Discover Bensafrim: History, Trails and Landscape

Bensafrim combines impressive evidence of earlier eras with direct connections to hiking and landscapes. A large monolith, traces of Roman burials, silos carved into the rock and the Via Algarviana give the place several facets. Those planning a trip can therefore choose between discoveries relating to cultural history, a section of the long-distance trail and landscapes of tourist interest.

Monolith, Necropolis and Early History

One of the prominent historical features is the Menir da Cabeça do Rochedo. It is a large, worked, cylindrical monolith with a phallic shape. It has a large crack in the middle, while a diagonal section of damage can be seen at the upper end. These unusual features in particular make the menhir a distinctive subject for anyone interested not only in landscapes but also in the history of a place while travelling.

The Fonte Velha necropolis, also known as Salmões da Mina, contains evidence of Roman cremation burials. Alongside the monolith, this provides another historical connection from a distinctly different period. This picture is complemented by the silos carved into the rock in Bensafrim, which are regarded as important evidence of the Muslim presence. For families with different interests, this combination offers several conversation starters: while some may find the shape and workmanship of the menhir fascinating, others can follow the Roman or Muslim traces.

The Estela da Fonte Velha also points to a long history. It is a replica of a grave stele from the older Iron Age of southern Portugal, dated to around 800 BC. The original was discovered in 1882 at the Fonte Velha or Solões da Mina archaeological site. Bensafrim’s historical context also includes a church dedicated to São Bartolomeu, which existed in Bensafrim by the 16th century at the latest. These different monuments show that the place is not merely a stopover, but a destination with several cultural points of connection.

Combining Hiking and Landscapes Consciously

For active days, the Via Algarviana provides a clear geographical connection. Section 12 leads from Marmelete to Bensafrim. Anyone wishing to follow a particular stage can incorporate this route into their travel plans without making the entire trip revolve around a single theme. On the section between Bensafrim and Barão de São João, there is also an area with artworks in the Azoia/Maranhão area. In this way, the trail connects with a cultural experience without turning the historical sights and the hiking route into a single attraction.

Another focus is the Barragem da Bravura and its reservoir. Both are mentioned in connection with Bensafrim as landscapes of tourist interest. Thus, alongside the historical traces, impressions of water and landscapes can also feature on the list of possible themes. The historical rural economy also includes the fact that honey was one of Bensafrim’s typical products in the 16th century. Depending on their interests, families travelling with children can switch between discoveries related to local history, a hiking-focused day and an excursion to a landscape destination. These different focuses can be understood as different travel ideas centred on the same place.

The Right Accommodation Idea for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Bensafrim, the desired character of the trip can be decisive: those interested in culture focus on the historical monuments, hiking enthusiasts orient themselves towards the Via Algarviana, and anyone wishing to experience the landscape can include the Barragem da Bravura and its reservoir in their plans.

More Places for Your Plans

If you would like to add more places to your trip, you can also include Lagos, Barao De Sao Joao, Luz and Odiáxere in your further planning.

Back to the overarching travel overview: Lagos.