Introduction of the Algarve

The Algarve

On this page we want to give you some information about sightseeing in the Algarve. The Algarve, the most popular province of Portugal, is famous for its beautiful beaches, its mild climate, its lovely nature and off course its attractive Golf courses. Most of the roads in the Algarve connect the one village centre to the other. If you are a little bit in a hurry, please use the IP1 motorway.

Faro: Situated near de sea, the capital of the Algarve welcomes every year thousands of tourists. Visit the Castle and the City Walls of this pre-Roman City, which remained under the moors for 550 years. Its Churches and Museums are also worth seeing.

Estói: Situated at 10 km from Faro, Estói is a rare example of the country architecture in Algarve.
In evidence are the houses grouped on slops and an old palace with baroque gardens dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. Close are the Roman ruins at Milreu, an ancient Roman village from the 1st century.

Almancil: Following to west, you can find this village known by manufacturing the best painted ceramics in the region. Nearby you can visit the Parish Church of S. Lourenço and its Cultural Centre.

Olhão: Visit this port and fishing town famous by its Moorish architecture, namely because of the narrow streets and the white flat-roofed houses with terraces. The well known Ria Formosa (nature reserve) is nearby..

Fuzeta: Return to the past in this small fishing village whose inhabitants keep alive a strong traditional feeling. Enjoy a relaxing visit to the Marim Estate, in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Wander freely in the old paths and see old tidal mills and the birdlife which nests here.

Tavira: The town of the 37 churches. Walk through the streets and visit the monuments of this town which was an important port in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Cacela-a-Velha: Here you can find one of the most ancient fortress towns of the Algarve, which defended the coast as early as the Moorish period. Of a rare beauty the landscape is not to be missed.

Vila Real de Santo António:
Situated at the mouth of the Guadiana river, this frontier town is famous by its central square with parallel, perpendicular streets constructed in the 18thC. The Church and the former Market are worth a visit.

Portimão:
An important fishing port of the Algarve, Portimão is well known by its beautiful beaches and the superb grilled sardines (famous all over the country) served in the restaurants on the banks of the river Arade.

Lagos:
Former capital of the Algarve, from its port, many of the expeditions set out in search of new worlds (in the 16th and 17thcenturies). There are still some traces of this period to be found.

Visit the Castle, the Santo. Antonio Church, the Regional Museum and the Market, where in the past the slaves brought from Africa were sold.

Vila do Bispo: Located in a protected landscape, here you can enjoy the south coast which is of great natural beauty. Visit the Parish Church and, 2km away, the famous Chapel of Nª. Sra. de Guadalupe.

Cabo de S. Vicente: The western corner of Algarve. Here you can find the remains of a 16thC convent and a wonderful view.

Sagres: Visit the point at Sagres, the sacred promontory over the sea that has been a mythical place in Portuguese history.

This is the place where Infante D. Henrique, the prime instigator of Maritime Discoveries, lived and worked for the last 40 years of his life. The enormous windrose on the ground of the fort and the view offered by the wild sea are well worth a visit.