Things To Do

Swimming in Reservoirs/Lakes

There are numerous reservoirs/dams (Barragems) in the area where one can swim, fish or pursue other water sports. These include the following: Barragem de Apartadura (near Marvão), Barragem de Caia (at Campo Maior/Arronches), Barragem de Maranhão (at Avis), Barragem de Montargil (at Ponte de Sor) and Barragem de Povoa (at Castelo de Vide). Generally you need to take your own equipment, though hire may be possible at Avis and Ponte de Sor. Sometimes late in the summer during very dry seasons, the water level falls substantially and the quality of the water deteriorates. At times like this it may be better to avoid lake bathing.

Public Swimming Pools

There are many public pools in the area, often in the open air. The (particularly attractive) one at Monte Carvalho and that in Reguengo are probably the nearest to Tapada do Falcão. There is a new open air pool at Portagem and a complex at Elvas on the road between Elvas and Estremoz. Pools also exist in Arronches, Avis (next to Club Nautico), Campo Maior, Castelo de Vide, Estremoz, Evora and Vila Vicosa, and there are bound to be others.

Also on the road between Elvas and Estremoz, close to Elvas, is a holiday complex called Elxadai Park, which has a pool with three waterslides.

Golf

NB: At the time of writing , December 2008, the Marvão course is closed until further notice as a result of insolvency.

[There is a superb and challenging 18-hole club at Marvão, where you can often play on an empty course! Discounted green fees are available to guests of Tapada do Falcão/Casa do Outeiro on production of a letter of introduction. The irrigated course incorporates four lakes and is set in wonderful countryside with impressive cliffs and scenery, and the village of Marvão in the distance. The professional speaks English and is available to give lessons and advice. He can help organise visits to courses in Spain such as Badajoz and Cácares, with which the club is associated. Clubs and buggies may be hired from the Pro Shop].

Walks

There are many walks to be taken in the Serra de Saõ Mamede Natural Park, often on ancient ways that have been paved and may date back to Roman times. The walks are particularly beautiful in the Spring when the wild flowers are very much in evidence. Leaflets giving details of marked circular walks are available from the São Mamede Tourist Office in Portalegre . There are also many walks to be enjoyed directly from the Tapada do Falcão. João will be pleased to point you in the right direction.

Exploring Castles

Virtually all the larger villages and small towns in the region have defensive structures of one sort or another. Whilst a few may date back to Roman times, the majority are Moorish in origin and this applies both on the Portuguese and Spanish side of the border. After the Moors were eventually driven from the area, many of the castles passed into the hands of the Knights Templar and other chivalrous orders and many of the structures were extended. Marvão is a typical example and because of its isolated and impractical position from a commerce point of view, it has remained virtually unaltered for centuries. Other castles in the area worth a mention are Castelo de Vide, Alegrete, Ouguela, Juramenha and Albuquerque (Spain).
A few towns played an important part in the Peninsular War. Prime examples are Elvas and Fort da Graça where the ramparts were substantially reinforced to withstand assault by the cannon of the 1800s.
Ancient Sites
Menhirs, dolmens and other prehistoric remains are scattered thoughout the
region, though they can be difficult to find. A tour by jeep can usually be arranged through the tourist office in Castelo de Vide or Elvas. The most notable Roman excavations are the settlement of Ammaia just outside Portagem near Marvão and the Roman stud farm of Herdade da Torre de Palma at Monforte. Of course the most impressive Roman remains are at Merida an hour's drive from the border into Spain. The aqueduct, theatre, amphitheatre, circus and museums are spectacular.

Go-karting

In Portalegre. A big open open racecourse with lots of bends. A big hit with over 12's. see www.kcp.pt

Water Skiing

Sud Euro Ski offers water skiing at the lake at Avis (enquire at the Club Nautico or www.sud-euro-ski.com) on a turn-up basis at weekends or by appointment at any other time. The equipment appears excellent (at least two Mastercraft ski boats, two slalom courses and several jumps) and the lake is ideal for waterskiing.

Horse Riding

Valerie Clark, an English expat who lives near Estremoz, offers dressage and show jumping instruction and excellent rides through wonderful countryside for the experienced and competent rider.