Travel to Portugal

Ponte da Piedade

An enormus rock formation hollowed out by the sea. The bold colours of the strangely shaped rock yellow, ochre, red - contrast with the crystal blue of the sea. There is access by boat to innumerable beautiful sea caves and hollows. The lighthouse stands near to the site of an old coastal defence fortification. A great place to visit while you are on vacations

Luz

A fishing port nestling between cliffs, which in spite of being an important tourist centre; it maintains its traditional and typical character. The main church is medieval in origin. Its main chapel has a gothic triumphal arch and vaults. The retable of the main altar is decorated with gilded carving in the baroque style Also to be found are the ruins of an important Roman '"villa" . with mosaics and pools. There is a small aqueduct to channel water from Quinta da Luz. Next to the beach are tanks for salting fish, probably built by the Carthaginians and then used by the Romans. Rising above the beach is the old fort of Nossa Senhora da Luz , which has now been turned into a restaurant. Nearby, at Cerro de Lorvão, there is a Roman burial ground.

Bensafrim

A classic small town, surrounded by hills, looking down on the sea. It has a church with some valuable works of art. The Forte Velha necropolis is situated nearby. Dating back to the Iron Age, it was later used in the Roman era and also includes a press. At Corte de Bispo there are some remains of Roman ruins. The picture shows an antique coin from Bensafrim.