MARKETS...

In the villages and cities there is so much to see that a week is too short. Almost every town has a weekly market. The biggest one is every Thursday in Arganil, half an hour by car. There is also a big market once a month in Oliveira do Hospital.

The Portuguese markets are full of atmosphere and are a special experience for those who visit them for the first time. There are all sorts of things for sale, from fruit and vegetables from peoples own garden, homemade sheep or goats cheese, fish, meat and bread to tools and clothes.

At lunchtime, the Portuguese sit at long tables to eat grilled chicken, pork or sardines with bread or french fries and salad, of course accompanied by several glasses of local wine.