Living in Alcoutim

On the banks of the Guadiana River, the history of the town of Alcoutim is closely associated with the fact that it is located in a place where the tides can be felt, which forced boats, which transported the region's products, to wait for hours for the conditions conducive to navigation. However, since ancient times, its strategic position, bordering the neighboring Spanish city of Sanlúcar del Guadiana, has required the construction of support and defense structures, of which some vestiges remain and have become points of interest to be visited.

A walk of a few minutes leads to the discovery of centuries-old houses and some monuments such as the Church of Misericórdia and the Castle, where the Archeology Museum Center is located, where you can see the largest set of board games from the Islamic era coming from a unique archaeological site.

In Alcoutim, it is mandatory to go down to the riverside, marked by the sober hermitage of Santo António and the old Casa dos Condes de Alcoutim, to enjoy some peaceful moments, in the company of a cold drink on a terrace, while watching the fishing boats. returning or the sailboats anchored in the small marina.

Being a border location, there are many stories of smugglers and old paths taken secretly that take on another life as trails for observing nature, the landscape and local customs. The Smuggling Festival, in March, and the Caminheiros meetings that take place throughout the year are special moments to discover the secrets and mysteries of Alcoutim. Those who enjoy long walks can choose Alcoutim to start the Guadiana Route, which follows the course of the river, and the Via Algarviana, which crosses the interior of the Algarve from east to west.

Smuggling was the livelihood of many families during much of the 20th century, especially at the time of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and in the following years. Products varied over time and needs. They say that coffee, sugar, eggs, rice, soap, bread flour, figs, wool and tobacco came from Portugal and fabrics, soaps, perfumes, brandy and almond kernels arrived from the neighboring country.

Throughout the year, there are other times when it is worth visiting Alcoutim and experiencing some of the most important festivities for local culture and identity, such as the Alcoutim Festivals, which take place at the beginning of September, or the “Alcoutim With Vida”, with shows and entertainment every Wednesday in the summer months. Anyone who passes through the town on August 15th will be able to follow the River Procession of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, in which Portuguese, Spanish and foreign boats decorate themselves to accompany the image in the waters of the Guadiana.

One of Alcoutim's charms is the river, where it is possible to take boat trips, practice nautical activities and even reach the other bank in a famous cross-border slide, flying over the Guadiana. In the interior of the Algarve, and if there is a river, you could not miss some moments of leisure at Praia Fluvial do Pego Fundo, in the middle of the rural landscape of the northeast Algarve.

As for gastronomic specialties, black pork specialties (raised in the region), river fish dishes and game dishes are recommended. Traditional bread, baked in a wood-fired oven, is the basis for regional delicacies such as migas, gazpacho and açorda. For dessert, you must try the nougat. It is a sweet of Arabic origin, traditionally made with dried fruits dipped in boiling honey, after being crushed in a mortar. They also make them from wheat flour dough.

Nearby, it is worth visiting the Lavajo Menhirs and the Ruins of Montinho das Laranjeiras, as well as the Rio Museum, which is located in the village of Guerreiros do Rio. It's a good place to get to know the traditions, techniques, artefacts and memories linked to the Guadiana River and the riverside populations.

Near the village of Pereiro, in Monte Zambujo, the Santa Justa Museum Center deserves attention, which recreates a primary school from the end of the 1950s, a tribute to all the teachers in the municipality.