Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious sunshine year-round, Algarve is the dream holiday.
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 Dom Afonso III, in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique 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 highway and coastal road and Faro international airport. So why not visit this charming region, with its idyllic temperatures (average temperature in winter of 14 C and 24C - 57F and 75F - in summer, rarely going below 12C - 53F- during winter and reaching as high as 28C or 30C - 82F or 86F - in July and August), which are ideal for playing golf and other sports.
In the northern part of Algarve, the ranges of Espinhaco de Cao, Monchique and Caldeirao shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly colored 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 red cliffs and fantastic grottoes.
Apart from the wealth of available water sports facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserve 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.
Faro
The capital of the region, with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments: Cathedral (Romanesque-Gothic origin), Nossa Senhora da Assuncao Convent (Renaissance), Sao Francisco Church (16th-18th centuries). Museums to visit: Infante Dom Henrique, Regional Ethnographic, Ramalho Ortigao and Antoniano (next to Santo Antonio do Alto Chapel). Also worthwhile visiting are the beautiful churches of Sao Pedro da Misericordia and Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Roman ruins of Milreu in the suburbs.
Lagos
Enclosed within 15th century walls, with its Manueline window, are the magnificent churches of Sao Sebastiao (Renaissance portals and 17th and 18th century tiles), Santa Maria or Misericordia (16th-19th centuries), Santo Antonio (Baroque) and the very old Sao Joao Chapel (8th-9th centuries). Other points of interest: Regional Museum, Governors' Palace, Pau da Bandeira Fortress and the old slave market. Charming marina.
Monchique
Amongst the beautiful houses on the slope stand the mother-church (Manueline), the Misericordia Church (with a Baroque retable) and the Senhor do Pe da Cruz Chapel (17th century). Nearby, look for the famous thermal spa of Monchique and Foia (2959 ft high), overlooking the hills and the ocean.
Olhao
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.
Portimao
In this fishermen's town, visit the mother-church (14th century, rebuilt in the 18th century), the Colegio 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.
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 Chapel, you can visit the magnificent fortress (originally built in the 14th century, and later altered) and the 15th century rosa-dos-ventos (a 141 ft diameter compass card). Nearby, on the extreme southwestern tip of the European continent, is Cabo de São Vicente (Romans' Promontorium Sacrum), opening on to a vast horizon of sea and sky.
Silves
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 Chapel, you can visit the magnificent fortress (originally built in the 14th century, and later altered) and the 15th century rosa-dos-ventos (a 141 ft diameter compass card). Nearby, on the extreme southwestern tip of the European continent, is Cabo de São Vicente (Romans' Promontorium Sacrum), opening on to a vast horizon of sea and sky.
Tavira
With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, this picturesque town offers a beautiful view over the Gilao river and its Roman bridge. Churches to visit: Santa Maria do Castelo (13th-18th centuries), Misericordia (Renaissance), Nossa Senhora das Ondas (17th century), Sao Jose (with Gothic and Manueline elements), Sao 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, at the village of Luz there is a Renaissance church, which has been a pilgrimage place for many centuries.
Other places of interest
Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Almansil (beautiful Sao Lourenco Church, a Baroque masterpiece), Alte, Cacela, Carvoeiro, Castro Marim, Estombar, Lagoa, Loule, Moncarapacho, Monte Gordo (casino), Ponta da Piedade, Porches, Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, Vila do Bispo, Vilamoura (casino and marina) and Vila Real de Santo Antonio (marina).
Vale do Lobo beach, Almancil
Regional gastronomy
Fish soups Fish and seafood Tuna fish cooked in onions Sweets: fig, almond and egg sweets Handicrafts
Wicker and osier crafts
Straw hats and baskets
Copper and tin objects
Wooden objects
Ceramics from Porches
>Thanks to Portugal.org for the information
