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Out of curiosity...
-
TomUK
- CVO Master
- Posts: 772
- Joined: Sun Jun 22, 2008 3:18 pm
- Location: Altrincham, Cheshire, UK and Algarve often!
The dam with the derelict cafe at the end of the access road is probably Barragem da Arade - upriver from Portimao and Silves. A few years ago the cafe was operative, but has been closed for quite a while now.
However, well worth a visit is the another dam in the area Barragem da Bravura. It is quite scenic and there are a couple of trails to explore from the car park. This dam can be found if you leave the N125 at Odiaxere a few kilometres before Lagos.
There is a sign on the right simply bearing the word 'Barragem' which takes you off the N125 up a narrow street that develops into a country 'lane'. Follow this and keep looking out for repeat barragem signs. Be patient, and after about 8km you will eventually end up at the car park for the dam and you will find an excellent restaurant now called 'Hansel and Gretel's'.
This restaurant used to be run by an elderly couple, but in 2007 they retired for health reasons and a very pleasant younger couple took it over (not sure if they are German or Dutch). They renamed it and expanded the menu. I notice from the leaflet I picked up in Sept. 2008 that it's closed on Mondays. I don't know if they close off season.
You can have a cooked meal or simply order a fresh sandwich (tuna, ham, cheese, etc.) with all the trimmings and they specialise in pancakes and home made fruit pies. We always make a point of visiting it at least once when we are in the Algarve. You will certainly see more people there than at the Arade dam.
If you prefer the A22 motorway you can leave at exit 2, but you'll have to double back slightly to Odiaxere and then take the road mentioned above.
However, well worth a visit is the another dam in the area Barragem da Bravura. It is quite scenic and there are a couple of trails to explore from the car park. This dam can be found if you leave the N125 at Odiaxere a few kilometres before Lagos.
There is a sign on the right simply bearing the word 'Barragem' which takes you off the N125 up a narrow street that develops into a country 'lane'. Follow this and keep looking out for repeat barragem signs. Be patient, and after about 8km you will eventually end up at the car park for the dam and you will find an excellent restaurant now called 'Hansel and Gretel's'.
This restaurant used to be run by an elderly couple, but in 2007 they retired for health reasons and a very pleasant younger couple took it over (not sure if they are German or Dutch). They renamed it and expanded the menu. I notice from the leaflet I picked up in Sept. 2008 that it's closed on Mondays. I don't know if they close off season.
You can have a cooked meal or simply order a fresh sandwich (tuna, ham, cheese, etc.) with all the trimmings and they specialise in pancakes and home made fruit pies. We always make a point of visiting it at least once when we are in the Algarve. You will certainly see more people there than at the Arade dam.
If you prefer the A22 motorway you can leave at exit 2, but you'll have to double back slightly to Odiaxere and then take the road mentioned above.
Hi the restaurant you are talking of on the barragem do arade road is called RAIHINAS your host would be Jose. Closed on Wednesday but suckling pig is sundays special. Jose speaks perfect english. As an ex local i can tell you we used to call it Robbers Bar !!!!! Beware Tourists. ?
Biffa used to frequent it until i bought his house and took over his seat in the bar.( came with the property ) Very popular with locals of all nationalities in the summer. Give it a go.
Biffa used to frequent it until i bought his house and took over his seat in the bar.( came with the property ) Very popular with locals of all nationalities in the summer. Give it a go.