The area now resembles a post-apocalyptic waste land with its abandoned buildings, lagoons that are full of waste from the mines and as a result have high acidic levels and unusual bright metallic colors and a fascinating barren landscape due to the mining activities, pollution and a general hot climate. It is a beautiful site for those that can appreciate industrial decay.

The town of São Domingos itself has the renovated old mining quarters and an enormous mining pit. More interesting however, is the walk from Santana de Cambas to São Domingos following the old railroad, which is around 15 km round trip, you will very likely be all alone in this barren landscape with these old mining structures along the way and it will be walk you will not easily forget.

It is best to visit on a weekday and to stay away from the riverside where it is more busy and touristy. In the smaller streets away from the river you will find yourself going back in time and you will find Port lodges such as Offley, that  offer tours and tastings but in a much more quiet, friendly and intimate setting.

The trail is sign-posted in both directions and can be done in parts during a (short) walking holiday or in its entirety for the truly dedicated, and the nice thing is that it shows a relatively unknown part of the Algarve, away from the busy beaches and tourist areas, leading through small Algarvian villages, past abandoned buildings and through unique  landscapes. It may have some challenges since it is not easy to get to and from certain parts of the trail due to a lack of public transportation, but it is worth the effort.

And if you end up in Salir, do not forget to visit the local pizzeria there, which in itself is almost worth the visit when you are in the area.