Not sure where else I expected them to grow but they certainly caught my eye the other day. They are not a native plant of the Algarve, having been introduced from either Iran, Syria or Greece. 
There are a variety of the views on where they originate from. As across most of the Mediterranean they have been cultivated here for hundreds if not thousands of years and here in the Algarve have even naturalised. Their botanical name is Punica granatum and their Portuguese names Romãzeira, Romã, and Romeira. We’ve seen a couple of pomegranate trees in the past few days; this one was next door to a great little restaurant in Pinheiro – Marisqueira Fialho.
We had read about Marisqueira Fialho sometime ago but never quite got round to visiting although we had driven past. There are very mixed reviews. The poor reviews I suspect come from tourists for whom decor and sophistication is more important than superb grilled fish and seafood dishes. The fish on display was some of the freshest we have ever seen in a restaurant, in fact our friend who we were with saw a fisherman bringing some fish in bucket just a few moments before we did. This really is a true Portuguese seafood restaurant or as Algarve Golf Holidays say:
The tin-shack restaurant par excellence where locals and ex-pats ‘in-the-know’ go. Don’t expect sophistication – do expect great fish, great ambience and great fun! Unbeatable!
We were so busy enjoying our fish and catching up with wonderful friends that I totally forgot to take any photographs inside, so you will just have to google or even better visit Marisqueira Fialho yourself. It is excellent, although my favourite fish restaurant I must admit remains Vai e Volta in Olhão! Returning to Pinheiro . . . . . I did remember to take photographs on our short stroll after lunch. This is a fabulous spot for birding, much prettier than the salt pans near us and plenty of sea grasses, creeks and mud for the birds to enjoy. I think we will be back!
I’m not sure our short stroll really counts for Jo’s Monday Walks as we couldn’t have walked more than a mile. Albeit our stroll did take us nearly an hour what with the bird watching and flora identification moments, so perhaps Jo might allow it! If not though my title certainly works for Cate’s Six Word Saturday. 
Have a great weekend all. We off shortly to Olhão’s amazing Saturday market to buy our dinner for tonight and also to catch up with Silvia. Perhaps we might even get some pomegranates, they are after all now in season.
That restaurant sounds really good, Becky. Sometimes just ‘being in the know’ can work wonders!
So true 😊
Pomegranates are yummy but I’ve never seen them on trees. Thanks for sharing.
dropping by from 6ws
Welcome fellow 6WS and thank you for dropping by 😊
I agree they are very yummy.
Those local places are always the best, in my opinion.
So true ☺
we had pomegranate tree when I was a kid- took me decades to learn how to cut into and pry those seeds out without getting stains all over my clothes! Have a lovely day!
Ooh share the secret
I had only ever seen pomegranates in the supermarket until I saw a pomegranate tree for the first time in southern California just recently. I was quite excited! Your fish restaurant sounds lovely, and thanks for sharing all the beautiful views with us.
Glad not just me who gets excited seeing the fruit growing! Apparently it was the Spanish in the 18th century who brought pomegranates to California. I find it fascinating how things are introduced to other parts of the world.
Ah, it makes sense that it was the Spanish who brought them because of the large Spanish influence in that part of the state. I agree – it is very interesting to see how things are introduced around the world.
Pomegranates, fish, clear & sunny skies…delicious!
Certainly was Ron 😊
Some breathtaking views you have captured in your camera..sheer delight to see new lands
I remember seeing a pomegranate tree for the first time, in Vila Real, in flower but I knew what it was because some flowers were fading!
They are just so pretty in the trees ☺
Well, you couldn’t walk far if you were stuffed full of fish, so you are excused. 🙂 🙂 Is that the fish restaurant facing the salt marshes, on the front. I think we tried to go once with some neighbours and chose a day when they were closed! Always meant to go back. Perhaps when we’re over in January?
Not walking far today because the back’s very sore. Have been sitting here with a hot water bottle since 5. Must be nearly time to go back to sleep 🙂
Oh no poor you 🙁 take it easy today
Thanks for excusing us! And that sounds a great plan for January x