Hot Air Balloon Rides In Sousel, Portugal
Located 18 km north of Estremoz, the sleepy country town of Sousel is a good base from which to explore the central Alentejo region. The town is closely associated with Nuno Alvares Pereira, who rallied his troops there prior to the victorious Battle of Atoleiros, which took place on 6 April 1384. Dating back to the 15th century, the church of Nossa Senhora da Orada marks the spot where Nuno Alvares Pereira put fire in the belly of his soldiers prior to leadint them into battle. The large main square is where traders in the bustling Saturday market sell everything from olives and cheeses to the locally produced red earthenware pottery. Held over the last weekend of August, Sousels annual religious festival happens in Largo da Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Orada, while the yearly Feira de Sao Miguel takes place on the last weekend in September. Nearby, 17 kilometres south of Sousel lies the picturesque town of Estremoz, whose surroundings are rich in high quality marble, evidence of which can be seen in many of the local buildings.
Just a few miles inland and everything changes. The green of the countryside is dotted with almond, fig, orange and pine trees and decorated chimneys stand out against the ochre of tiled roofs.
Other places of interest near to Sousel are Armação de Pera, Boliqueime, Guia and Paderne with its ruined castle perched on an isolated hill some distance from the village. This castle was liberated from Moor occupation in 1248 by Dom Paulo Peres Correia. At Ponte Grande there are impressive caverns with large arches, and also the underwater caverns of Grutas do Xorino.
The price of balloon rides in Sousel, Portugal are 160€ per person.
