Querença

The hamlet of Querença is part of the parish (freguesia) of Querença, Tôr e Benafim within the municipality (concelho) of Loulé.

Querença is located inland,  situated on top of a hill north of Loulé, in  the transitional  area between the fertile Barrocal landscape and the Serra de Caldeirão  range of hills. The area near Querença and neighbouring Tôr is rich in water with numerous springs and is very important to the water supply of Loulé and Quarteira.

The nature reserve Fonte de Benémola is located between Tôr and Querença. On the borders of the Ribeira da Menalva, which crosses this important ecological system, a rich display of diverse flora and fauna can be seen. A pathway runs alongside the creek to protect this area, and allow visitors to enjoy the diversity of the reserve without damaging it.

Querença is well known for its traditional regional cuisine including wild boar stew and rabbit.  In the central church square you can find the tourist information centre and a museum (Pólo Museológico da Água) which explains the importance of water in the area. The square itself has been recently modernized and as a result has lost some of its original character as have the inexpensive restaurants around the square.