Despite the lasting influence it has had on food in such far-away places as Macau and Goa, Portuguese cuisine is hugely underrepresented outside Portugal. Often confused with Spanish cooking, it is, in fact, quite distinct.

At its best, Portuguese food is simple ingredients impeccably prepared. Based on regional produce, emphasising fish, meat, olive oil, tomato, and spices, it features hearty soups, homemade bread and cheeses, as well as unexpected combinations of meat and shellfish.

In the local area there are a wide range of speciality dishes available. For meat lovers we have the Picanhia, which is a traditional beef dish originating from Brazil. You will also find pork dishes of varying descriptions in restaurants everywhere. Fish lovers are able to enjoy a whole range of dishes using "bacalhau" which is salted cod. This is a very traditional ingredient in dishes throughout Portugal and is cooked in a whole manner of different ways. There are also numrous restaurants selling Trout and Salmon, only freshly caught from the river Zezere

For those of us who like a tipple, drink is a very cheap commodity in Portugal. But don't let the prices fool you, it is very nice to drink. Bottles of wine retail for as little as €1 a bottle and paying €3+ is the equivilant of buying a £7+ bottle in the UK. Beer is equally as cheap with a 24 bottle crate of Sagres or Super Bock costing approximately €7.

A recommended guide to local cuisine and restaurants will be available on arrival at the cottages.