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A pot full of gold coins lies on the road between Mexilhoeira Grande and Praia da Rocha. Kiss the toad guarding it, and the pot is yours.

The late 19th century witnesses political strife, with Republicanism taking root. António de Oliveira Salazar becomes prime minister in 1932, and turns around a stagnating economy but with the sacrifice of democracy. The army overthrows the government in 1974 in a near-bloodless coup. On 1 January 2002 the country adopts the euro currency.

The ruins of Salir’s Moorish castle have been put to novel effect by locals who have sunk gardens in between the battlements and the keep. The rest of the structure can be explored by treading a circular path around the middle of the fortifications. A small museum is under construction.

This tranquil town makes for leisurely exploration. Start with the city walls and the stout towers of the Porta de Beja. Up above are the remains of an 11th-century aqueduct. Within the walls the castle provides the strongest focal point, and its ramparts offer sweeping views of the Alentejan plains. Finally, leave time to sample somequeijo de Serpa , a creamy ewe’s milk cheese often served as a starter.

Cabo de Sào Vicente is associated with a 4th-century martyr, whose body was watched over by ten ravens.

Only the walls remain of this old Moorish fortification which surround a charming, well maintained garden. There are lovely views.

Listen out for battle cries near Silves – the ghost of the city’s last Arab lord.

The mythical king planted 1000s of almond trees to convince the princess that the blossom was like the snow she was used to.

During the 15th century Vila Viçosa became the country seat of the dukes of Bragança and the town is best known today for its splendid Paço Ducal. The semi-ruined battlements of the dukes’ former abode, the castle, surround a collection of brightly painted cottages and the 14th-century church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.