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Portugal, occupying the western strip of the Iberian
Peninsula, looks small and modest on the map, especially by comparison with neighbouring Spain. Indeed, Portugal’s land area (88,994 sq km) takes up less than one fifth of the peninsula
and yet it still manages to be a country of astonishing diversity, both in its physical characteristics and in its differing ways of life.
Portugal is bounded to the north and the east by Spain, and
to the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean. It is a continuation of the Iberian
Me seta, or high tableland, which slopes gradually down to
the sea in the south. The highest mountain range is the Sera da Estella, in the middle of the country, which rises to 2000m. The climate is extremely temperate with most of the low
rainfall occurring in winter and more heavily in the north than in the south.
The Algarve
The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. It is
separated from Spain, to the east, by the Guardian River and from the Alentejo region, to the north, by two mountain ranges; the Serra de Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirao. These
mountains, which cover almost two thirds of the region, are made up of carboniferous shale, which disintegrates easily.
Immediately to the south of the mountains is a limestone zone
which runs across the region from east to west known as the Barrocal, a name that suggests wasteland as much as limestone. In fact much of the Barrocal is cultivates; almonds, figs,
olives and carob – all introduced by the Moors – grown here in abundance and are an important part of the Algarvian economy.
Of course, most visitors to the Algarve come for the coast,
the western half of which, from Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape of St Vincent) to Faro, is famous for its golden cliffs, full of caves and crevices and its small sheltered beaches. The eastern
half, called Sotavento and stretching from Faro to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, has a less dramatic, but equally sun drenched, succession of sandy beaches.
Tourism now vies with fishing as the major industry of the
area, but the centuries-old pursuit of the sardine and tuna still thrives.
The Alentejo
This region, north of the Algarve, consists of one vast and
level plain, except for the mountains of the Serra de Marvao in the northeast. Most of the land is divided into large estates, or latifundios, centred around a farm complex called a
monte. The region has no really big towns or cities. Evora and Beja both have populations of about 175,000.
Arable farming predominates, but there is also much unfarmed
heath land as well as extensive cork oak forests; processing of the bark is an important industry, both here and in the Algarve.
Traditional but increasingly uncommon are the great flocks of
sheep and sometimes pigs, watched over by herdsman who wear large and all enveloping sheepskin capes in winter.
It is famed however for being meticulously clean and tidy and
the villages of the region take great pride in their lime-washed décor.
Places to See – Discover the Sights
Monchique
The Monchique Mountains are situated just north of Portimao,
and contain the Algarve’s highest peak, Foia (900mts), offering extensive views of the western coastline. At the foothills of Monchique you can view the vast expanse of pine and cork
trees, as you climb higher these give way to Eucalyptus plantations.
Monchique is a small market town, which is situated nearly
900mts up in the Monchiqie range of mountains. Just to see the fantastic views of the valleys, ravines, and the coastline is well worth the visit. In Monchique they manufacture charcoal,
excellent wooden furniture and wickerwork. They are also famous for their chicken piri piri (spicy sauce) and smoked ham (Presunto).
Also in the Monchique Mountains is Caldas de Monchique, which
is well known for its spring waters, which are used for the treatment of rheumatism and chronic illness of the respiratory tract. With its crystal clear streams and gurgling waters Caldas
de Monchiqie is a must for all nature lovers and a major point of interest in the region.
Silves
Silves or Xelb, Shalb or Chelb as it is known was until the 16th century the capital of the Algarve.
Today Silves is a sleepy town boasting a castle and a
cathedral. The castle’s origins are pre-Roman but many a bloody battle forms part of its colourful history since then. Restoration to its present form was carried out in 1835, and now
the peaceful gardens reveal no hint of the sumptuousness or savagery of Afonso III, who secured the Algarve from Muslims. A couple of reminders of Muslim rule, and still in use today, are
a 65 metre deep well and the vaulted roof of the huge cistern. The castle is also the venue for the annual Silves Beer Festival in July!
Silves cathedral is close to the castle. Modest in size, it
replaced a mosque at the time of the re-conquest. Its importance and that of the whole city was diminished when the Bishopric was moved for Faro in the 16th century. The cathedral still has tombs of crusaders and a memorial stone to King Jao II, who was buried there, later his remains were moved to Batalha Abbey in central Portugal.
Another ecclesiastical monument of interest in Silves is on
the main road in the direction of Sao Bartolomeu de Messines. It is the so-called Cross of Portugal about which there is lots of speculation but little hard fact. Thought to have been
made in the 16th century carved from limestone, one side depicts Christ’s descent from the cross, the other side the crucifixion.
Loule
Loule is a busy inland market town 16km north west of Faro
rumoured to have been inhabited by the Romans, who were probably the founders although the castle is of Arab origin. Loule became Portuguese in 1249 and was damaged quite badly in the
earthquake of 1755 as was most of the Algarve.
A very pleasant town with a wide main street and lots of
interesting shops, Loule is famous in the Algarve for its annual fairs and festivals, mostly relating to some aspects of religion.
One of the oldest districts in the Algarve, Loule boasts a
feast of religious delights including a 13th century parish church to the south of the town, with its main body and three side chapels surviving. The church of Sao Francisco is a less complex structure but does have a three bell belfry and a tabernacle in the shape of a pelican. Loule is also home to the remains of a 13th century Arabian castle, the Tourist Information Centre of Loule being actually inside the castle.
This is one of the richest areas in the Algarve in terms of
quality hand made goods. It is believed the craftsman descended from a small Moslem community who took refuge here after the Christians re-conquered in the mid 13th century. The creativity of these craftsmen is shown in their copper, wax, canvas shoes, pottery and crochet work. Craftsman can still be viewed today, working in the dimly lit workshops of the narrow cobbled back streets.
There is a large indoor daily market (9am – 1pm except
Sundays) on the main street selling fresh fish, vegetables and nuts. The main day for the market is Saturday, with a separate section for clothes, leather goods, pottery etc. On the edge
of town is also a large hypermarket.
Guia
Guia is famous for its restaurants. There are so many to
choose from many serving the famous chicken piri piri (hot spicy sauce painted on the chicken before its barbecued) During the day try a visit to Zoomarine with its fantastic shows of
dolphins, seals and parrots. There is also a church in Guia, which holds regular mass services.
Algoz is a small town approximately 5kms to the north of Guia
and this offers the fun and laughter of the 18 hole Krazy Golf course, as well as a restaurant.
Vale de Parra and Gale, just a few kms south of Guia, offer
beautiful white sandy beaches with sun beds for hire and a range of water sports in high season. For those who like a nice walk, Gale is the place for you, with a beach that stretches
west as far as Armacao de Pera, so allow a couple of hours there and back.
Portimao
Portimao was one of the towns to suffer most from the
earthquake of 1755. For this reason there are almost no great historical sights or buildings in this region. In the 19th century the town flourished again. Mainly due to the fishing and canning industries. Thus Portimao became one of the main Portuguese fishing ports and was raised to the level of a city in 1924.
Today Portimao is a commercial and industrial centre of great
importance, connected with fishing and industry.
A visit to the Largo I de Dezembro is well worth a visit.
This is a park with benches of blue and white glazed tiles, depicting ten pivotal events in the history of Portugal. It was named after the date 1st December 1640, when Portugal regained its independence from Spain.
Portiamo is a popular shopping centre for tourists. It is
also noted for its colourful fishing boats in the harbour and for its quayside sardine restaurants, where visitors and locals mingle to savour freshly caught, grilled sardines and thirst
quenching Portuguese wines at very reasonable prices.
Vilamoura
The name means "Moorish Village" and Vilamoura is
claimed to be the largest privately developed resort in Portugal and maybe even Europe. Consisting of 4000 acres it has 3 golf courses a private airstrip, large wooded areas, a huge
yachting marina, a 12 court tennis club, a bowling club, archery and shooting club (all of these open to non-members), a casino, a cinema and many bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Vilamoura Marina with its colourful array of international
yachts is a splendid spot for relaxing after your evening meal. Enjoy a coffee and brandy in one of the cafes surrounding the Marina and watch the world go by!
The area of Vilamoura was inhibited long before the Moors
even arrived, as a local archaeologist discovered in 1963, when fragments of Roman mosaics were churned up by a tractor ploughing the north side of what is now the Marina. Archaeological
excavations then took place and eventually uncovered the ruins of a Roman Nobleman’s house, large roman Baths, a Mausoleum and a farming or agricultural building. These ruins are open
to the public daily and there is also a small museum on site displaying Visio gothic, Moorish and roman artefacts.
Vilamoura’s fantastic Falesia beach is situated to the west
of the Marina, with over a mile of fine white sand. Falesia has quite a spectacular setting sparkling blue sea in one direction contrasting with the towering red cliffs behind. Should you
walk the full extent of this beach you will arrive at the small resort and fishing village of Olhos D’Agua (keep your eye on the tide for your return walk!)
Lagos
Lagos the most attractive town in the west, is a very popular
resort. It is renowned for its beautiful cove beaches that lie beneath the cliffs edge. To reach the cove inlets, there are steep winding steps. If you take a boat to the Ponta da Piedade
(Point of Piety) you will see weird rock formations and on a calm day you can look all the way down and see the Grottoes beneath the waters.
Some places of interest in Lagos are the Museu Regional de
Lagos (Museum) which contains some fascinating ancient relics. You will also find some Roman mosaics, which were found in the Budens region of the Algarve. In the main square you will see
a statue of King Sebastion, who was killed along with his followers in the 16th century. The statue itself is quite a talking point, as you will see for yourself, as is the magnificent new marina.
Most of Lagos town was devastated by the Great Earthquake in
1755. A notable survivor was the beautiful church ‘Igreja de San Antonio’ and this is well worth a visit. Here you will see ornate gilt, sculptured warriors and cherubs supporting
columns of angels. The Altar is carved from wood and the lower parts of the wall are covered in 18th century tiles. Near the main square there are a few quaint shops that sell items of
brass, copper, pewter, marble and various other handicrafts, such as lace and pottery. You will also find numerous restaurants and cafes lining the streets with their tables and chairs
outside. Some even cook sardines on charcoal burners on the pavements.
Carvoeiro
Approximately thirty-five minutes from Faro airport this once
a tiny fishing village is now one of the Algarve’s best loved resort towns. Over the years Carvoeiro has grown and developed outwards rather than upwards and still retains its aesthetic
charm.
Today Carvoeiro offers all the ingredients for a perfect
family holiday, its picturesque sandy coves shelter and hide some of the Algarve’s most amazing beaches, sports activities and restaurants that you would need months to experiment and
experience. (Please click onto our Restaurant Guide).
Known for the local fishermen sitting around mending their
nets prior to, or after, gaining their daily catch and selling to the local market, also directly to the many fish restaurants for serving the same day. The narrow streets are lined with
quaint restaurants, bars, tapas bars, shops and even night-clubs. The village/town offers that little bit more tranquillity and individuality than the bustling main tourist locations and
once visited will not be forgotten.
Praia Da Luz
This beautiful unspoiled beach village is just 5km west of the historic ancient 16th Century City of Lagos. The sandy bays of Luz offer many activities nearby such as a Water Park, horse riding, archery, gymnasium and of course the many golf courses, including The Parque Da Floresta, spectacularly designed by Pepe Gancedo. There are many restaurants and beach bars in Luz, one of which, is the 16th century fortress called Fontaleza Da Luz, with its amazing panoramic views over the ocean, from its terrace, serving Portuguese and international foods.
Nearby Largos dates back to the 16th century when Henry the Navigator built his ships and sailed into the unknown world. The ancient walls, churches and culture are steeped in history but the city now boasts of a fantastic marina with bars, restaurants, shops and a host of water activities, including cave trips, along the coast, fishing champagne and gourmet buffet cruises.
Rocha Brava
This fantastic development of apartments and villas has
everything to offer and more. Ideally located for beaches, restaurants, sports facilities, quaint villages, shopping, relaxation and lovers of nature.
The development is located approximately thirty minutes from
Faro airport and a few minutes drive to the enchanting historic village of Carvoeiro, heaving with historic character, fantastic restaurants, shops and the sadly fading ‘Tascas’
family-run Portuguese tiny restaurants where grandmother can be found at the stove. (Please visit our About the Area button).
More About The Complex: Perched on the cliffs enjoying
fantastic views to the sea, surrounded by beautiful gardens boasting of artificial lakes, amazing lush gardens and an abundance of almond, palm, fig and carob trees. The entire well cared
for vegetation has prohibited a natural habitat for many various types of interesting and tropical birds, taking their rest here.
Sport Facilities Include: Three fantastic swimming pools (one
heated during winter months) adjacent children’s pools and four-tennis courts/club with on site professional.
Children’s playground and a children’s club with special
entertainment programme for 4-12year olds, available from May to September.
Table tennis and snooker, bicycle hire, fitness centre,
beauty centre, golf courses, horse riding nearby, rental of boats and many exciting excursions all along the coastline.
Also within walking distance: The fantastic Farola
restaurant oozing with authentic charm and character, proud of its distinguished ‘A La Carte’ menu, extensive wine cellar and live music, eating inside or out, use of the pool,
poolside bar and lounge bar. The restaurant serves snack bar/coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and light meals.
Free transport, three times a day, to village and beach area.
Internet café section, 24-hour reception, phone, fax facility and taxi. Security safe available on request. Two supermarkets.
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