The sweat of the people who for centuries were sacrificed to the sea, their cries, their appeals for strength, the songs of the women who waited for their sons and husbands to return from the sea: these still ring out in the old fishermen’s settlements all over the Ria.

Benamor blends to perfection some of the features of the upland countryside of the Algarve Barrocal with some of the finest scenery of the coastline.

In a region where the past was created through a fusion of creeds, battles, occupations and quarrels, there are still some unique manifestations of self-affirmation which people built in the past in order to embody their faith. The churches, monuments built over the centuries, are one of the most important cultural landmarks in the region.

What would you say to an activity that combines sport with one of the most relaxing ways to get to know the loveliest parts of the East Algarve? A bicycle ride along the Ecovia will let you do just that.

Life in the countryside, a peaceful setting where you can hide away, the pure air and the unending green of the surrounding fields that are covered with brightly coloured flowers in spring, the fruit trees speckled with white and pink – the colour of the almond blossom – and also the welcoming, family atmosphere: these are all good reasons for getting to know this type of holiday setting.

The blend of produce from the sea, the Serra and the Barrocal is a gastronomic treasure whose flavours and aromas are different from any other. Tradition requires that dishes are prepared with very fresh shellfish, freshly caught fish and vegetables that still smell of the countryside. The herbs from the country combined with spices such as cloves and saffron add a special flavour to dishes.