Fishermen’s Trail Stage – Vila do Bispo » Carrapateira

When this route reaches the coast, and at the junction with the path leading to Porto de Pesca do Forno, it is worth taking a look at the Islamic settlement of Ponta do Castelo. Dating from the 12th-13th centuries, the settlement would have had at least 15 dwellings, a terrace for drying fish and three bread-baking ovens. It would have been used only during the milder seasons of the year. Its location in a spot so exposed to the wind and sea mist suggests it may also have served as an observatory, perhaps for whale hunting. Whales were abundant in the Algarve sea, with records of catches at least until the 14th century.

The archaeological excavations of this settlement uncovered remains of pottery, fish hooks, a harpoon, net weights and marine fauna, including a whale bone.

The plateau that leads the walker to Vila do Bispo is scored by deep valleys, carved into the schist by watercourses. One of them, the Barranco da Pena Furada, flows out onto a small, charming beach of the same name. It is a small stretch of sand, in a north-west-facing cove, with intriguing shapes sculpted into the rocks by marine erosion.

The abundance of game, fish and shellfish has drawn human populations to this coastal strip since prehistoric times. South of the Barrando da Pena Furada, the trail passes an archaeological site, currently with no traces on the surface, but where Stone Age artefacts from the Palaeolithic have been found. They would have been temporary camps, occupied during the milder seasons. In spring, breathe in the scents, watch the feast of pollinating insects and keep an eye out for some of the rare and endemic plants of this coast: Biscutella vicentina, Diplotaxis vicentina, Hyacinthoides vicentina, Herniaria algarvica, Cistus palhinhae, Teucrium vicentinum, Thymus camphoratus or Linaria algarviana.

In the ravines, it is common to hear the common nightingale and Cetti’s warbler. On the cliffs nest, among other birds, the white stork, the jackdaw, the rock dove and the black redstart. On the plateau you can spot partridges, kestrels, linnets and woodchat shrikes.