6st CampingCar Portugal Meeting

(Lands of the Great Lake - Alqueva)

The first participants start arriving at the parking square in Monsaraz, around 16.00 hours, allocated places and groups division, to facilitate departure in the following day.

Many of them got the chance to catching up last sunrays.

Next day begun early with a visit to Monsaraz village accompanied by a technician of the Reguengos de Monsaraz Municipal Council. Some historic elements were transmitted at the village ancient gates and participants directed to the local Mother Church and Castle. The morning still enabled, to see in detail alleys, niches, lovely corners, craft-work shops and the Museum of Sacred Art.

After lunch, around 13.30 pm., a couple of buses, took all to Herdade do Esporão (Esporão, a sizeable farm).

In two groups we came to know the caves' world, these famous wine producers, being at the visits end, favoured with a cool white wine, much appreciated and contrasting nicely with high temperatures outside the installations

Finished the visit and after a short recovery period was time to head to St. Pedro do Corval, the largest earthenware european centre, and the visitors had an opportunity to see two plants, and in one of them, observe the production process of pieces so typical of the region.

Returned to Monsaraz around 18.00 hours, we drove to Aldeia da Luz, to live an high moment of our encounter.

Aldeia da Luz population, made a point to be present to witness an act supported by individualities, namely, Presidente da C.M. Mourão (Municipality), Mr. José Lopes, president of the civil parish council of Aldeia da Luz, Mr. Francisco Oliveira, president of the civil parish council  of Alqueva, Mr. Joaquim Romão, Councillor, Mr.Manuel Carrilho (CMMourão), Councillor, Mrs.Maria Clara Pimenta (CM Mourão), was inaugurated the motor-caravans Service Area and overnight stay place in Aldeia da Luz.

With speeches, a drinking toast and beautiful region songs it was with sincere thanks, all participated in the oppening of the first Service Area, promotted by the CampingCar Portugal.

After diner, taking advantage of the good wheather and quietudiness many took an invigorating walk through the streets of Aldeia da Luz.

Early, on Saturday, divided in four groups, the participants made a boat sightseeing tour in the calm waters of the lagoon, enjoying scenery, seen now in a different and beautiful perspective. Afterwards, a visit to Luz Museum.

Here, we found documented all the transference process undertaken, from the old village to the new one, besides, all craftwork, implements used until recents times, employed in the agriculture, shepherds activities and wine growing and production.

After lunch, was time to drive to Moura, where two representatives of the Moura Municipality, were present, to wellcome the participants to village.

Then, whilst one group went to Feira do Livro (Books Fair), other took place on a bus, to visit Alqueva Dam, having the opportunity to admire the enormous construction, as well as, appreciate all scenery around.

At night all got together for the meal in the restaurant Celeiro.

The magnifique diner, various starters, main dishes and typical desserts of Alentejo region, ended with all wishing happiness to each other. 

Last day, a.m., a guided foot visit took all to Moura gardens, the spa, the Castle, St.John Baptist Church, the Lagar de Varas  and also, to a moorish well.

Middle afternoon was time to wave goodbye. For some, was the return home others, still had time to relax and enjoy new places.

Nearly one hundred participants, (38 motor-caravans) took part on a diverse and very occupied days and in the end we felt the parting of our companions, with sorrow and a great desire to go back to Alentejo country and to their people's hospitality.

The comraderie and companionship, were the domineering notes, during all the week-end.