Marvao

On a rocky crest just across from our campsite is Marvao - we have a good view of it by day and an even more spectacular one when it is lit up at night.  It takes about an hour and a half to walk there but it is a very steep climb so we opted to take the easy way and drove to the top.

It's played an important part in many battles between Spain and Portugal and the views of the surrounding land mean that it would have been impossible for any invading army to sneak up on them!

There are only 159 inhabitants, a tourist information shop, a couple of 'pousadas' (special Portuguese hotels-special because they will have been converted from monastries or convents, etc, to very beautiful properties with amazing views over the surrounding countryside or incredible rooms and courtyards within), a souvenir shop, a museum, and a cafe, but it's wandering around the tiny cobbled streets, many with steps because they are so steep, that really transports you back in time.

All the small white-washed properties are squashed together in a higglety pigglety way most with tubs of beautiful flowers outside them. It is quite a magical place.