Nowhere, do you get a more historical sense of place than in Cacela Velha in the eastern Algarve. Cacela Velha was once a stopover for Greek and Phoenician navigators. Romans and Arabs also once occupied the region, as did the Moors and Berbers. It is perched on a cliff, overlooking a lagoon and a spectacular ocean view. The natural beauty and fascinating history of Cacela Velha is what makes it so appealing to visitors. Cacela Velha is the coastal Algarve at its best.
The small seaside village of Cacela Velha has a fort, church and some of the best preserved Portuguese homes in the Algarve. Algarve Tour Guide's discussion of Portuguese public monuments notes that Cacela Vehla "classified as a Public Interest, overlooking the Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of the most emblematic examples of the historical and cultural heritage". Commercial fishing was an income source for residents for many years however, in more recent years the village has become popular with tourists for its historical attractions and cultural events (such as Moorish Nights). Spaswinefood so loved discovering the buildings along the narrow streets of Cacela Velha.
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View of the Lagoon and Ocean, Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood
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The narrow streets of Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood
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Cacela Velha Homes © Spaswinefood
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Cacela Velha Church © Spaswinefood
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It is important to note that there are a few restaurants in the tiny village of Cacela Velha. After exploring the village we had lunch at Restaurante Casa Velha. The restaurant was indeed a great find after our walk through the village.
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| Menu Advertisement, Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood |
The appetizer offerings that day included bread, olives and goat cheese.
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| Goat Cheese, Restaurante Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood |
We ordered a bottle of Encosta Estremos, Terras de Estremoz, Alentejo 2012. The wine was good value for price.
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| Terras de Estremoz, Alentejo 2012 © Spaswinefood |
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| Terras de Estremoz, Alentejo 2012 © Spaswinefood |
The main courses we selected included an omelet and eel stew (ensopado de enguias). Eel stew (ensopado de enguias) is a traditional Portuguese dish.
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| Omelet, Restaurante Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood |
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| Eel Stew, Restaurante Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood |
The desert we choose to have an ice cream.
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| Restaurante Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood |
Lunch at Restaurante Cacela Velha was quite pleasant. It was the perfect ending after a morning exploring the Algarve. Cacela Velha's spectacular view, historical past and the opportunity to check out some of the local cuisine makes for a perfect day trip.
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| Restaurante Cacela Velha © Spaswinefood |
Cacela Velha it is well worth a day trip. Our December visit to the Algarve was a perfect time to visit Cacela Velha. We enjoyed getting to know the Algarve's historical past. The Algarve is the most popular tourist location in Portugal and one of the top in Europe. Close to 10 million tourists visit the Algarve each year. While summer is the peak tourist season we found that the off-season is also a great time to explore. Even in the small village of Cacela Velha restaurants were open. But of course, you will always find Portuguese wine available.
No matter where you are in the Algarve, you are never far from the wine regions of the Algarve. Spaswinefood enjoyed exploring the Algarve and the Wines of Portugal. Our Algarve travels were a great opportunity to continue our discovery of Portuguese wines. Who would not enjoy getting to know Portuguese wines. I invite you to join me in my travels in Portugal and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood.
December 2013
Cacela Velha
© Spaswinefood
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