Portugal Menhirs ~Algarve Travel
Stone monoliths Western Algarve
What on earth are Portugal Menhirs? That's what I wondered when I saw them mentioned in an Algarve tourism brochure. I'd stopped in Sagres, in the Western Algarve in Portugal while on a day trip from Albufeira to Cape St. Vincent.
Near the village of Vila do Bispo, it stated, look for remnants of limestone pillars that date back 6,000 years. Menhirs are thought to have been used as signposts, or symbolic links to fertility gods. Intrigued, I located the start of the path to the menhir field a short distance west from Vila do Bispo. If you go, pack a lunch and have a picnic!
Local cheeses, breads, wine and olives are readily available in towns and restaurants are few and far between out here. (or see prices for Algarve hotels). Have a look at the Portugal menhir pictures so you'll know what to look for when you visit!
Upright Menhir east of Vila do Bispo 
After several days spent trying to track down the elusive Portugal menhir, and after finding a goodly number broken and supine, I finally found this lovely specimen.
It's not that I spent every waking minute looking for one, but over the course of several weeks, as I passed through this area, thoughts of menhirs occupied my mind. Ancient fertility symbols, apparently, are not thick on the ground.
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My Favourite Menhir East of Vila do Bispo 
This is the same menhir shown above. In the background of this picture, you can see the road that leads to the main highway to Vila Do Bispo.
This is east of Vila do Bispo, about about 20 kms (12.5 miles), then turn south, towards the ocean, and go a few bumpy kilometres along the secondary road shown here.
After several hours earlier that day spent walking among broken down menhirs, I was thrilled to find this one upright, as the builder intended.
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Broken Down Menhir 
Most of these menhirs, found in situ in a field near Vila Do Bispo, have indeed seen better days. Some menhirs can be difficult to spot among other rocks; check for markings.
The village council office offers brochures with a map of the eight menhirs to be found there. There was ongoing construction at the gate to the field, so perhaps it is better marked by now.
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Menhir fields near Vila do Bispo 
Wildflowers dot this menhir field, a lonesome but lovely spot, not far from and south of Vila do Bispo.
I wandered for several hours, and never did find one of the menhirs listed on the map. Later, I learned it is hidden amidst a mound of shrubbery that I had been standing beside.
Take a lunch and something to drink, as if you want to walk to all the menhirs in this field allow several hours. The paths are often overgrown, and there is some distance between each menhir.
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