| During August Bank Holiday weekend, the | | | | resilience and pluck! The show that they |
| castle at Castro Marim on the Algarve, | | | | put on is truly memorable and they like |
| Portugal, returns to the medieval ages, | | | | to include visitors in the proceedings; |
| recreating all the pomp and circumstance | | | | so if you attend watch out, you may well |
| of that era in a spectacular four-day | | | | become part of the show! |
| festival. | | | | As with most of the Algarve, there are |
| Although it's only 40 miles from Faro | | | | plenty of quality fish restaurants in |
| airport, Castro Marim is considered off | | | | Castro Marim and many friendly bars, |
| the beaten tourist track. Overlooked by | | | | making it a great place to visit if you |
| the impressive historic Castle, the town | | | | wish to chill out. The residents are |
| of Castro Marim was originally founded | | | | very friendly and welcoming and you will |
| by the Romans as a seaport. However, it | | | | revel in their hospitality. But, if you |
| is now some three miles from the coast | | | | fancy combining your festival experience |
| and the land in between now largely | | | | with a few days lazing on the beach, |
| features a salt marsh nature reserve. | | | | you'd be better off travelling to one of |
| The historic castle, where most of the | | | | the Algarve's better-known resorts, such |
| festival takes place, stands above the | | | | as Albufeira or Villanova further west. |
| tranquil, whitewashed town and is a | | | | You may even wish to drive farther |
| memorable place to visit - either to | | | | afield and take in the historic capital |
| watch the festival or as part of a | | | | of Lisbon, further up the northern coast |
| longer break in Portugal. | | | | of Portugal. |
| The Feira Medieval de Castro Marim | | | | Thankfully, cheap car hire in Portugal |
| starts with a fanciful parade through | | | | is plentiful and easy to organise; many |
| the streets led by the king and queen, | | | | car rental companies will let you pick |
| who are accompanied by their colourful | | | | up your car at Faro airport when you |
| Court consisting of noblemen, ladies, | | | | arrive, from where the Algarve is your |
| musicians, stilt-walkers, jesters and a | | | | oyster. Indeed, car rental in Portugal |
| handful of knights in shining armour. | | | | is even more essential if you are |
| Once the noisy procession is complete | | | | organising your own holiday break, as |
| the fun starts, featuring jousting | | | | you won't want to rely on public |
| tournaments and street theatre | | | | transport. It can be hit or miss on the |
| performances based loosely on the | | | | Algarve and the freedom to travel |
| medieval ages. You have to hand it to | | | | wherever you want if very important in a |
| the locals: dressing up in full armour | | | | country that has so much to offer. |
| at the height of summer takes some | | | | |