Reid777

My group of 30 adults will be traveling by private bus between Lisbon and Seville in late September. I am looking for suggestions for a picturesque two hour lunch stop along A22 before entering Spain. I was thinking either Tavira or Cacela Velha. Are there any historical sites or a park we shouldn't miss? Thanks in advance for all replies

nytraveler

Not sure of the specific route but we stopped to visit Evora - which is a charming town - and had lunch in the Parador. Lucky we got in since there were a lot of celebrations going on - apparently it was the day that local kids were making their first communion - all the little girls and boys dressed in white dresses or little suits were adorable.

MyriamC

The A22 is the coastal highway of the Algarve.
Both are good options although Cacela Velha is really very small. Tavira is a pretty town with lots of restaurants concentrated around the so-called 'Roman Bridge'. A nice spot for lunch, IMO.

PalenQ

I stayed in tavira and loved it - just as Myrian says - Evora has a lot more to see but for a lunch stop I'd chose Tavira.

MyriamC

Evora is totally out of the way if they take the E1 and A22.
Personally I would also opt for the alternative route via Evora and Badajoz (E90 + E803). It is not only somewhat shorter, but also more attractive. They could then have lunch either in Evora (lovely!) or in Badajoz (or Almendralejo) which are more authentic than the towns in Algarve (although I do love Tavira - we have spent many holidays there).

MmePerdu

Is one route less winding than the other? I find buses on curvy roads a perfect recipe for motion sickness and I'm betting that with 30 people, there will be plenty of opportunity. So if one road is relatively straight, and the other route is mountainous or otherwise less straight, my suggestion for the sake of those afflicted as I am, go on the straight one, even if less scenic.

MyriamC

They are both main autoestradas (tollroads). No curvy roads and not mountainous.

Reid777

Thanks for all the input. two years ago we did the road to Amalfi from Pompeii by bus - can't imagine any ride could be any worse. I have put an inquiry into the bus company, asking what route they have us taking, but it looks like Tavira would be the best option for us.

barlaventoexpert

Well methinks not enough research has been done on this one!

If it was me, I would run down the A2 until Juction 10, hang a left onto the IP8 national road towards Ferreira do Alentejo, then Beja and then the old Roman town of Serpa.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpa

Arrange lunch at the Molho Bico, just inside the city walls.

http://www.molhobicoserpa.com/

After lunch, run Serpa to Rosas de la Frontera, then Jabugal and then join la Ruta de la Plata E-803 till Sevilla.

Total trip time (non-stop) is about 5 hrs with Serpa located almost equidistant between Lisbon and Sevilla

According to google maps, the all motorway route via Evora and Badajoz is the fastest by about 20 minutes but by the time one gets ofs the motorways into either Evora or Tavira any time advantage is lost.

The good thing about the Serpa route is that it allows one to see parts of the Alentejo and Andalucia oft not visited by tourists.

Reid777

I like it! I haven't checked back in a few days and am glad I did. I have contacted the bus company, and as soon as I hear back, will contact Molho Bico. It looks like a beautiful drive. I have learned that the fastest way is not always the best way! Thanks

Reid777

Does anyone know of any olive oil mills or wineries close to Serpa that we could visit for a tour and tasting that day? I was thinking of Monterosa, but they are closed on the day we are traveling, and now it looks like we may not go that way, anyhow. Thanks again for any and all replies