Martinlongo

Martinlongo
Following the road Estrada Nacional 124, Martinlongo lies about 4 miles away from Giões, far from the coast and in the Algarve´s Northeast region.

There are traces of the Roman occupation, but is is yet unknown if its origin is still older.

It prospered specially during the 16th century, when it even became the most important center of the Alcoutim county.

The wool industry and the many muleteers surely contributed to its development.

It is a tranquil village, inhabited by people with a calm style of life, typical of the little populated inland region, unaccustomed to the cities´ agitation.

The distances are short, but the lack of transports and the geographical conditions make them longer, and this Northeast region is "closer" to the Alentejo than to the South of the Algarve.

One of the main attractions of Martinlongo are the hand-made crafts.

The patchwork-quilts are typical of the region.

Recently, a local association created a new form of popular art expression: the jute dolls of Martinlongo are known all over the Algarve and represent an important contribution for the village´s development.

It is worth visiting the Museum Nucleus of Martinlongo.