Medieval Days And Knights In Portugal

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