Lagos

Lagos is a charming Algarve coastal town that has retained its traditional Portuguese character whilst developing into a cosmopolitan holiday destination that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

Historically, Lagos’ greatest allure has been its geographical position. Lying opposite the north African coast in the Bensafrim estuary, it attracted settlers, foreign invaders and became a focal point for discovery voyages at the time of Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries. Prince Henry the Navigator brought fame to the region by founding his navigation school in nearby Sagres, by residing in Lagos and building his famous caravels in the town. Lagos soon became a hub of maritime activity as explorers such as Gil Eanes, the first to round Africa’s Cape Bojador in 1434, departed from the town in search of new land and fortune. Vessels returning laden with riches and slaves transformed Lagos into a base for African trade and brought increased wealth and prosperity to the area.

Nowadays, the allure is all to do with the region’s abundance and variety of beautiful beaches. Visitors are spoilt for choice with the long stretches of sand dunes of beaches such as Meia Praia or the smaller, sheltered coves of the likes of Praia da Boneca or Praia Dona Ana. Both alternatives are equally appealing: the size of Meia Praia makes it a favourite for the practice of water sports while the cliffs of the smaller beaches provide grottoes, rock pools and enchanting nooks and crannies that delight all the family. The coastline in the area is particularly attractive and can be explored from the sea on one of the scenic boat trips that regularly depart from the marina. It is also a favourite place for snorkelling and scuba diving.

The town itself is best explored on foot. Despite the destruction caused by the 1755 earthquake, many of the houses in the historic city centre still retain the traditional stonework, the quaint wrought iron balconies and the shaded inner patios. Shops, bars and restaurants line the cobbled streets, making it a very pleasant spot for a stroll and a taste of the local gastronomy. Marinated horse mackerel, whelks and beans, razor clam stews and stuffed squid are some of the delicacies on offer. The area also has a very lively nightlife.

Lagos marina has a more contemporary feel to it. Lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, it is a great place to sit back with a drink and watch the world go by.

Avid golfers can choose from two nearby golf courses, both of which provide breathtaking views of the surroundings. Palmarés Golf is situated to the east of Lagos on the hills overlooking Meia Praia beach and Boavista Golf Resort lies to the west above the coast leading to Praia da Luz.

Places to see

Religious architecture

Igreja de Santo António (St. Anthony’s church)
The impressive gilt carving of the sanctuary is one of the most beautiful in Portugal and has made this 18th century church a striking example of Portuguese baroque. The ornate interior contrasts greatly with the simplicity of the exterior.

Igreja de São Sebastião (St. Sebastian’s church)
Originally a 14th century chapel, it was made a church and dedicated to St. Sebastian in 1463. The church contains a large 18th century statue of Our Lady of Glory that came from Brazil and a 16th century crucifix that is said to have been used in the famous Alcácer-Quibir battle. From its hilltop vantage point, the church commands fabulous views over Lagos and the sea.

Historical sites and museums

Muralhas (Town Walls)
Originally of Carthaginian or Roman origin, the ramparts were extended by the Arabs and then again in the 14th and 16th centuries to accommodate the town’s growth. The walls offer beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the bay of Lagos.

Castelo dos Governadores (Governors’ Castle)
This castle was rebuilt on the site of a former Arab castle during the 14th-16th centuries to become the residence of the governors of the Algarve. Partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, it contains a beautiful example of a Manueline window, alongside which King Sebastião allegedly said his last prayers before his fateful trip to Africa.

Mercado de Escravos (Slave Market)
Slaves brought back from the African continent in 1444 were sold here in what is held to be the site of Europe’s first slave market. The ground floor of the building now houses an art gallery.

Museu Minicipal Dr. José Formosinho (Dr. José Formosinho Municipal Museum)
Adjoining St. Anthony’s church, this museum contains unique collections of religious art, archaeological findings and paintings in addition to sections dedicated to Lagos’ history, Algarve ethnography and mineralogy. Entrance to the museum includes admittance to the church.

Portimão

Traditionally an important trading and fishing port, Portimão has now become one of the Algarve’s most popular holiday destinations and a modern city offering fabulous beaches, proximity to the natural beauty of the Alvor estuary and plenty of animation.

The attraction of the area lies in the amazing diversity of its countryside and beaches. Holidaymakers in search of sun and sea will have the choice of longer beaches, such as the much-loved Praia da Rocha, or any one of the smaller, more sheltered ones like Prainha, lying westwards of the city. Many of Portimão’s beaches are framed by the characteristic golden cliffs of the area and feature the stunning rock outcrops that are the delight of scuba divers and snorkellers. Praia do Alvor, the westernmost beach in the Portimão area, is entirely different. Gone are the cliffs and rocks and, in their place, lie the glistening white dunes of the sand barrier that separates the ocean from the lagoons and marshlands of the Alvor estuary.

The protected area around the estuary is a beautiful place to visit. Its marshlands and canals are graced with numerous species of migrating birds and offer a sense of tranquillity that is far removed from the animation of the coastal resorts.

Portimão is a bustling seaside city in which there is plenty to see and do. Beach-lovers will be close to the beautiful Praia da Rocha, where they will find a host of amenities, including water sports rentals, bars, cafés, restaurants and shops. For those wishing to see the sights, the riverfront area is particularly pleasant for a saunter along the promenade to gaze at the passing fishing boats or to stop and sample the favourite local snack (the region’s unique sardines on homemade bread) in one of the city’s celebrated fish restaurants. The area is particularly lively in August when the crowds gather to celebrate the popular Sardine Festival. Boats providing scenic trips up the Arade river also depart from here, giving visitors the chance to admire the changing landscape further inland.

Portimão’s lively nightlife is a far cry from the peace and quiet of the fishing village of old. The marina is the epitome of modern Portimão and has become a favourite summer venue, offering a wide choice of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in very select surroundings. Praia da Rocha is the liveliest area for evening entertainment, its many bars and nightclubs providing all-night partying and its casino drawing many visitors from afar. In the summer, when many of the clubs host world-class DJs, Praia da Rocha becomes one of the most exclusive nightlife spots in the Algarve.

Keen golfers have a number of golf courses to choose from in the surroundings, including Álamos, Morgado, Alto Golf, the Penina courses and Silves Golf.

Places to see

Religious and cultural architecture

Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Church of Our Lady of the Conception)
Built on the highest point of the city, this is Portimão’s main parish church. The only remains of the original 15th century building are a gothic doorway, a gargoyle and buttresses. Noteworthy features are the ornate gilt altarpiece in the chancel, the 16th century Manueline fonts, the 17th century tiles, a 16th century statue of St. Peter and its four renowned ivory and wood crucifixes.

Colégio dos Jesuítas (Jesuit School)
Commissioned by a wealthy local nobleman and donated to the Jesuits, this 17th century building also suffered the effects of the 18th century earthquake and was partially rebuilt. The church in the central part of the building is the largest in the Algarve. The intricate Baroque altarpieces of the chancel and chapel altars are particularly striking.

Fortaleza de Santa Catarina (St. Catherine Fortress)
This 17th century fortress was built to protect the local population from pirate attacks. It was partially rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and contains a chapel dedicated to St. Catherine. Situated at the entrance to the marina and overlooking the beach and cliffs of Praia da Rocha, it commands beautiful views of the sea and river.

Museu Municipal Manuel Teixeira Gomes (Manuel Teixeira Gomes Municipal Museum)
Occupying what was formerly a sardine canning factory, the municipal museum is named after Portimão’s most famous resident and former president of Portugal, Manuel Teixeira Gomes. Exhibitions include a recreation of the daily activities of the canning factory, artefacts pertaining to the region’s traditional livelihoods, archaeological remains and a section dedicated to the life of the former president.

Sagres

Sagres is home to the most impressive landscape in the Algarve. The force of Nature is so strong in this south-westerly tip of continental Europe that visitors will soon understand why ancient settlers deemed it sacred, how it lured 15th Century Portuguese explorers to set sail into the unknown and how it has managed to retain its original striking beauty.

Sagres’ history has been defined by its geographic location and the stunning landscape of the Sagres and Cape St. Vincent promontories. The land’s-end feel of these 50 metre (164 feet)-high headlands dropping dramatically into the sea were a constant source of mystery and attraction to the region’s successive settlers as the various traces of their presence show. The most influential figure in Sagres’ history was Henry the Navigator, who found inspiration here to embark on his exploratory journeys, bringing fame to the region and leading to the creation of the town of Vila do Infante. Under his guidance, the area became a hub of maritime activity as cartographers, astronomers and mariners congregated, caravels were built and the exploration of the coast of Africa began.

The wild, rugged landscape of Sagres and the force and attraction of the sea continue to enthral visitors. The dramatic embankments and long, sandy beaches of the coast north of Cape St. Vincent have made them a favourite with surfers, paragliders and those who prefer untamed, natural surroundings. The southern coast offers more alternatives. Exposed beaches such as Tonel have helped to make Sagres the surfing capital of the Algarve while more sheltered ones like Mareta or Martinhal are family favourites that continue to retain a natural, unspoilt feel to them. These are especially popular with scuba divers and snorkelers, who take great pleasure in exploring the underwater grottoes of Mareta’s limestone cliffs or the islets facing Martinhal. Travelling eastwards along this southern coast, long stretches of sand alternate with small coves nestling between cliffs, the least accessible of these often providing blissful beaches of near seclusion.

Sagres is a lively fishing town with a picturesque harbour in Ponta de Baleeira, which becomes particularly busy at the end of the day when the fishermen return with their daily catch. A number of boats providing fishing, dolphin spotting or scenic trips around the impressive coastline also depart from here. The town’s central square, Praça da República, is a pleasant spot in which to watch the world go by and enjoy a taste of the local gastronomy. Fish is the staple ingredient of most of the dishes and the assortment is remarkable, with everything from gooseneck barnacles, cuttlefish or fried moray eel served in a variety of succulent ways. The summer months bring many a lively night to the bars of Sagres as surfers flock to the beaches and enjoy the annual surf festival that is staged here. The nearest beach, Praia da Mareta, lies a short walk south from the centre of town.

While the beach-lovers soak up the sun, inveterate golfers can enjoy the beautiful sea views while testing their skills on the rolling hills of the Parque da Floresta golf course, situated near the village of Budens.

Places to see

Historical sites on Ponta de Sagres (Sagres promontory):

Fortaleza de Sagres (Sagres Fortress)
Listed as a national monument, Henry the Navigator’s original 15th Century fortress was destroyed during Sir Francis Drake’s 16th Century incursions on the southern coasts of Spain and Portugal and rebuilt in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries.

Rosa dos Ventos (Wind Rose)
Attributed to Henry the Navigator, this 43 metre (141 feet)-diameter circle with 32 spokes marked out with stones, was unearthed in 1921. Commonly believed to be a wind rose, some scholars argue that it may have been a sun dial.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça (Church of Our Lady of Grace)
Built on the foundations of Henry the Navigator’s original Santa Maria church, this 16th Century church features an image of St. Vincent that came from the convent of Cape St. Vincent, the tomb of a 16th Century Spanish captain who helped defend the fortress from Sir Francis Drake’s attack in 1587 and the tombs of two 17th Century fortress commanders.

Historical sites on Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent):

Fortaleza (Fortress)
King D. João III ordered this fortress to be built in the 16th Century to protect the Franciscan convent lying alongside it from pirate attacks. The main gate bears the king’s coat of arms. The tower was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake and rebuilt in the 17th Century.

Farol do Cabo São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent lighthouse)
Originally built in 1846, the lighthouse has been successively enlarged and modernised since. It is considered to be one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe and guards one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Archaeological sites in the Sagres region:

Megalithic monuments
The landscape around the Sagres region is rich with evidence of the Algarve’s prehistoric past, confirming the belief that the Sagres and Cape St. Vincent promontories were held to be sacred places of worship. A large number of menhirs and cromlechs dating from the 4th-3rd Centuries BC are scattered across the region, the most notable examples of which can be found in Aspradantas, Milrei, Padrão and Monte dos Amantes.

Roman ruins
Sagres’ name is derived from the sacred name that the Romans gave this headland, Promontorium Sacrum, the place where the setting sun made the waters boil. The most significant ruins in the region include a villa, baths and fish salting tanks in Boca do Rio and the remains of a villa and fish salting tanks at Salema beach. Martinhal beach contains the remains of a large pottery centre with three kilns used for making amphorae. Ruins of fish salting tanks can also be found on the small islands of Martinhal lying opposite this beach.

Aljezur

Nestling among the rolling hills of northwestern Algarve, Aljezur represents the untouched Algarve, an area of beautiful natural landscapes where donkeys work the land, cowbells tinkle on the plains and some of the best beaches in Portugal await you.

Situated in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, the large natural park that extends along the western coast of the Algarve, Aljezur is a small agricultural town lying on the fertile plains that border the Aljezur river. The hilltop ruins of a 10th Century Moorish castle dominate the historic town centre and afford beautiful panoramic views of cork oak and pine woods, fields sprinkled with wild flowers and the sea in the distance. The old town that spreads down the hillside is a charming mix of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with the characteristic colourful trimming around the windows. The newer part of town was established in the 18th Century to relocate the population after the destruction caused by the 1755 earthquake and lies at a short distance from the hill on the other side of the river.

Outside the town, it’s hard to decide what is more appealing: countryside or coastline. Nature treks, mountain biking tours and donkey or horse rides around the hills offer the opportunity to admire wild boar, foxes and badgers in their natural habitat while Aljezur’s 40 km (25 mile)-long coast is a treasure trove of rich marine life, numerous species of local and migrating birds and a beautiful mix of virgin beaches and peaceful river valleys.

The Costa Vicentina, as this south-western coastal strip is referred to, contains some of the most beautiful unspoilt beaches in Portugal, many of which feature broad expanses of sand dunes flanked by towering cliffs and with hardly a building in sight. The swell size at beaches such as Arrifana and Praia do Amado attracts surfers and bodyboarders while Odeceixe, Bordeira and Amoreira are situated at the mouth of rivers, making them especially popular with families and offering a choice of river or sea to swim in. Attractive, natural lagoons also form in these beaches, making them a favourite with children. In Odeceixe, canoes can be rented for scenic trips upriver while, at Amoreira, the change from dunes into estuary marshland opens up a whole new natural world inhabited by kingfishers, otters and grey herons. The cove of Praia das Adregas, just south of Odeceixe, is an official naturist beach.

In an area so equally dependent on land and sea, it is no surprise that the fruits of both form the basis of its mouth-watering cuisine. Aljezur is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in Portugal so these are present in its soups, stews, pastries and during the Sweet Potato Festival, held in October. The sea produces another of the regional delicacies; the gooseneck barnacles that thrive on the surf-pounded rocks and that are bravely harvested by the intrepid local fishermen. Grilled fresh fish and a hearty selection of shellfish, including mussels, sea urchins and crab go into the tasty shellfish stews.

Places to see

Historical sites and religious architecture

Castelo de Aljezur (Aljezur Castle)
This 10th Century Moorish castle was built to guard the ancient river port that once provided direct access to the sea and was one of the last Moorish strongholds in the Algarve to be captured during the Christian re-conquest in the 13th Century. Two towers, ramparts and a cistern are still standing and its hilltop position affords beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings.

Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Our Lady of Mercy)
Situated in the historic town centre, this original 16th Century church was rebuilt in the 18th Century after the 1755 earthquake. It retains its original Renaissance doorway.

Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva / Igreja Nova (Church of Our Lady of Dawn / New Church)
This 18th Century church was built by order of the Bishop of the Algarve to replace the original main parish church that was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Its most noteworthy features are the 18th Century statue of the patron saint of Aljezur, Our Lady of Dawn, behind the main altar; a 16th Century Manueline font and two 17th Century statues in the side chapels which originated from the Monastery of Nossa Senhora do Desterro in Monchique.

Museums

Museu Municipal (Municipal Museum)
Housed in the 19th Century former town council building, the museum exhibits art, archaeological findings unearthed in the region and an ethnographic section containing examples of agricultural tools and a reconstruction of the inside of a traditional Aljezur house.

Museu de Arte Sacra Monsenhor Manuel Francisco Pardal (Sacred Art Museum)
Adjoining the Igreja da Misericórdia church, this museum is named after an important local canon and exhibits a fine collection of religious art.

Casa Museu Pintor José Cercas (José Cercas Museum)
This museum contains the various antiques and works of art that belonged to local artist, José Cercas, bequeathed to the town after his death.

Archaeological sites in the Aljezur region

Ribat de Arrifana (Arrifana Fortress)
Situated above the cliffs of Ponta da Atalaia and commanding panoramic views of the coast, this 12th Century Moorish fortress/convent is one of the largest found on the Iberian Peninsula. Built for defensive and religious purposes, excavation has revealed the existence of various mosques, a minaret and a prayer wall facing Mecca.

Povoado Islâmico Sazonal de Pescadores (Islamic seasonal fishing settlement)
The remains of this 12th Century Moorish fishing settlement are located in Ponta do Castelo, near Carrapateira. Various fishing instruments, pottery and fish and animal remains have been discovered.

Necrópole de Corte Cabreira (Corte Cabreira Necropolis)
A Bronze Age burial ground near the town of Aljezur thought to date back to 1800 BC. Most of the objects found on the site are exhibited in the Municipal Museum

Monchique

A land of wooded hills, fragrant orchards and natural springs, the area around the town of Monchique invites you to put all thoughts of sand and beaches temporarily aside and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of rural Algarve.

Situated in the Serra de Monchique mountain range that separates the Algarve from the neighbouring northern region of the Alentejo, this lush landscape of rolling hills, leafy woods and flowing streams is aptly referred to as the ‘garden of the Algarve’. Overlooked for many years as attention focused on the glitz and glamour of the Algarve’s coastal resorts, Monchique’s breathtaking scenery and peaceful ways are proving to be irresistible charms to the many visitors who now venture inland to explore it. The area invites nature treks, with trails leading you past cork oak, chestnut and pine trees, through picturesque hamlets and up to the granite rocks and shrubs of the higher peaks. A walk up to Fóia, the highest peak in the Algarve at 902 metres (2,959 ft), will afford you dazzling panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the southern coastline stretching as far as Sagres.

The pace of life in Monchique is far removed from that of the busy coastal resorts. Small hamlets nestle between the hills, home to artisans who uphold age-old traditions and farm labourers who tend to their terraced vegetable plots or citrus groves as their cattle graze peacefully in the meadows. The fruits of their labours are reflected in the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy, which continues to be produced using traditional methods. Black pork sausages and cured hams, the unique honey that comes from the region’s scented wild flowers and the powerful medronho liqueur, made from the fruit of strawberry trees, all contribute to the gastronomic fame that the area enjoys.

The town of Monchique lies between the peaks of Fóia and Picota. It is a charming hillside town of steep, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses and is a perfect base from which to visit the springs and discover the mountains. Its busy monthly market is the ideal time to appreciate the local gastronomy and handicraft, this being comprised mainly of folding chairs, wickerwork, pottery and knitwear. The March Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais (Traditional Sausage Fair) and the Feira do Presunto (Smoked Ham Fair), normally held in July, are lively annual events where the best of Monchique’s produce is on full show.

The picturesque spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique, home to the only natural springs in the Algarve, lies approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) south of the town amidst the exuberant vegetation of its surrounding hills. The 32ºC spring waters have been attracting visitors since the Romans first recognised their healing properties and are now widely recommended for their therapeutic effect on respiratory, muscular and rheumatic ailments. Caldas is a charming retreat, with elegant 19th Century houses bordering a shaded central square and a beautiful wooded park filled with acacias, camellias and centenary trees. The constant sound of trickling water flowing through streams, under footbridges and in fountains, combined with the light reflecting off the foliage creates an atmosphere of peace and relaxation that has led to it being dubbed ‘the Sintra of the Algarve’.

Places to see

Religious architecture in Monchique

Igreja Matriz de Monchique (Main Parish Church)
This 15/16th Century church has an intriguing Manueline doorway featuring stone columns that resemble knotted rope, a motif that is repeated on the column capitals inside the church. An impressive collection of 17th Century tiles adorn the vault and walls of the Capela do Santíssimo (Chapel of the Most Holy) while an unusual altarpiece in the Capela da Nossa Senhora do Carmo (Chapel of Our Lady of Carmel) is thought to have come from the former Franciscan convent nearby.
The Núcleo de Arte Sacra de Monchique, situated in the basement of the church, exhibits many of the region’s religious works of art.

Convento de Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Convent of Our Lady of Exile)
This beautiful Franciscan convent was built in the 17th Century by order of Pêro da Silva, a viceroy of India who was later buried here. It was badly damaged during the 1755 earthquake and after the abolition of religious orders in 1834, its altarpieces and statues were moved to other churches in Monchique and Aljezur. Its hilltop location affords lovely views of the town and neighbouring hills while its splendid ancient magnolia tree, allegedly brought back from India by the viceroy, is thought to be the largest in Europe.

Igreja de São Sebastião (St. Sebastian’s Church)
Built at the end of the 16th Century, probably in time for king Sebastião’s 1573 visit to Monchique, the most noteworthy features of this small church are its carved gilt Rococo altarpiece and a statue of Our Lady of Exile which is thought to have come from the Franciscan convent.

Nature in the Monchique area

Fóia Viewpoint
Rising 902 metres (2,959 feet) above sea level, this is the highest peak in the Algarve. On clear days, it is possible to see the southern coastline stretching from Faro to Cape St. Vincent and northwards as far as the Arrábida mountain range situated some 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Lisbon.

Picota Viewpoint
Beautiful views of the southern coastline can be had from this viewpoint, located 774 metres (2,539 feet) above sea level.

Barranco dos Pisões (Pisões Ravine)
Situated in the heart of the woods with a stream flowing nearby, this is a beautiful spot for a walk and a picnic under the shade of the magnificent, hundred-year-old plane tree that grows here. The nearby Moinho do Poucochinho, an old watermill for grinding cereal, is also worth a visit.

Parque da Mina (Mina Park)
This 18th Century farmhouse, situated just before the entrance to Caldas de Monchique in Vale de Boi, provides further insights into traditional farming ways in this rural area. Once the property of a wealthy local family, the inside of the house is decorated in period style while outside, visitors can see a recreation of a typical medronho distillery, visit an old mine and appreciate over a hundred different farm animals, including ponies, miniature goats, Vietnamese pigs, sheep and various species of birds

Faro

Faro is the regional capital of the Algarve. A favourite holiday destination, this bustling city lies alongside one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the region, the 60 km-long expanse of lagoons, natural dunes and stunning beaches of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. The beaches are many, ranging from the thriving resort of Ilha de Faro with its bars, restaurants and abundant amenities, to the seclusion of the miles of uninhabited sand dunes of Barreta island, lying between the ocean and one of the estuary’s lagoons.

The calm, warm waters of Faro’s gorgeous beaches attract swimmers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Jet skiers, windsurfers and pleasure craft often frequent the lagoons, and boat trips are available for scenic tours around the maze of canals that criss-cross the marshlands and sand bars of this beautiful area. The marshlands are a favourite nesting ground for migratory birds, so you might well spot flocks of flamingos and a variety of other species on the way. During the summer months, boats also provide access to the peaceful beach of Barreta island.

The city of Faro is a busy cosmopolitan centre, offering plenty of entertainment and numerous shops and restaurants. It also retains its traditional charm, as a walk around the old city centre will soon confirm. The narrow little streets house many shops selling local handicraft and it is hard to resist the local almond-based sweets, the Dom Rodrigos, at any one of the city’s pastry shops. Traditional fish restaurants provide the local shellfish specialities that often come straight from the estuary. International cuisine is readily available throughout the city and the Forum Algarve shopping centre contains a number of fast food outlets.

Golfers will be in their element with the numerous golf courses available in the surrounding area, namely the Pinheiros Altos, Quinta do Lago South, Quinta do Lago North, Laranjal, Royal and Ocean courses.

Faro has always been an important trading centre due to its strategic location at the mouth of the estuary. Its prominence during Roman and Moorish occupation was heightened during the 15th and 16th century Portuguese voyages of discovery and impressive monuments were erected as a result of its prosperity. Its fortunes were reversed in subsequent centuries as the city fell prey to the attack of an English army led by the Earl of Essex in 1536 and later felt the devastating effects of the 1755 earthquake. Faro boasts many beautiful monuments that attest to its former glory and that merit a visit.

Places to see

Religious monuments

Sé Catedral (Cathedral)
Situated in the historic Vila-Adentro area of the city, Faro Cathedral was built on the site of a 13th century church and a former Moorish mosque. Ravaged by the English attack of the 16th century and the 18th century earthquake, it was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century and is therefore a blend of architectural styles. The first floor tower and two of its chapels are all that remain of the original church. From its vantage point, you can enjoy the sight of the many storks’ nests adorning the roofs of surrounding buildings.

Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco (Church of the Third Order of St. Francis)
Originally built as part of the Convent of St. Francis in the 17th century, significant alterations were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. Beautiful tiles, paintings and the retable in the chancel are especially noteworthy features.

Ermida de Santo António do Alto (Chapel of Santo António do Alto)
Built next to a 14th century watchtower, this chapel is thought to date from the 15th century. It was altered after partial destruction during the 1755 earthquake and its beautiful retable was the work of the renowned 17th century Algarvian woodcarver, Manuel Martins. A museum dedicated to Saint Anthony lies alongside the chapel.

Igreja de São Pedro (St. Peter’s Church)
Situated near the waterfront, this medieval chapel was totally rebuilt in the 16th century when it was made the main parish church. Also partly destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, it has been subsequently modified but its chancel and chapels contain beautiful examples of Baroque and Rococo altarpieces and Baroque tiles.

Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Monte do Carmo (Church of the Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
The St. Joseph chapel in this 18th century church was the first example of the Rococo style in the Algarve. Especially noteworthy are the church’s ornate gilded retables, its painted panelled ceiling, the fine collection of Baroque statues and the notorious Chapel of Bones — lined with a somewhat macabre collection of artistically arranged skulls and bones from a displaced cemetery.

Museums

Museu Municipal de Faro (Faro Municipal Museum) housed in the Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (our Lady of the Assumption Convent)
Located in Vila-Adentro, this 16th century convent is now home to the Faro Municipal Museum. Partially destroyed by the English in 1536, it continues to be one of the finest examples of early Renaissance architecture in the Algarve. The museum contains Roman and Medieval archaeological findings as well as numerous art collections.

Museu Marítimo Almirante Ramalho Ortigão (Admiral Ramalho Ortigão Maritime Museum)
Founded in 1931, this small museum is dedicated to all the sea-related activities that have so dominated the traditional way of life in the Algarve.

Museu Regional do Algarve (Algarve Regional Museum)
Founded in 1963, the museum contains an interesting collection of artefacts and instruments traditionally used in the Algarve.

Roman Ruins of Milreu
These impressive Roman ruins near Estoi form part of a 3rd century villa, including the main residence, a temple and baths. Colourful mosaics depicting marine motifs emphasise Faro’s long association with the sea.

Tavira

Fronted by lovely long beaches that are separated by an arm of the Ria Formosa estuary and framed by gentle hills covered with sweet-smelling orchards, Tavira is one of the most delightful and architecturally-attractive cities in the Algarve.

It is an enchanting blend of beautiful houses, cobbled streets and airy squares that has retained the feel of a traditional Algarve fishing town. The river Gilão that runs through the centre of the city adds to the general charm. It is lined with elegant houses displaying the distinctive Tavira pyramidal roofs and is straddled by an ancient bridge, allegedly of Roman origin, that can best be observed from the central Praça da República square. Home to the Town Hall and surrounded by various impressive buildings, the square and gardens adjacent to the bridge are perfect for a leisurely stroll around the quaint city centre.

The nearby riverside Mercado da Ribeira, the 19th century wrought-iron building that housed the former main market, is another pleasant area in which to browse around the shops or enjoy a meal or drink in one of its various restaurants and bars – a perfect opportunity to sit down and enjoy the local specialities, namely razor clam bean stew, octopus with rice or tuna cooked in a tomato and onion sauce.

Immediately outside Tavira, be ready to be dazzled by the brightness of the neat rows of salt pans that constitute an age-old tradition in the area and that produce the finest table salt in Portugal. Beyond these, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa estuary, a wide expanse of canals, marshlands and sand banks that provide shelter to numerous species of migrating birds. Boats departing from Tavira provide scenic trips around these peaceful waters.

Beyond the waters of the estuary, lie a beach lover’s paradise. Two sand spits, separated by canals and accessible by boat, form two islands consisting of long stretches of sand dunes. Ilha de Tavira, the beach closest to the city, is situated on the busiest eastern side of Ilha de Tavira island and offers plenty of amenities, including bars, restaurants and water sports. The beautiful and more secluded beach of Praia do Barril lies westwards and can be reached by means of a picturesque open-air train that crosses the mud banks and marshlands of the estuary. This short scenic journey provides a wonderful opportunity to admire the natural landscape and observe the thousands of local crabs that scurry across the mud banks. More isolated beaches lie to the west of Ilha de Tavira island or eastwards on the neighbouring Ilha de Cabanas island.

Golfers will be happy to learn that there are four 18-hole golf courses nearby. Benamor Golf is just outside Tavira while the Quinta de Cima, Quinta da Ria and Monte Rei Golf & Country Club courses lie a short distance eastwards.

Places to See

Tavira Castle
The ruins of this former Moorish stronghold were rebuilt after the Christian conquest of the Algarve in the 13th century. Its towers provide beautiful panoramic views of Tavira and the surrounding countryside while the delightful garden inside, with its shaded benches, provides a welcome retreat on a hot day.

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo (Church of Saint Mary of the Castle)
Allegedly built on the site of a former mosque, this 13th century church was partially rebuilt after the devastation wrought by the 1755 earthquake and features various architectural styles. Gothic elements include the porch and ogival window while other distinguishing features are its 17th and 18th century tiles and several beautifully carved altarpieces. It also houses the tombs of seven knights of the Order of Sant’Iago and claims to house the tomb of the Grand Master of the Order, Dom Paio Peres Correia.

Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Our Lady of Mercy)
This 16th century church is considered the finest example of Renaissance architecture in the Algarve. Its fabulous gilt retables and 18th century tiles are especially noteworthy.

Torre de Tavira (Tavira tower)
Located near the castle, a camera obscura in this former water tower projects stunning 360º views of Tavira and its environs onto a large screen using a rotating mirror and magnifying glasses.

Silves

Cascading prettily down the side of a hill under the protective mantle of its Moorish castle, the picturesque town of Silves has always enthralled visitors with its tales of past riches and legends of exotic Arab princesses.

Although an important agricultural area and Portugal’s main orange producer, present-day Silves’ quaint, rural attractiveness bears little witness to the splendour of its past. Capital of Al-Faghar (kingdom of the Algarve) during the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Silves or Xelb as it was called by the Arabs, boasted such beautiful buildings, fabulous treasures and lavish bazaars that it was referred to as the ‘Baghdad of the West’.

Nowadays, the fortified castle walls are the only reminder of Silves’ past magnificence. Arab remains consist of underground grain silos, a 13th Century 10 metre-high (33 ft) water tank and a 60 metre-deep (197 ft) well. The sandstone turrets provide lovely panoramic views of the countryside and the inner gardens are a beautiful spot for a stroll.

The Christian re-conquest of Silves in the 13th Century was celebrated with the construction of the cathedral on the site of a former mosque. It retains many Gothic elements and once housed the tomb of former king of Portugal, João II.

Silves is especially lively during the summer Medieval Festival when the town re-enacts medieval life and the historic centre is filled with jugglers, minstrels, acrobats and street vendors selling regional food and handicraft.

Carvoeiro

Lying snugly between some of the finest examples of this coastline’s beautiful limestone cliffs and bathed by crystalline turquoise waters, it is no wonder that Carvoeiro has become one of the most sought after destinations in the Algarve.

Charmingly picturesque, this fishing village is a profusion of whitewashed houses that cascade down the sides of its cliffs and converge in a central square situated just behind the beach. The many bars and restaurants on the square make it a lovely spot in which to sit down and enjoy a drink whilst continuing to enjoy views of the beach. Elegant hotels and resorts have developed along the cliffs offering splendid views of the ocean. The Tivoli Carvoeiro Beach Resort Conference & Golf is situated in a prime location on the cliff top overlooking the attractive neighbouring cove of Praia Vale Covo. At this exclusive hotel, guests can enjoy the luxury of a peaceful retreat with stunning views and easy access to all of Carvoeiro’s amenities.

Carvoeiro is a favourite golfing destination and there are a number of courses to choose from in the surroundings. The nearest are the two 18-hole Gramacho and Vale da Pinta courses and the 9-hole Vale de Milho course.

Carvoeiro beach has preserved its attraction and natural beauty whilst offering all the modern facilities of a cosmopolitan resort. Sheltered by cliffs on either side and shelving gently into the sea, the long sandy beach has become a great favourite with families. Colourful boats adorn one end of the beach, the local fishermen using them for fishing or for taking visitors on scenic trips around this impressive coastline.

The golden limestone cliffs that make up the coastline around Carvoeiro and its neighbouring beaches really are a gem. Eroded by wind, rain and seawater, they form an intricate landscape of natural grottoes, arches, crevices and outcrops that are a beauty to explore. The most famous and dazzling example in the Algarve is Algar Seco, situated some 550 metres (0.3 miles) east of Carvoeiro, where visitors can admire a network of rock pools, caves, arches and holes that have been naturally carved out of the rocks.

Carvoeiro’s nightlife livens up considerably during the summer months when the bars and pubs stay open well into the night. There are many restaurants to choose from, offering international or typical Portuguese cuisine. As this is an important wine producing region, why not stop and taste a local fish speciality, accompanied by a smooth and fragrant Lagoa red?

Albufeira

A stunning coastline of creamy, coppery cliffs and a wide assortment of beautiful, sun-drenched beaches have transformed Albufeira from the quiet little fishing village of old into the holiday haven and favourite Algarve destination that it is today.

The allure is understandable: Albufeira’s beaches come in all shapes and sizes and they are all equally appealing. Ranging from secluded sandy coves and miles-long stretches of glittering, golden sands to picture-postcard landscapes combining sea, sand and delightful rocky outcrops, the draw is irresistible. More than half of these beaches hold the prestigious Blue Flag and offer a comprehensive range of amenities and water sports facilities while the resorts that flank them provide an endless supply of entertainment and leisure activities. The great diversity of bars, restaurants and clubs have made Albufeira’s nightlife the most famous in the Algarve while numerous golf courses, a marina, children’s theme parks and abundant shopping opportunities provide plenty of additional daytime distractions.

The city of Albufeira is fronted by three magnificent long, sandy beaches: Pescadores, Peneco (also known as Túnel beach) and Inatel. The colourful fishing boats on Pescadores beach are present-day reminders of the city’s fishing past and while the fishermen continue to supply the local restaurants with their daily catches, the boats are also used to provide scenic tours around the natural grottoes that adorn this beautiful coastline. A pleasant promenade links Peneco beach to Albufeira’s vibrant marina.

Affording breathtaking views of Albufeira’s scenic coastline from their clifftop positions overlooking Santa Eulália, São Rafael and Falésia beaches, the luxurious Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa, CS São Rafael Atlantic Hotel, and Sheraton Algarve Hotel & Pine Cliffs Resort offer access to the beaches lying below, the privacy of secluded locations and exceptional accommodation and facilities. Porto Bay Falésia enjoys an equally beautiful clifftop location above Falésia beach while the exclusive CS São Rafael Suite Hotel, situated a small distance inland from São Rafael beach, will impress with its contemporary elegance and peaceful surroundings. In a quiet Albufeira location, the Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa provides a wide range of facilities and a shuttle service to the beach and city centre. Enjoying a unique oceanfront location with direct access to the sand dunes of Salgados beach, the brand new Vidamar Resorts Algarve is a luxurious retreat where guests can also appreciate the natural beauty of the protected Salgados lagoon wetlands lying nearby.

Albufeira’s old town centre has a delightful traditional feel. Whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets lined with cafés and shops lead to a picturesque central square surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can taste some of the local fish-based gastronomy. And if you’re looking for some late night partying, there’s plenty of it in fun-loving Albufeira. The area known as ‘The Strip’ is a succession of thriving bars, restaurants and clubs – and the hub of Albufeira’s nightlife.

Outside the resort, the landscape changes dramatically as the coast is left behind and the hinterland unfolds into an expanse of rolling hills swathed in almond, fig and orange trees, dotted with peaceful farming villages.

Armação de Pera

Originally a small fishing village that earned its name from the fishing tackle (armação) that was used to catch tuna fish, Armação de Pêra is now a popular cosmopolitan resort that draws increasing numbers of holidaymakers to its beautiful beaches.

Calm warm waters and a gently shelving shore have made the beaches of this area popular with families. Visitors can choose between the small coves framed by beautiful limestone cliffs lying at the western end of the resort or the expanse of fine golden sand that stretches eastwards as far as Praia da Galé. Some of the sheltered bays provide greater seclusion and can also be accessed by boat on one of the many exploratory tours that the local fishermen offer around this fascinating coastline of sculpted rock.

Armação de Pêra is a very animated resort with an abundance of shops, restaurants and bars, many of which are situated along the lively promenade that skirts the main beach. As many of them stay open until late at night, this is also a popular evening venue. Excellent fish restaurants with a more local flavour can be found in the fishermen’s district above the Praia do Pescador.

For a combination of culture and beautiful panoramic views of the coastline, you can visit the quaint little chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha, situated on a headland lying some 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) to the west of Armação de Pêra.

Loulé

Situated in the area of gently rolling hills that lies between the region’s beautiful southern coastline and the rural hamlets of the northern Caldeirão mountain range, the city of Loulé has a bustling market town feel to it that contrasts with the relaxed holiday atmosphere of its seaside resorts.

Loulé’s coastline is home to what is commonly referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’, an area encompassing the luxurious resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura, where golden beaches, elegant hotels, top golfing venues, a chic marina, a casino and a plethora of leisure and entertainment facilities have made it one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations.

Lying some 7.5 miles (12 km) from the coast, the city of Loulé has retained its age-old charm whilst developing into the commercial hub of the region. The historic town centre is a delight to explore with its 13th Century castle ramparts providing scenic views over the rooftops and a network of narrow, cobbled streets lined with skilled artisans who have lent Loulé its reputation as handicraft capital of the Algarve. Bright earthenware pots, wrought iron and copper ware, wooden toys, colourful blankets and intricate lace are amongst the many examples of the handicraft produced, all of which can also be admired at the weekly Saturday market. If your visit coincides with the annual crafts fair in July, you’ll be in for a treat as eye-catching handicraft, stalls selling the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy and plenty of music bring a festive atmosphere to the city’s streets.

Also in the historic centre, the 13th Century main parish church of St. Clement’s, the municipal museum and the nearby Jardim dos Amuados (Sulkers’ Garden) are all worth a visit before heading off to enjoy a taste of the famed, local gastronomy in one of the city’s many restaurants. Combining sea and mountain flavours, the succulent regional dishes range from Quarteira’s meaty sardines and varied shellfish to the hearty hare and pork specialities that come from the farming communities in the north.

Housed in an early 20th Century Moorish-inspired building, Loulé’s impressive food market hall is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a delight to browse around. Its colourful stalls brimming with fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, cheeses and regional sweets are excellent for stocking up on the local produce.

The highlight of Loulé’s calendar is carnival. Famous throughout Portugal, the Loulé carnival celebrations bring three days of all-night partying as processions of brightly coloured floats parade down the streets in a frenzy of glitter, feathers and lavish costumes as samba rhythms ring through the air. A more solemn event that also draws many pilgrims and visitors to the city is the Easter festival of the Sovereign Mother.

Vilamoura

First, there was a coastline of fabulous, long sandy beaches and then there was Vilamoura.

Unlike many of the Algarve’s coastal resorts that started out as traditional fishing villages, the sophisticated resort of Vilamoura was purpose-built with the most discerning holiday maker’s requirements in mind. Environmentally conscious development, attractive landscaping and tasteful design led to the creation of this quality resort that is home to every sport, leisure, entertainment and amenity imaginable and one of the Algarve’s most sought after holiday destinations.

Foremost among Vilamoura’s many attractions are its glorious beaches and numerous championshipgolf courses. The Blue Flag beaches on either side of the marina offer a wide choice of water sports and amenities, their gently shelving shores and calm waters being a favourite with families. Vilamoura’s famous marina, one of the largest in Europe, attracts luxurious yachts from all over the world, its fashionable boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants lending to its chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Boats departing from the marina offer an impressive array of additional sports or leisure activities, including dolphin-sighting, water-skiing, big game fishing, scuba diving and parasailing.

Overlooking the marina and providing a private stretch of beach and inspiring beach club, the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Hotel affords glorious ocean views, a central location and first-class facilities, including a luxurious spa, a putting green and children’s amusements. Also adjoining the marina and situated very near the beach, the Dom Pedro Marina offers lovely ocean and marina views and guests can enjoy the use of a private bar and sun loungers on the beach. Within walking distance from the marina, the Dom Pedro Golf Resort offers fabulous views, a superb spa, children’s entertainment programmes and a free shuttle service to many of the area’s golf courses. Situated just behind the beach and near the marina, Dom Pedro Portobelo’s studios and apartments offer the convenience of self-catering holidays with access to all the facilities of its sister hotels.

Vilamoura is a paradise for golf lovers. In addition to the high number of premier golf courses within such a small radius, many of which are championship courses designed by acclaimed architects, their carefully engineered fairways often provide spectacular settings, be they pine forests, lakes graced with migrating birds or fabulous clifftop views of the ocean. There are six renowned golf courses to choose from around Vilamoura: Oceânico Pinhal, Oceânico Laguna, Oceânico Old Course, Vila Sol, Oceânico Victoria and Oceânico Millennium. Integrated in the Oceânico Victoria golf course, Hotel Tivoli Victoria provides luxurious accommodation and facilities with dazzling views over the golf course.

Besides golf, Vilamoura offers a fabulous choice of sports facilities. A riding school, tennis and squash courts, cycling and hiking through the protected wetlands, lawn bowling and a shooting club complement the many water sports available in the marina and on the beaches.

And at the end of an action-packed day of sport or relaxing hours spent on the beach, this stylish resort continues to impress. There are an abundance of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from, the most popular evening venue being the glamorous marina. The evening shows staged at Vilamoura’s elegant casino and the many international DJs featured at its nightclubs also act as powerful magnets, attracting many visitors from nearby resorts.

Olhão

Olhão is a big surprise. The Algarve’s largest port and a bustling fishing town with a very working place feel to it, Olhão is also the entry gate to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the region and some of Europe’s best beaches.

The town itself is a colourful mix of sights and sounds where life is plainly centred on the sea. Fishing has always been the population’s main livelihood and its importance is reflected everywhere, from the vibrant harbour that becomes a frenzy of activity when the boats return with their catches, to the impressive array of fish and shellfish on display in the stalls of the waterfront fish market. Olhão’s fishermen are legendary and are widely renowned for their expertise – culinary as well as piscatorial! The rich supply of seafood in the area, coupled with a talent for transforming this into mouth-watering dishes, have earned Olhão fame as the gastronomic capital of the Algarve. Fish restaurants dotted all over the town serve the delicious local seafood specialities, while a visit in mid-August will coincide with the annual Shellfish Festival, a six-day outdoor party of eating, drinking, music and dancing when the amazing variety of shellfish is on full show for everyone to enjoy.

Just a short boat trip away, lie the jewels of Olhão’s crown: the breathtaking natural beauty of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and the miles of undisturbed beaches of the two barrier islands lying closest to Olhão, Culatra and Armona.

Olhão is situated in the heart of the estuarine Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, an intricate landscape of lagoons, canals, salt pans and sand banks that are separated from the Atlantic by a series of barrier islands that stretch from Faro to the village of Cacela Velha, near Tavira. A sanctuary for plant and wildlife, the estuary’s fertile wetlands are a breeding ground for numerous species of birds, fish and shellfish and a delight to explore. Boats departing from Olhão’s harbour and marina provide exploratory trips around the maze of canals and salt pans, while the park’s Environmental Education Centre in Marim organises walking itineraries that provide in-depth information on the area’s plant and wildlife, visits to the breeding kennels of the Portuguese water dog and detailed explanations of the salt harvesting process.

Such is the beauty of the Ria Formosa that nothing quite prepares you for what lies ahead on the barrier islands of Culatra and Armona. When you set foot on Culatra’s jetty, the boardwalks leading away from the fishermen’s settlements take you over dunes and lagoons to beaches that are so long that they disappear into the heat haze of the horizon. Gone are the loud motorised jet skis, the rows of sun loungers and the cries of ice cream vendors of mainland beaches and in their place lie deserted expanses of shimmering white sand dunes and the glistening ocean, disturbed only by the occasional cry of a seagull. Neighbouring Armona island is equally beautiful. There is a fishermen’s village surrounding the beach on its western tip and a campsite providing water sports facilities but if you walk eastwards towards Fuseta, your reward will be a seemingly endless beach where you can enjoy blissful moments of uninterrupted solitude and peace.

Perfectly located behind Olhão’s new marina from where boats make the crossing to the barrier islands, Real Marina Hotel & Spa’s spacious sea view rooms offer dazzling views across the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a comprehensive spa, children’s entertainment and swimming pools with glorious sunbathing terraces. If you prefer the independence of serviced apartments, the neighbouring Real Marina Residence offers a choice of beautifully-appointed, contemporary apartments with access to all the hotel’s facilities. A unique base from which to enjoy the spectacular scenery!

Castro Marim

Nestling around the base of a small hill on the banks of the river Guadiana, the town of Castro Marim presents a tranquil, bucolic picture of cultivated fields, peaceful meadows, glistening white salt pans and salt marshes that contrasts significantly with the cosmopolitan resorts of its coastline.

This serene landscape forms part of the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Salt Marsh Nature Reserve, 5,162 acres (2,089 hectares) of protected Guadiana estuary wetlands that stretch southwards from Castro Marim to the city of Vila Real de Santo António. A natural habitat for a rich diversity of fauna and flora, these marshlands also provide sanctuary to significant numbers of aquatic, nesting and migratory birds, including Greater Flamingos, Avocets, Black-winged Stilts and many species of ducks. Nature-lovers, bird-watchers and those who enjoy cycling or walking in peaceful, open spaces will find it a beautiful area to explore: in addition to observing the plant and wildlife, you can discover the centuries-old techniques that are still employed to harvest the Algarve’s legendary salt. A visitors’ centre at Cerro da Rocha offers detailed information and proposed routes for best exploring the area.

Dominated by its hilltop castle and fort, the peaceful town of Castro Marim bears little witness to the prominence it once enjoyed as a busy trading port and historic defensive site. Archaeological evidence suggests that its strategic position overlooking the river attracted early settlers sailing up the Guadiana river, making it one of the oldest settlements in the Algarve. Control of the river and proximity to the kingdom of Castile added to its importance throughout Arab domination and the Christian re-conquest, leading King Dinis to proclaim it the seat of the newly established Order of Christ, the religious military order that replaced the Portuguese Knights Templar at the beginning of the 14th Century.

Now, all that attests to this past importance are the castle and the 17th Century fort of São Sebastião. Thought to be of Moorish origin, the castle offers beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings and a chance to appreciate the varied landscapes of the municipality: rolling hills of almond trees to the north, the glistening river Guadiana separating Portugal from Spain, rows of salt pans shimmering in the sun below, the odd colourful bird flying over the marshy landscape and the sea lying invitingly in the horizon.

Aiming to recreate the spirit of old, Castro Marim hosts its annual August Medieval Days fair inside the castle walls. For four days, the town comes alive with jousting, fire-eaters, archery, minstrels and sumptuous outdoor banquets – an ideal time to appreciate Castro Marim’s varied gastronomy, a delicious combination of the municipality’s sea and mountain flavours. The Handicraft Fair in July brings a large gathering of the region’s craftsmen to the town, displaying centuries-old traditions of weaving, basketry and bobbin lace making.

praia-da-marinha-beach-marinha-in-algarve-portugal-best-beaches-in-europe

web_algarve_default.5187

algarve_026

praia-da-marinha-beach-marinha-in-algarve-portugal-best-beaches-in-europe

1/47

ALGARVE

BACK