Algarve - Portugal
The Portuguese region of Algarve lies in the utmost southwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, as far as the roads on the European mainland can carry you. The Algarve is a versatile holiday destination, where beautiful sandy beaches and picturesque fisherman villages are found. Not only is the Algarve home to many water sports facilities, it is also home to the most famous golf courses in all of Portugal.
Positioning of Algarve
Until 1976 Portugal was divided into 11 provinces. Afterwards it was divided into districts. The Algarve was one of those 11 provinces, the southern-most of all of them. The Algarve corresponds to the positioning of the current district of Faro. The Faro district covers the entire width of the country and its capital is Faro city.
The Algarve is delimited by the province of Alentejo to the north, the Rio Guadiana, which is the river forming the border with Spain, to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to both its south and west. Its area includes sixteen municipal centres: Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Santo António.
General information about Algarve
The Faro district is a district in Portugal, covers a surface of 4960 square kilometres and counts 395.208 inhabitants (2001 data). Faro borders the Beja district in the north, the Atlantic Ocean forms its southern and western borders, and Spain is Faro's neighbour to the east. The district’s capital is its namesake Faro (city). A large section of the Algarve is included in this district.
The Algarve is about 150 kilometres in length and stretches from Spanish Andalusia in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Visitors will come across a rich mixture of history, culture, and some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe. Portugal still offers the warm-hearted simplicity of a country in which mass tourism has not taken root yet.
The region is easily explored and harbours a unique diversity of small towns appearing to have escaped the clutches of time; experience for yourself the industrious market squares like Loulé, the fisherman towns Olhao and Quarteira, and construction projects such as Villamoura with its modern marina. For those seeking luxury, the Quinta do Lago Golf Estate with its beautiful Beverly Hills style villas, or the crowned, more family-oriented Vale do Lobo Golf and Beach resort are warmly recommended.
History of Algarve
The Algarve was visited and sometimes conquered by many different civilizations from the Mediterranean Sea area: Phoenicians, Carthaginians (they founded Port Hanibalis, currently known as Portimão), Romans, Moors, and Spaniards. Goths inhabited the area until they were driven out by the north-African Mauri (Moors) in 711 AD.
These Moors named the current town of Lagos into Zawaia. The town of Santa Maria became known as Faraon, the 'settlement of the knights'. Nowadays this is Faro. The name Algarve, too, stems from the time of the Moor occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The region was dubbed “al-Gharb al-Ândalus”, or “west of Andalusia”. The Arabic “Al Gharb” means “ land in the west”, and this is where the name Algarve was derived from. For great explorers like Christopher Columbus and Prince Henry the Navigator the Algarve was the starting point of their quests in search of the New World.
Landscape and surroundings of Algarve
The Algarvian landscape is extremely versatile. The coastline west of Faro is home to famous rock plateaus with small beaches, while east of Faro lagoons and outstretched sand beaches shape the coastline scenery.
The Algarve is characterised by pine woods near the beaches and chestnut trees, Cork oak, citrus trees, and avocado trees towards the inland. The hinterland itself offers a scenic mix alternating orchards, grain fields, and little hamlets with typical white houses.
Old-fashioned handicrafts are an important means of existence for the local population of the relatively untouched inlands. By themselves, the scents and aromas, rising up all year long from sumptuous plants such as eucalypti, pine trees, lavender bushes, and rock roses, make a visit worth while.
Beaches of Algarve
The Algarve is said to have the most beautiful coastline of Europe. The Algarve is characterised by an erratic coastline, with bays and sandy beaches surrounded by rock formations and plateaus. Stretching 180 kilometres, from Sagres to Monte Gordo, the Algarve has the most beautiful beaches that come in all kinds and variations. Generally these are yellow sandy beaches, sometimes varied by fine gravel or pebbles. Well-known beach resorts such as Albufeira and Praia da Rocha are found along the seaside, and so are the cosy fisherman villages where time seems to have stood still.
The beaches are oft separated from the beach resorts by sturdy formed yellow/red sandstones. Most beaches near the resort offer facilities such as nice beach bars, lounges and lazy chairs. Many of the beaches also offer water sports facilities such as water skiing, pedal boating, and banana-riding.
The most beautiful beaches can be found in Alvor, Vilamoura, and Praia da Oura. In Alvor, the beach is situated in between the river and an erratic sandstone rock formation. Albufeira is, without a doubt, the most well-known and most touristic beach resort of the Algarve. On the sandy beach, delimited by impressive rock plateaus, lie the cheerfully coloured fishing boats that supply the fresh fish for delicious meals at the local restaurants.
Sights in the Algarve
The Algarve has many cultural curiosities such as churches and castles. The region is shaped by both Catholic and Moor influences, still recognisable today. Those who set out for sightseeing will be happy to find churches, galleries, and museums in Faro and the fortress park in Estói. Tavira is also well worth a visit. Below is an alphabetical overview of cities and towns:
Albufeira
Once a fisherman village, Albufeira has, since the 1960's, grown to become one of the most important and largest holiday destinations in the Algarve. Albufeira's name stems from Moor occupation in the 8th century when Al-Buhera became an important port town. The ancient city centre is made up of small lanes and alleys where many shops, bars and restaurants are found. Albufeira is surrounded by gorgeous (sand) beaches.
Alvor and Armacao de Pera
These small touristic beach resorts have large sand beaches and intimate city centres. The downtown area consists of small lanes and alleys, cute stores, bars, and restaurants. Originally, both of these villages were fisherman villages.
Estói
Estói is a city in the Algarve inlands, situated 12 kilometres north of Faro. Estói is mostly known for Palácio de Estói, which is unfortunately inaccessible for the general public. The Palace is, however, surrounded by a beautiful park. The gardens were commissioned in the 18th and 19th century, at different levels, and were embellished with azulejos and busts. In the lower section a cave is found entirely covered in mosaics from nearby Milreu. Milreu is well-known for its archaeological findings such as the Roman city of Ossonoba, which must be one of the most stunning cities of bygone ages, the excavation of which began in 1876. Estói also invites for a visit to the church dating from the year 1600. The church consists of three naves with Doric columns with beautiful capitals and a pulpit made of local marble.
Faro
Faro is mostly known for its airport connecting the Algarve to the rest of Europe. However, Faro is also a beautiful, and especially an ambient city with many nice stores and restaurants. The old section of Faro, still surrounded by Roman walls, offers a view of the open square once used as a forum by the Romans. Interesting buildings for a visit include the 13th century cathedral. The cathedral tower offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city, the Episcopal palace, the 16th century monastery, the church of Nosso Senhora do Carmo, and the Naval museum. At the seaside, Faro is surrounded by the nature reserve of Ria Formosa, counting a marvellous 17.000 hectares.
Lagos – Ponta da Piedade
Lagos is a cosy city in the west of the Algarve. The city is built on hills and has a lively and informal city centre with historic buildings, many churches, nice stores and restaurants. Lagos is surrounded by a number of beaches, has a beautiful boulevard and two ports, one for fishing boats and one yachts. The glorious history of Lagos has always been linked to the sea. In the times of the Portuguese explorations, the port of Lagos became an important port for a multitude of international shipping routes. One especially nice hiking path along the Algarve beaches is from Lagos to Praia da Luz.
Lagos is also an ideal location for a range of water sports and (sailing) activities. The breathtaking golden rocks of Costa d'Oiro, merely 2 kilometres away from Lagos, offer a stunning view from the sea. This coast also houses Ponta da Piedada, an idyllic scenery with spiky rocks, full of caves, secluded bays and calm beaches. Not only a fantastic sight from the sea, but itself offering a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Monchique
The city of Monchique is one of the very few cities not influenced by tourism. Situated in between the Algarve's two highest hills, Foia (902 m) and Picota (774 m), it offers a beautiful view, overlooking the coastal plains to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. There is a 17th century monastery which offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and a 16th century church, both of which are worth paying a visit.
Portimão
Portimão's history dates back many centuries. Situated at the mouth of a river, a natural port was created. During the Moor occupation, this river provided an important access route from the sea to the ancient city of Silves, the Algarve's former capital. With fishing and canning industries blooming in the late 19th century, Portimão became an important economic centre; nowadays Portimão is a modern touristic site with its famous Praia da Rocha and Praia da Vau beaches and an attractive nightlife.
Quarteira
Quarteira has grown from a small-time fisherman village into an important touristic site. The boulevard with its many shops and restaurants is well-visited during summertime. Daily, fresh products, both from the Atlantic Ocean and a fine selection of home-grown goods, are on offer in the town's marketplace.
Sagres – Cabo São Vicente
Together, Cabo de São Vicente and the Ponta de Sagres form the south-western corner of the European continent. The cape consists of steep cliffs, approximately 69 meters in height, consisting almost entirely of rocks with hardly any vegetation whatsoever. The impressive lighthouse at the end of the promontory is open for visitors. Sagres is very near Cabo de São Vicente. Its positioning on the south side of the cape protects it well from the rough Atlantic Ocean and fierce western winds. Thus situated, Sagres became an ideal starting point for expeditions of the last centuries.
The Fortaleza de Sagres is a monument of significant national importance. After passing through the wide tunnel, one comes upon a huge round, smooth stone which was only discovered in 1921. Neither its year of origin nor its purpose has yet been discovered. The circle, spanning a 43m diameter, is said to be a wind rose. Usually, however, a wind compass is divided into 32 segments; this stone has 40 so it might well also have served as a sundial. It most probably originates from the time of Prince Henry the Explorer.
Tavira
Its architecture makes Tavira one of the most attractive cities in the Algarve. The city traces back to 2000 years before Christ. During the Moor occupation the fishing industry was of great importance. During the 17th century the port, shipping wine, salt, and dried fish, played an important role. After the 1755 earthquake the city was rebuilt entirely with many elegant 18th century buildings and 37 churches.
Things to do in the Algarve
The Algarve also offers day trips for all ages. Visit one of the water parks such as Aqua Show, Slide & Splash or The Big One, or have a blast at the Crazy World amusement park. Exotic animals can be observed and admired at one of the zoos such as Omega Parque Jardim Zoologico or Parque Zoologico de Lagos, or the Zoomarine aquarium.
Golf in the Algarve
Those enjoying a good swing on the track will feel at home in the Algarve. Portugal has over 60 golf courses, and the courses in the Algarve have for the most part been designed by top-notch architects. From your holiday house or villa you can often choose from a number of excellent golf courses.
One of the most beautiful golf courses, San Lorenzo, lies in close proximity to the Vale do Lobo Golf Resort. This course lies in the midst of nature. According to experts, the Vale do Lobo Royal, part of the Vale do Lobo Golf Resort, ranks amongst the most difficult tracks of Europe. The Quinta do Lago golf course is also strikingly beautiful. Below is an overview of golf courses situated in the Algarve, sorted by location:
Gastronomy of Algarve
If you like good food, you will definitely feel at home in the Algarve. The grilled sardines, for example, in the Portimão fish restaurants have acclaimed world fame.
Besides the Portuguese and international restaurants, nearly every touristic place has a Pizzeria, Chinese, Greek, or Indian restaurant.
All restaurants serve both meat and fish plates. If you really like fish meals however, you will do well to eat at the genuine fish restaurants; they come abundantly and besides offering a wider range of dishes the quality is significantly higher.
Wine in the Algarve
The Algarve has 4 wine districts; Lagoa, Portimão, Tavira, and Lagos, with Lagoa being the most important one. On a yearly base these districts produce an approximate combined 6 million litres of mainly red wine, though also white wine and rosé are produced.
All restaurants serve both meat and fish plates. If you really like fish meals however, you will do well to eat at the genuine fish restaurants; they come abundantly and besides offering a wider range of dishes the quality is significantly higher.
Coffee
After supper it's coffee time. Most consumed in the Algarve is Bica, a small cup of strong espresso. If this is too strong, one may order a Bica Cheia, to which some extra water is added. If you, as a Northern European, would like to have a cup of coffee similar to the ones you are accustomed to at home, try the Café com leite, coffee with milk, which is the closest thing on offer.
Sports and recreation in Algarve
Although the many golf courses in the area offer the most obvious attraction for leisure in the Algarve, of course the region has much more to offer! During the summertime the beaches in the coastal towns offer an extensive range of water sports such as sailing, surfing, parasailing, and water skiing. The Algarve also contains different tennis -and squash courts, and beautiful hiking routes have been set out taking you along the sturdy rock formations and fantastic beaches.
Climate Algarve
Whatever the kind of holiday you are in for, there is one thing that most holiday makers are looking for, and the Algarve has to offer: sunshine, in abundance! The sun shines an average 300 days a year and during daytime temperatures hardly ever drop below 17 degrees.
