Guide to Sao Bras

'From all over the Algarve, the Portuguese come to eat at this hospitable market town – what better recommendation could you ask for?'

Backed by mountains with wonderful views towards the sea, Sao Bras is beautiful enough to take your breath away. Plus its laid-back atmosphere and excellent restaurants make it the perfect spot for relaxing, Portuguese-style. Local cuisine makes good use of the herbs which grow in the countryside all around. They feature in everything from bread soup and gazpacho to rabbit in wine and chicken in garlic. That alone is enough to draw locals and holidaymakers to eat here. But those in the know round their meal off with a local spirit distilled from the berry of the arbutus tree. Delicious. Food aside though, what can you expect from Sao Bras? There's the attractive streets for starters. Lined with white houses sporting colourful Portuguese tiles, ornate stonework and cast iron verandas, they're an ooh-worthy sight. Shopping-wise, it's all about local crafts. Visit the weekly Saturday market and stock up on baskets and brushes made from palm leaves, wooden toys and carved wooden spoons. There'll be cork products too. Sao Bras was once one of the largest producers of cork. And that's not to mention the almond confectionery – another regional specialty. Ready to see some sights? There's a small ethnographical museum to visit, housed in an interesting old mansion. And also the chapel of Senhor dos Passos with its gilded carvings and 7th century paintings. Hire a car and you'll be able to drive to the lovely old towns of Tavira and Olhao within 30 minutes, both of which operate ferry services to some glorious beaches along the coast. Gorgeous.

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