Alcoutim Algarve

Alcoutim, 40km/25mi north of Vila Real de Santo António, is also on the Guadiana. It is a charmingly modest little town, with relatively few visitors during the week although sometimes coach parties arrive at weekends. When river conditions are suitable excursion ships from Vila Real de Santo António call here. Its situation made Alcoutim strategically important at one time. The present castle forms part of a Moorish fort of the 11th C.; Dinis I ordered that the castle walls should be rebuilt in 130. Inside the restored walls is an exhibition of archeological finds.

In Alcoutim, Algarve the blue of the river framed by the cool green of riverside vegetation, of fertile orchards and vegetable gardens. The dark ochre of hills as round as rolled pebbles, flecked with colour by cistus plants, holm oaks and the occasional olive tree. Houses with walls of schist or baked mud white with the dazzle of lime, huddled together in hamlets lost among the hills. Such contrasts are to be found in Alcoutim and the surrounding municipality, where, even in mid-winter, thousands of almond trees burst into pale pink blossom. There are open spaces whose natural beauty remains unspoilt, where a multitude of wild flowers are to be found and a fascinating variety of bird species can be observed.

Alcoutim is a hillside town of cobbled streets, small squares and a paved promenade along the river front which is overlooked by a handful of cafes and restaurants.The river is quite narrow at this point and various sailing boats and river craft float gently on the waters, with a backdrop of rolling, green hills. The church near the river front originates from the 16th century, but has been re-built on a number of occasions. Over the porch are the arms of the Marquises of Vila Real and Counts of Alcoutim.

Usefull informations:

Alcoutim Touristic Information Center: Praça da República, 8970 ALCOUTIM Tel. 281 546179