Because we have been cycling in Serra da Estrela and because in this area there are thousands of farms, something that is part of the local culture, today we chose to visit one of these farms.
Although they no longer have the activity they had in the past, it is noted that they are gradually starting to be reactivated. In addition, these farms are open-air museums, allowing us to relive the past and the way people lived in the countryside.
Tradicional Ox Cart.
Olive Oil Press – The old cans.
As a rule, the farms in this region are small and dedicated to a subsistence economy, serving essentially to produce food for the owners of these farms and for their employees.
For this reason, the diversity of products that are produced in these small lands is still very large today.
Main Farmhouse.
On every farm there are several fruit trees, very diverse, something that allows fresh fruit to be found in all seasons. On almost every farm there are trees that produce apples, pears, peaches, oranges, lemons, cherries, tangerines, olives, chestnuts and grapes.
Olives Trees.
Tangerine Tree.
Peach Trees.
Small space for planting various vegetables is also always present. Potatoes, onions, lettuces, tomatoes, cabbages, beans, courgettes, carrots, turnips, corn, sunflower, etc. are traditionally planted on these farms.
Cabbages and aromatic herbs.
Another feature of these farms is the existence of several animals. In addition to dogs that have the function of guarding the house and other animals, cats to hunt mice and the rooster with the function of alarm clock, several animals were created, such as pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, ducks and rabbits.
During our visit we were able to see many of these animals, but the biggest attraction of the time are the baby sheep.
In recent times, many of these farms have started to dedicate themselves to tourism (not the case of this one), so the accommodation in one of these spaces may be a great option for a weekend or for a few days of vacation.
