During the walk this Wednesday many were heard to comment 'they say the Algarve is over developed, well they should come here!'. We were about 15 miles inland the scenery was just brilliant, green and totally, totally unspoilt - not a new villa, golf course or apartment block in sight. We watched local women picking olives from the trees by hand (see photo) and we were invited to help them during a friendly exchange while many took photos.

I keep banging on about it and eventually people will sit up and listen! Yes parts of the Algarve are completely ruined by developments particularly along the coast and the Portuguese are in fact in danger of ruining and spoiling a coastline that has long been an attraction (you have to blame the Portuguese because they are the ones at the end of the day who give the planning permission) but beyond this is an Algarve where tradional life still goes on, where the 20 or so olive trees on the small holding matter, where the dozen or so chickens matter, where the 2 or 3 pigs by the side of the house feeding on the scraps matter - the local people who depend on the land for a living struggle everyday, life in Portugal as in many other countries is becoming more and more expensive and there is very little income. Traditions are still there to be found, in a beautiful countryside where very, very friendly people will welcome you. Go and discover for yourselves!