São Brás de Alportel is a town in the Portuguese region of Algarve, in southern Portugal.
São Brás de Alportel is a town in the municipality of Tavira, surrounded by the towns of Olhão, Faro, and Loulé. The community developed into a significant commercial centre in the nineteenth century as a result of its cork oak plantations. These plantations facilitated economic development and elevated the community to prominence as Portugal’s and the world’s leading producer of cork. São Brás de Alportel is located in a prime location, surrounded by woods and mountains, and boasts a wonderful view of the sea and surrounding countryside.
Things to do and see
Old windmills are a continuous presence above the hills.
Moinho do Bengado, recently restored, awaits your arrival to tell you the old legends of a period when its candles provided the inhabitants with their daily bread.
This mill, erected in 1850, is of Mediterranean style, fixed, stone-built, cylindrical in shape, and has a 42.50 m2 area. Consists of a ground floor and a two-story house. It has a door, facing east and two windows. The flat and circular terrain where it is located is delimited by 10 landmarks. It is an example of a halter mill, the first kind of traction utilising rope and landmarks to rotate the roof in search of the finest quadrant.
Visiting Hours:
Wednesday > 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Thursday > 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Contacts:
City Council of São Brás de Alportel
Rua Gago Coutinho, nº 18150-151 São Brás de Alportel
Tel: 289 840 000 / 289 840 210
E-mail: camara@cm-sbras.pt / turismo@cm-sbras.pt
Museu do Traje
This is a gem of a museum. Beautifully set out with excellent displays of the passing of time (including some lovely costumes) and the cork industry. No information overload like some museums just nicely done. Well worth a visit.
Miradouro do Alto da Arroteia (Lookout Point)
Igreja Matriz De Sao Bras De Alportel
Church with longitudinal drawing, composed by three naves and five roof trusses. Worthy of notice, inside, is the baroque baptistery dated from the XVIII century with a marble altar piece, unique in the Algarve region.
Novacortica Cork Factory
On these fascinating behind-the-scenes cork factory tour, you’ll learn about the tree’s life cycle, harvesting and the manufacturing process, from drying to the production of wine and champagne corks. It also showcases other uses for the versatile material, such as clothing, footwear, bags and even furniture. Guided tours last 90 minutes and are in English and Portuguese.
AddressParque Industrial da Barracha
Phone289 840 150
Websitewww.novacortica.pt
Tours by reservation 10am-3.30pm Mon-Fri
