São Bartolomeu de Messines
Referred to locally as simply "Messines", our nearest town is only a couple of kilometres away. A true Algarvian community, centred around the beautifully decorated historic 16th century parish church "Igreja Matriz".
Daily life in the town revolves around the bustling Municipal market (Mercado municipal). Open from early morning until about 1.00 pm, the local farm produce is available newly picked along with freshly baked bread, and fish from the mornings catch.
The town has carefully escaped the ravages of tourism and is very much geared to serving the local community. You will find everything you need for day to day living sold from the quaint traditional shops as well as modern supermarkets and boutiques.
The narrow streets are peppered with a variety of cafés and restaurants serving mainly traditional local cuisine. Don't forget that in Portuguese cafés it is as easy to have a cool refreshing glass of beer (cerveja) as it is to have a cup of tea (chá) or coffee (café).
The nightlife in the town is by no means the liveliest in the region but on most evenings there are many people enjoying the relaxed atmosphere in the street cafés.
Even though Messines is not rated as a tourist attraction, because it is a very active rural town you will easily find all the essentials that you may need during your stay.
- Banks:
- Banco - A choice is available and they will all readily exchange currency and all have cash machines available 24 hours
- . Post Office:
- Correios - CTT
- Petrol stations:
- A choice of three, normally at least one open until 22:00
- Pharmacies:
- Farmácia, most display an illuminated green cross
- Medical Centre:
- Centro de saúde - no emergency service
- Police Station:
- GNR - Guarda Nacional Republicana
- Supermarkets:
- Supermercardos - mostly Alisuper and a Marrachinho
- Cinema:
- Cinema - one of the very few found outside the major towns
- Bus Station:
- with regular routes to all the major towns
- Railway Station:
- Estação de caminho de ferro, "CP" operates all trains on the main line to Lisbon and links to all the Algarve
- Motorway:
- Autostrada - very close to the A2 linking direct to Lisbon or Spain
