Barrocal

Barrocal
To the inner country, stretches a vast area presenting a most distinct character from the coast city of Tavira.

Mountain ranges and hills covered with orchards, almond, fig and olive trees suggest a rural atmosphere that closely resemble neighbouring Alentejo.

Here, people display a calm life style, marked by sunrise and sunset, by seeding time and harvest time, by the Earth mouvement around the Sun.

Agriculture and handicraft are main activities, and the hands of many traditional artists give birth to exquisite carrying bags, rugs, hats and all kinds of basketry.

To their crfat, they use the dwarf palm tree that sprinks spontaneously in the fields, and canes picked up at nearby creeks.

Clay gets transformed in handsome jars that keep the water fresh all day long.

At Cachopo, where one can get by the EN 397 road, from Tavira, or the EN 124, from Beja, linen is weaved to form checkered table towels.

Adapting themselves to the times, the new weavers create modern clothing lines, keeping alive the old traditions of weaving, and, at the same time, make the ever popular and brightly coloured patchwork bedcovers.