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The storks nesting on top of the belfry of Martin Longo’s parish church have been members of this small community for years, and they are as appealing as their unusual home. But the “A Flor da Agulha” dolls workshop is also worth a visit, for it is here that traditional jute dolls are hand crafted, the figurines depicting ladies spinning, herdsmen and woodmen.

Named “the eagle’s nest” by locals, this medieval hamlet, set high upon on a rugged escarpment, is an astonishing sight. Sinuous 13th-century battlements envelope an immaculate village, where polished cobbled streets snake past neat façades, whitewashed cottages, a dainty church, trim gardens and a cherished museum. Crowning all this is a castle commanding dramatic views of the Serra de Marvão and the borderlands.

Cavernous health food shop with a huge selection of minerals, vitamins, homeopathic remedies and natural cosmetics.

Towards the end of the summer the town of Castro Marim returns to the Middle Ages to host a spectacular pageant in the grounds of the 13th-century castle. Archers draw their bows on mocking bullseye targets while mounted knights tilt their lances and jesters cajole the crowd with music and banter. At night, actors in period costume recreate medieval plays to a hushed audience.

The celebratedaguardiente (brandy) is produced commercially, but the best is the “Monchique Moonshine”, which is distilled in secret and sold with a nod and a wink.

A giant curve of sand 4 km (2 miles) in length makes this the longest beach in the Algarve. There’s plenty of room for water-skiing, windsurfing and jet-skiing and those seeking a little peace and quiet. It also makes for a lovely walk, especially in autumn when the summer hoards have begun to disperse.

Jolly, English pub-style bar and restaurant heaving with jovial locals, seasoned expatriates and sunburnt tourists.

Housed is a modern complex in the town centre, the market is at its busiest early on Saturday mornings when it overflows with fresh fruit and vegetables, and a wide selection of fish.

Designated avila museu , or open-air museum-town, the old quarter of Mértola is divided into a number of areas of historic interest. Each reflects the diverse periods in the town’s history: Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths and Moors all took advantage of its strategic position on the River Guadiana. A number of museums exhibit treasures from each period, but the most stunning collection can be found in the new Museu Islâmico.