An ocean at your table
The history of this fishing village, in the municipality of Aljezur, dates back to ancient human settlements linked to the sea and to fisheries.
From Palaeolithic findings and until the Romans, many people dropped anchor in its stream; some of them settled here while travelling along the Roman via. The Muslim presence might have been the strongest one, as confirmed by the ruins of a seasonal settlement of Muslim fishermen (12th century), found on a cliff top near the small fishing harbour of Sítio do Forno.
Due to the rough coastline, fishing activity is seasonal and, until quite recently, it had two main centres: Zimbreirinha and Sítio do Forno; the latter was freshly renewed.
Carrapateira is inserted in the Natural Park of Southwestern Alentejo and the Vicentina Coast. It is famous for the migration) of sea breams, recreational fishing, tourism (nature, sun and beach) and above all for surfing, which ex-libris is Praia do Amado.
The fishing community is now reduced to 6 boats and 10 fishermen, slightly less than the 12 boats and 19 fishermen registered in 2000.
Fishing gears used here are pots for octopus and long lines for sea bass and sea bream.
Gastronomy
Regarding gastronomy, sea bream is king – grilled, roasted, or even as rissoles. For a good meal, barnacles and fried moray eel cannot be left out of the table.
Must-Visit
Carrapateira Museum, Carrapateira Fortress, Carrapateira Church, fóssil cliffs, Pontal da Carrapateira, Bordeira River, Praia do Amado, Praia da Bordeira, nature trail “Trilho das Marés” (AT, Algarve Tourism), Carrapateira underwater route – Porto dos Fornos (ICNF/PNSACV), fishing sport, scuba diving, surf and bodyboard.
