I have tried a lot from the menu and its all delicious and the Snickers tart is just HEAVEN! The prices are very good for the quality of food and the restaurant itself is a light airy oasis of calm and good vibes, dotted with little reminders of the power of positivity, kindness, and awareness. Located just a stones throw from the beach it also has a gorgeous outdoor seating area. I highly recommend Raizes to anyone who enjoys eating clean, healthy and wholesome home cooked food made with high quality and ethically sourced ingredients. There are dishes to satisfy even the biggest of appetites, hearty winter warmers, as well as fresher lighter choices; with some amazing homemade desserts to boot.” Rua do Leste, Angloatlantico Building Lot C Store 23b, Quarteira 8125-201, Portugal +351 289 301 183

U&CO Vale do Lobo “Since U&Co opened we must have visited for both breakfast and lunch over 20 times. There are two main reasons we keep returning – one is the food and the second is the wonderful staff including the talented chefs. There is nowhere else in the area where you can get this type of healthy, delicious food. The Salmon Poke bowl is superb, the turkey schnitzel delicious and the daily array of ever changing salads and the constant duck bao bun are all simply beautiful to name but a few of their wonderful dishes. This is the restaurant with the staff and the menu’s that the area has long been crying out for. A job well done by everyone and long may it continue.” Avenida do Mar, 23, Vale do Lobo, Loule 8135-864, Portugal +351 289 353 440

NOA CAFE Quinta do Lago This café packs a punch in a good way. What makes this café so special? Well first and foremost the Chef - the food is exceptional in every which way. NOA’s menu covers all different eating habits whether you are looking for good and wholesome healthy eating or something a little naughty like their divine homemade cakes. I have travelled far and wide and have lived in Paris but their croissants are simply divine and delicious. The team is highly professional and their service is outstanding. I have visited three times and on each visit the whole experience was 10 out of 10. They also offer takeaways so if you are in a hurry or fancy a picnic their Take Away Service is very much worth exploring. I noted they cater very well for families, young children and toddlers and babies - so this is a bonus too in Quinta Do Lago. I hope they listen to my (not so) little hints about them opening a second NOA in Vilamoura where I live - as their really isn’t much healthy eating here - we have the dreaded fast food outlets - then the higher price end of restaurants in the Marina and most of them cannot hold a candle to the NOA for value for money, service and an excellent dining experience. Avenue Andre Jordan, Quinta do Lago 8135-093, Portugal +351 289 352 274

TRIO RESTAURANT Almancil “My wife and I love this Restaurant, the setting is very nice in a cozy style with a large bar. Food offering is not very extensive but there is everything: Meat, fish, pasta, vegan, etc... We had smoked slamon as an apetizer presented with a bit of salad and a good dressing. Then we both had the rack of lamb (5 pieces) which was delicious and cooked as requested but served without the traditional boiled vegetables. Instead, Trio choose to offer on the side, grilled veggies at a reasonable cost. We also really enjoyed “batatas gratinadas” as good and even better than the traditional French “Gratin Dauphinois”, along with delicious egg plant, pumpkin and zucchini, all perfectly grilled. We really liked the red wine: a bottle of Conde Vimioso 2016 wich paired well with the lamb. My wife had then a delicious homemade cheesecake. Prices are reasonable for the type and quality of food we got. In addition, service was impeccable. The first bottle of wine we had was tasted by the waiter (the owner); he found a slight cork taste and took it back and brought a new one. This is the first time I experience this in Portugal. We highly recommend this restaurant.” Rua manuel teixeira gomes 802 A, Loule 8135-160, Portugal +351 289 399 309

LUZZO PIZZARIA Almancil Our first impression pf the place was wow! The decor was fabulous and the restaurant was so clean. There was a little play area for children and even a cute little kid’s toilet. We were well impressed with the novely of ordering food off the ipad, I’ve never come across this before, it did not take away from interaction with staff who were genuinely very warm and genuinely friendly. The atmosphere in the restaurant was very welcoming. Now for the food... it was out of this world. We had smoked salmon, foccacia pizzas and ganache, all of which were delicious. The pizzas are the best we have ever had, even my daughter who is a fussy eater said it was the “nicest pizza ever”. They made fresh juices and drinks on the premises which are very refreshing. Highly recommended! Av. 25 de Abril, Travessa do Beco N 3 e 5, Loule 8100-508, Portugal +351 289 414 372

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