THE ALGARVE
Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique architecture - terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. However, the distance that was difficult to cover back in the 13th century is no longer an obstacle thanks to the modern Lisbon-Albufeira-Castro Marim road (IP1) or Faro international airport. So why not visit this charming region, with its idyllic . temperatures which are ideal for playing golf and other sports. In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhação de Cão, Monchique and Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly coloured region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
Apart from the wealth of available water sports facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserves special mention, amongst the various ports and harbours), there are other alternatives, such as tennis courts, famous golf`courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday resorts and an exciting nightlife.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Alcoutim - Away from the crowds and the bustle of the tourist centres along the coastline of Algarve, the lovely town of Alcoutim lies near the Alentejo (at about 15 kilometres, 10 miles) and has a natural border with Spain formed by the river Guadiana. A winding road that runs alonside the river offers superb views of the countryside, with its orchards and orange groves, and the rural way of life in Alcoutim remains very much unchanged.
Aljezur - From Aljezur tourists can explore the wonderful beaches of the Algarve´s west coast: bathed by the Atlantic, they are often wild and deserted in contrast to the warmer ones of the south. Aljezur is small and tranquil, it is overlooked by a Moorish castle from the 10th century. Aljezue is divided into two parts and lies in a fertile valley with a patchwork of fields where various crops are cultivated.
Castro Marim - The elegant outline of flamingos. The dusty gold of soft sand, the turquoise blue of warm waters. Vast ranges of hills covered in a bright carpet of wild flowers. The tranquil countryside along the banks of the Guadiana, lush with orchards and vegetable gardens. These are just a few facets of a municipality that stretches from the sea to the hinterland, with a river as its boundary. Accommodation: Casablanca Inn (Monte Gordo).
Faro - The capital of the district, with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments: Cathedral (Roman-Gothic origin), Nossa Senhora da Assuncão Convent (Renaissance), São Francisco Church (16-18th centuries). Museums to visit: Infante Dom Henrique, Regional Ethnographic, Ramalho Ortigão and Antoniano (next to the Santo António do Alto Hermitage). Also worthwhile visiting are the beautiful churches of São Pedro da Misericórdia and Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Roman ruins of Milreu in the suburbs. Accommodation: Hotel Eva,
Lagoa - Lagoa is known for its wine, which takes the Algarve to the rest of the country. Standing on a small hill, it is surrounded by vineyards and its white houses gleam in the distance. A very peaceful town in contrast to the tourist centers on the coast. Nearby Carvoeiro, with its charming sandy cove, is an old fishing village which became a popular holiday resort, but of the ancient fortress and convent there is little left. Accommodation: Tivoli Almansor****, Hotel Apartment Cristal, Hotel Apartment Solferias, Carvoeiro Sol, Rocha Brava
Lagos - Enclosed within 5th century walls, with its Manueline window, are the magnificent churches of São Sebastião (Renaissance portals and 17th-18th century tiles), Santa Maria of Misericórida (16th- 19th centuries), Santo António (Baroque) and the very old São João Hermitage (8th-9th centuries). Other points of interest: Regional Museum, Governors' Palace, Forte do Pau da Bandeira and the Old Slave Market. Charming marina. Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli **** - Hotel Marina São Roque ***, Porto Dona Maria
Loulé- This place is a rural administrative and active market town with some remains of a castle dating back to the 12th Century. The Arab castle has been virtually destroyed leaving some walls still standing that are now surrounded by modern buildings. Like most other towns in the Algarve, most of the older potentially interesting buildings have been destroyed in the earthquake that occurred in 1755. Within the remaining walls is a museum with an explanation of what was in the past the grandeur of the castle. The various earthquakes that it has suffered through its history have damaged the 13th Century Church of São Clemente. However, its Gothic arches and side chapels are remaining from the 16th Century have survived.
Monchique - Amongst the beautiful houses on the slope stand the mother-church (Manuelina), Misericórdia Church (with a Baroque retable) and the Senhor do Pé da Cruz Hermitage (17th century). Nearby look for the famous thermal spas of Monchique and Fóia (902 m high), overlooking the hills and the ocean. Between Monchique and Portimão is the village of Caldas de Monchique that was developed in Roman times as a Spa. Here a visitor can try the curing elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32ºC
Olhão - The square-shaped flat-roofed houses, with their Moorish-style terraces, are this fishing town's ex-libris. Behind the mother-church (17th century) you will find the Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos Chapel. Another architectural curiosity is the fish market in a long unattractive building on the waterfront. Every morning there is a lively atmosphere and the impressively large variety of fish offered by the local catch is displayed to tempt the housewife. Accommodation: Colina Verde. Casa da Calma
Portimão - First the blue sea and its gently lapping waves. Then fine, golden sands framed by cliffs and rocks. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of an international tourist destination. This is the Algarve of beach holidays in the sun. Portimão and its municipality have more to offer though. A rich heritage of historical monuments. The eternal natural beauty of Ria de Alvor. The charm of cultivated fields, of slopes covered with pine trees and wild flowers. The allure of walking up into the hills and looking down on the Algarve from a new perspective. In this fishermen's town, visit the mother-church (14th century, rebuilt in the 18th century), the Colégio Church (17th century), and the Town Hall. In the suburbs, the renowned Praia da Rocha (with its Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress), and the Roman ruins of Abicada. Popular crafts - Wicker and cane baskets, hats, mats and baskets made of palm leaves and twisted "esparto" grasses, lace and embroidery, copper utensils, domestic and decorative earthenware: these are among the unassuming treasures that the craftsmen and women of Portimão and its municipality continue to make using traditional materials, motifs and techniques.
São Brás de Alportel - In a fertile inland region, São Brás de Alportel was known as a centre for cork production in the Algarve. The town has narrow streets and rustic houses, although there are richer ones with painted ceramic tiles and balustrades decorated with artistic wrought iron. Accommodation: Pousada São Brás de Alportel
Silves - Stones of different times and cultures overlap in this town: the castle, with its famous water cistern and walls, is of Arab origin; the Gothic Cathedral (having undergone several restoration works) was built on the site of an ancient mosque; the 12th century bridge was built where formerly stood a Roman bridge. The Cross of Portugal also deserves special mention (16th century religious sculpture), as well as the following examples of Manueline motifs: the Nossa Senhora dos Mártires Hermitage and the Misericórdia Church.
Tavira - With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, this picturesque town offers a beautiful view over the Gilão river and its Roman bridge. Churches to visit: Santa Maria do Castelo (13th-18th centuries), Misericórdia (Renaissance), Nossa Senhora das Ondas (17th century), São José (with Gothic and Manueline elements), São Paulo and Carmo (17th-18th centuries). If you are browsing along the Travessa de Dona Brites, you will see beautiful medieval houses, with Gothic windows and portals. In the suburbs, in the small village of Luz there is a Renaissance church, which has been a pilgrimage place for many centuries.
Vila do Bispo - Sagres - It was here that five centuries ago Prince Henry set up a school of navigation, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries. Apart from the Nossa Senhora da Graça Hermitage, you can visit the magnificent Fortress (originally built in the 14th century, and later altered) and the 15th century Rosados-Ventos (a 43 m diameter compass rose). Nearby, on the extreme south-western tip of the European continent is Cabo de São Vicente (Romans' Promontorium Sacrum), opening on to a vast horizon of sea and sky.
Vilamoura - Many of the Algarve's resorts have grown in a rather chaotic fashion around a pre-existing town or village. Not so in Vilamoura. This is a modern, purpose-built resort where everything has been planned and designed with your pleasure in mind. The huge range of facilities available makes it a very popular destination for families seeking stress-free fun.
