Are you planning a trip with your children, parents, or four-legged friend? Perhaps you are also looking for a destination where you can reconnect with nature, enjoy a mild, sunny climate, delicious cuisine, and friendly people? All this in a sustainable area and in line with your eco-friendly principles? It may seems like a paradise that’s too good to be true, but the place you’re looking for is São Bartolomeu de Messines, in the Algarve. In fact, it is known that Portugal is a very welcoming country, which is committed to safeguarding its natural as well as historical and gastronomic patrimony, and we cannot deny that its climate is ideal for relaxing and exploring its beauty to the fullest. So here is a green guide for your next slow trip to southern Portugal.
What Does Slow Journey Mean
Slow tourism is a new form of sustainable and responsible travel. This model promotes sustainable journeys, destinations far from mass tourism, and allows for an authentic travel experience.
São Bartolomeu de Messines: Treasure to Discover in the Algarve
São Bartolomeu de Messines is a typical Portuguese village, located in the south of the country, more precisely in the Algarve region. If you are a poetry enthusiast, you might be interested to know that it is the birthplace of one of the greatest Portuguese poets of the 19th century, João de Deus. Despite not being a large city, nor a well-known tourist destination, and therefore the perfect destination for a slow journey, São Bartolomeu de Messines hides some treasures that deserve to be discovered.
What to See in São Bartolomeu de Messines
You definitely can’t miss the Church of São Bartolomeu de Messines, which stands on a small square in the historic center of the town. It is a very simple building built in the 16th century and still frequented by the inhabitants of São Bartolomeu. Both on the façade and inside you can see numerous elements made of red sandstone, a stone abundant in the region.
Another place worth visiting is the Museo do Traje e das Tradições (Museum of Costume and Traditions), located at the entrance to the town inside a typical Algarvian house. Inside the Museum you can observe objects, dating back to the late 19th century and early 20th, linked to the local traditions.
As mentioned above, São Bartolomeu de Messines is the birthplace of João de Deus, a famous Portuguese poet. In the town you can therefore visit his birthplace, which allows you to get to know him as a man, a poet and a pedagogue. The Museum also offers interactive activities, so if you’re travelling with your children, it could be an interesting and fun activity for the whole family.
Slow Itineraries to Discover the Algarve
For nature and long walks lovers, São Bartolomeu de Messines is the perfect place to relax and discover the wonderful views of the Algarve. This ares is crossed by the Via Algarviana, a long hiking trail of over 300 kilometers, accessible on foot or by bicycle, that lets you explore the Algarve, from Alcoutim to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of the Algarve. You can divide the hike into stages, according to their difficulty, so you can choose that suits your level. There are more challenging stages that require preparation, while others are accessible to everyone. You will then be able to discover the lesser-known locations in this area of Portugal as well as enjoy pristine and varied natural landscapes.
If you want to better discover São Bartolomeu de Messines and want to get around with children or animals, there is a 12.7 kilometer circular route that winds through the sites mentioned above, such as the Church of São Bartolomeu de Messines, the Museu do Traje e das Tradições, and the João de Deus house-museum. Following this second path you can discover the main points of the town, observing the typical architecture, the evocative landscapes that surround it as well as experiencing the local culture and traditions up close.
What to Taste and Where to Buy Local Products
Portuguese gastronomy is rich in traditional dishes and ingredients and it’s highly appreciated by visitors. Like any city or region, this town has its own typical dishes that are definitely worth trying, letting you savor the local culture. In typical restaurants, you can find Chouriço de Messines, a spicy sausage typical of the region, often served grilled, or Pão de Messines, a local variety of bread known throughout the Algarve region for its unique flavour and texture. Two other local products are Medronho, a fruit brandy made from strawberry trees grown in the nearby hills, and Mel da Serra, honey made from local flowers.
Unfortunately, it may be a little difficult to find vegetarian or vegan options in local restaurants, but don’t worry, there are numerous weekly markets where you can buy delicious local products. From Monday to Saturday, you can visit the Mercado Municipal de São Bartolomeu de Messines, one of the oldest markets in the Algarve. Here you will find locally produced fruits and vegetables as well as many other gastronomic products at kilometer 0.
Where to Sleep Green in São Bartolomeu de Messines
If you are planning a trip to this Algarve town, you are likely looking for accommodation that’s sustainable and aligns with the trip’s eco-friendly velues. If you are travelling with children, parents or animals you also need an equipped place where you can all feel comfortable and relax.
On Ecobnb you can find Casa Amarela, a typical Portuguese country house located in São Bartolomeu de Messines. Here you can enjoy a large garden full of ancient plants and trees, solar energy produces electricity and there is also a cistern to collect rainwater. Moreover, the property also welcomes pets upon request.
Visiting São Bartolomeu de Messines will allow you to relax and enjoy Portugal’s nature and climate. Moreover you will also discover an authentic Portugal that has resisted mass tourism and protects its culture and environmental heritage. You will be able to engage with the community, experience their traditions, and contribute, in a responsible and sustainable way, to enhancing this little-known location.
Casa Amarela – Green Holiday Home in São Bartolomeu de Messines, Faro, PT 
