This unusual town, 53 miles (85km) east of Faro, is neatly
designed on a geometric grid system, radiating out from the central
square, the Praca Marques de Pombal, with its dramatic paved radial
mosaic floor and central obelisk, edged with orange trees. The town
is on the west bank of the River Guardiana, facing Ayamonte, Spain,
which is on the east bank. Back in the 17th century the original
town was inundated by the sea, and was rebuilt by the Marques de
Pombal, who had rebuilt Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. The
reconstruction was completed in just five months, leaving a tidy
town with streets lined by elegant 18th century townhouses and a
long esplanade along the riverbank where strollers can enjoy an
impressive view across to neighbouring Spain. A car ferry connects
to Spain.
