clairedavieswriter

Of the various explanations we’ve seen for the derivation of Abrantes’ name, the most attractive is ‘made of gold’ (aurantes). It might even be true. What does appear to be true is that it formed part of a string of 12th century fortifications known as the Linha do Tejo. Its hilltop castle (closed on Mondays, obviously)

Commands great views of the surrounding area

Including the direction we’ll be pedalling towards tomorrow. Looks pretty flat from here….?

It definitely wasn’t flat on the way up. What kind of maniac chooses to walk up and down an 18% hill on their rest day?

It felt like a long way to Ti Pereira, I can tell you

But the sandwiches were excellent, and cheaper than in Piccadilly or Leicester Square

Aside from its castle, Abrantes had a smart town hall, bedecked with flowers

And a strong line in street art

Though once again there were a good number of houses in a much worse state of repair

We were surprised to come across the first electric cargo bike delivery rider we’ve seen in Portugal

And we discovered that Portuguese pillar boxes look very like British ones

But our discovery of the day was this French brand of snacks, on sale in Intermarché. Can’t wait till they try marketing them in the UK.