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