Convento dos Capuchos

The next day we took the easy route along the road and walked to the convento dos capuchos. A 16thC monastery for Franciscans and then Capuchins, this is the door of the dead - above an entrance that the new novices had to take to begin their lives under vows.

Very small cells for the monks, cork lined for warmth, just about walkable into - you had to crouch though. The door of the novice's cell looked onto the exit - a reminder that they could yet leave! Very austere simple location.
We walked back to Colina Flora - we ate that evening at A Toca de Julio - more conventional restaurant than yesterday's Sisudo, and a lift back with one of the waiters - exciting speeds along narrow roads. We much enjoyed Colina Flora - Aasta and James are American who love Portugal very simple but comfortable and wonderful breakfasts. The photo in the album of us was taken by James - as part of their guest book.

From the Westernmost .. inland

The next day we were given a lift to the Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Lots of tourists but walk a little along the coast and you come very close to these dramatic rock formations of Ursa Cove.

A lunchtime stop at Adraga beach and an easy day wandering through sand dunes. At one point there was a crashed car that had clearly been dumped and some locals attempted to buttonhole us - seeing our interest, hoping that we'd dumped it and would take it away!. We walked to the guest house of Colina Flora (of which more when I write the next entry) and in the evening we were taken to Sisudo restaurant in Almoçageme - very much a local place, a wide veggie choice and lots more too. There's a photo of the place mat and the wine in the album. I'd have gladly gone there another evening but there was so much choice between eating places!