Venturing off the beaten track to find serenity
– January 2, 2024 | Text Marie Patterson | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group
I love that winter doesn’t feel like winter in the Algarve. With a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, it is a gold mine of discovery with all its natural wonders and hidden corners. Especially without the hassle of summer crowds.
As a local, I really enjoy these months and make time to play tourist in my own backyard more than throughout the rest of the year. My latest favourite escape for this season is a visit to the magical Sítio das Fontes de Estômbar.
Although I have known about this place (as have most locals) since I was a young girl, I still view it as one of the best finds in the area. This hidden gem of a park, nestled just beyond Estômbar on the left as you head up the main road, protects a serene lake.
It is a haven for wildlife and an idyllic retreat from bustling coastlines. As you enter, you immediately sense the peaceful, tranquil ambiance. Birds sing overhead, the winter air is crisp, and the rustling of trees creates an extremely relaxing atmosphere.
My main point in visiting is for the hike around the lake. I find it the perfect place to seek some peace and quiet for reflection, whilst enjoying a very serene environment.
The trails, thoughtfully marked, take you through the park’s diverse landscape, making it easy to navigate and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings. Along the way, exercise stations for the more energetic can also be found. The hub of the park is a quaint square next to an old windmill.
There are picnic tables here, ideal for a leisurely lunch in the beauty of nature. The idea is to take your own homemade picnic, but personally, I opted for a little treat.
En route, I called at Brunch in Rio in Ferragudo – a fairly recently new restaurant, that serves an excellent choice of brunch options, and also offers a takeaway option. I combined some guacamole and nachos, a poké bowl and some mini burgers on this particular occasion.
I find the Fontes de Estômbar are a true reminder of the Algarve’s year-round charm, and that there is always something to do. For me, being a “tourist at home” means rediscovering these gems, that I was actually fortunate enough to grow up with as a child, but unable to appreciate at the time.
This winter, as the Algarve pauses before the busy season ahead, consider venturing off the beaten track. Let one of your stops be Sítio das Fontes de Estômbar.
Take a packed lunch or indulge in something special from a local café, and let the peacefulness of this special place remind you why the Algarve is a treasure no matter the season.
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