Cachopo

Cachopo is a tiny, remote village settled deep within the Serra do Caldeirão, the mountain range that forms the natural border between the Algarve and Alentejo. This is the true, hidden heart of the Algarve, a place far removed from the coastal gaze, defined by its steep terrain and ancient traditions.

The atmosphere in Cachopo is one of deep serenity and hard-won resilience. The houses are simple, often built of schist stone, blending seamlessly into the arid, scrub-covered landscape. Life here follows the rhythms of the seasons and the land, with local economies traditionally focused on beekeeping, cork harvesting, and raising goats and sheep.

Cachopo is often cited as the least populated parish in the Algarve, preserving a profoundly genuine sense of place. The local culture includes unique forms of traditional Portuguese music, often played on handmade instruments, and a traditional, rustic cuisine centered on game and wild herbs. It serves as a vital access point to the network of trails that crisscross the Serra, offering a quiet refuge for hikers and those seeking the quiet, authentic spirit of the Portuguese interior.