The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal's southernmost province, bounded by the Atlantic ocean, the mountains of Caldeirao and Monchique and by the River Guadiana, it possesses a character distinct from the rest of Portugal. Dominated for 500 years by the Moors, they named the land Al Gharb - the western land. In search of fertile land they found an area warmed by the Gulf Stream with 3,000 hour of sunshine a year ideal for their orange groves, vineyards, almond and olive orchards.
Much of the Moorish influence can still be seen today in the region's architecture, music and language. There are more than 100 miles of rugged coastline with magnificent tide washed golden sand beaches or tiny hidden coves.
For the more energetic, the sporting facilities are excellent, in particular golf and tennis. Indeed whatever resort you have chosen you are never far from a golf course or tennis court, while the waters of the Atlantic are ideal for the many watersports available.
The Algarve has been most successful in retaining its particular character, you will find Portuguese fishermen working unconcerned on the beach alongside holidaymakers, or venture inland and you will be surprised to find this is still an undiscovered, unspoilt part of the world where old traditions still survive. In addition to excellent entertainment the Algarvian cuisine is delightful with plentiful supplies of fresh meat and sea food and year round availability of superb fruit and vegetables all washed down with local wine.

Places of interest

The Algarve has plenty to offer sightseers. There are Moorish castles, Gothic cathedrals, dramatic clifftop views, mountain treks, museums, monasteries and of course shops.
Although car hire is the obvious form of transport when getting out and about, there are alternatives. A boat trip perhaps, the perfect way to combine sunbathing with sightseeing, or even a fishing trip. A jeep safari is the ideal solution for a knowledgeable guide to the Algarvian countryside and places off the beaten track.

For more information of the region and events check the Região de Turismo do Algarve.

Câmara Municipal de Albufeira

Câmara Municipal de Alcoutim

ALTE
This is one of the prettiest villages in the Algarve, with brightly adorned white washed houses where two are never alike. Legend says that a local noblewoman on her way to the nearest church called the procession to "halt" and ordered a church built as it was a more convenient location. The nearby village of Fonte Grande is an ideal place to picnic with its springs and waterfalls.

LAGOA
This pleasant inland town, not to be confused with Lagos, about 12 miles to the west, is the wine capital of the Algarve. A walk through its ancient streets will soon confirm this with the heady aroma of ageing wine drifting from the underground cellars. The local wine is served in all the bars and restaurants and a winery tour is possible.

LAGOS
Lagos is a major fishing port yet steeped in history and interest. It was the home of the first slave market which can still be seen standing on the riverbank. The statue of Henry the Navigator overlooks the promenade displaying the towns close association with the sea. Also of interest are the lively bars and good shops.

LOULE
Loule is rich in architecture and is famous for its market. Also a center for local handicrafts.

Câmara Municipal de Loulé

MONCHIQUE
A small village full of character, Monchique is located 24km north of Portimao. It is the center of handicrafts and you can usually buy home-made nougat, the local fire water made from the fruit of the arbutus tree 'medronho', hand carved wooden utensils or a large straw bag. From the nearby ruins of a Franciscan convent, marvellous views of the Algarve can be enjoyed.
The small village 'Caldas de Monchique' nearby has the only spa in the Algarve, it is charming, peaceful and once a popular resort to restore health and vigor.
An excellent opportunity to sample the local water fresh from the ground which is said to prolong your life by ten years provided you can stomach the sulfurous aroma!

see also Guide to Silves

Câmara Municipal de Silves

Câmara Municipal de Tavira

VILAMOURA
Vilamoura is the Algarve's most luxurious and ambitious holiday development. With excellent sporting facilities and the major attraction - its marina, Vilamoura is certainly worth a visit.

Câmara Municipal de Vila Real de Stº António

DISTANCES
This is an indication of the distances in kilometers between Faro and the various destinations:
Albufeira 38 km;
Sagres 110 km;
Lagos 80 km;
Silves 55 km;
Lisbon 300 km;
Tavira 30 km;
Portimao 60 km;
Vilamoura 22 km;
Porto 570 km;
Vila Real Santo Antonio 55 km

Beaches

The Algarve boasts 100 miles of dramatic coastline with magnificent golden sand beaches and tidy rugged coves. The beaches are clean and unpolluted and have already received a record number of EEC 'Blue Flag' awards for beach and sea cleanliness. Most beaches feature at least one bar or restaurant, usually an ideal setting to sample the excellent seafood. Also the larger beaches have a wide range of water sports. All the beaches in the Algarve are available to the public and without charge although a small fee may be made for the use of sunbeds, parasols, etc.

Some of the main beaches do have lifeguards and some use the safety flag system as listed below: Red Flag - Bathing forbidden Yellow Flag - Bathing with caution Green Flag - Safe to swim The flag system does not operate on all beaches and usually only between June 1st and September 30th. Overall safety advice is to take care at sea especially when there is a strong wind.

There are three golden rules to sensible sun tanning: *Build up your time *Know your skin type and use the correct protection *Avoid dehydration The sun is beautiful but be careful - even when it's behind the clouds. Build up your suntan gradually over the first few days so that your skin acclimatizes to the powerful rays. This way as well as avoiding painful sunburn you'll find your tan will last much longer.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS/FESTIVALS
Listed are the National Holidays of the Algarve, when many shops and banks may be closed. There are also regional festivals which affect different villages. For more detailed information ask your local representative.

National Holidays:
April 25 - Liberty Day
May 1 - Trabalho/Labour Day
June 10 - National Day
August 15 -Assumption (Religious)
October 5 - Republic Day

FESTIVALS
May-June - The Algarve music festival with concerts held in churches and theaters in Lagos, Faro and Portimao.
On May 1 there is a lively feast and open air market in the picturesque village of Alte.
Silves is the home of the June beer festival, a chance to sample all the types of beer produced in Portugal to the accompaniment of folkdancing groups and musicians
July-August - Summer festival in Silves where you will find music, ballet and theater in the ancient capital town. The ideal time to eat sardines, most villages and towns hold their annual sardine festival. The most famous is Portimao where sardines are grilled on open fires along the quayside, folkdancing and music are also enjoyed.
September - National Folklore Festival. Traditional dances, music and songs in venues throughout the region.