Native Orchids on a walk to Paderne Castillo, Algarve, Portugal

This is the view from Paderne castle on 27th March 2019, dating from before the time of occupation by the Berbers of Morocco.  The earliest known historical source relating to the castle dates from 1189 by an anonymous crusader according to the information board.

Play the video at  http://www.historiadeportugal.info/castelo-de-paderne/  to get into the mood.
We walked a few miles from Paderne fonte (mineral spring) on a walking route to the water mill.

After walking up to the castle we walked to the medieval bridge above in the dry river valley.
It was so lovely here that we came back a second time, taking a taxi from Hotel Portobay, Olhos D'Agua, Albufeira.  To return, after we were just ten minutes from the fountain, we called the taxi which arrived just as we did: perfect timing and dead easy.

Naked Man orchids, Orchis italica amongst Lavender.

 Bumblebee Orchids, Ophrys bombyliflora

Bumblebee Orchid, Ophrys bombyliflora

 Ophrys lutea, Yellow Bee Orchid & Mirror orchid Ophrys speculum

Ophrys lutea, Yellow Bee Orchid & Mirror orchid Ophrys speculum

 Mirror bee orchid, Orphys speculum

 Ophrys fusca, Sombre Bee Orchid

Ophrys fusca, Sombre Bee Orchid

This is a spectacular area for wildlife and a leisurely stroll.  The path is well signposted and full of informative notices on nature and history.

The hotel reception seemed to be unaware of what a gem of a nature reserve was so near -- just an 18 euro taxi ride away.