From Lisbon we're drawn South, lured by talk of desolate golden sand beaches, uncrowded surf and warmer temperatures. The more well-known Algarve area is on Portugal's Mediterranean coast, but we're heading for the Atlantic southwest coast. We follow the sea route through the Alentejo, with its attractive tidy brightly painted villages, nice beaches and headlands. Its finally time for our first swim - refreshingly cool with a wee shore break to play in. Its a novelty to have a backdrop of an island with roman ruins and a 16th century fort. Overlooking the town of Aljezur we find the remains of a 10th century Arab fortress, a great spot to listen to the cowbells and watch the sunset. Ever wondered where cork comes from? We discover the source by accident, stopping for a snack in the
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