http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34701 I developed my passion or perhaps obsession with cakes when sailing the Algarve. Apparently there are 365 different types of cake in Portugal and I did my best to try as many as possible.
Broa castelar – Sweet potato cakes
Mini Cenoura – mini carrot cakes
Pastel de Nata A type of egg custard cake with a thin multi layered pastry sprinkled with cinnamon (best if warm)
Carrot cake gateau
Mini almond cup cakes
Mini orange and almond cup cakes
Heavy cake - a very heavy cake(My least favourite)
Lemon swiss roll cake (a sort of heavy cake)
Chocolate cake
Baked crusty fruit bread
Apple strudel pastry
Bolo de aroz (muffin type cake)
There's still a lot of tasting to do upon my return.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34701 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33077 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33077 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32912 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32912 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32513 A winding stairway of 183 steps partly cut into a volcanic chimney leads down to a domed volcanic cave where there is a sulphurous lake. It's best to go between 11am and 2pm as sunlight beams through a shaft and casts light in a spectacular way.
It's even wiser to phone ahead as the CO2 levels are closely monitored and the cave closes when levels are dangerous. It's a bit disconcerting to say the least, when you're peering into the boiling mud pool and the alarm sounds!
There is an eeriness and stillness in the subterranean world enhanced by knowing you are 100m below the earth's surface inside a volcano.
A little rowing boat sits at the lake edge, though when I visited, the lake was out of bounds. Bring a torch to explore the darker areas and to admire the numerous stalactites. Finally, bring a packed lunch as the food offered is only a few chocolate bars and drinks from a vending machine. There are a few picnic benches outside to enjoy a well deserved snack and a rest.
If you have the energy, you can walk around the edge of the volcano where there are stunning views into the Caldeira and explore lava tunnels as you continue to hike.
All in all a great work for the thighs and bum!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32513