Discover
the best of the Algarve
Faro,
the region‘s capital, . here you should visit the historical
centre
(particularly the old town (known as Vila-Adentro), where you will
find the cathedral). Enjoy some shopping in Rua de Santo António
and make sure you also visit the nearby island, Ilha de Faro.
Loulé
one of the most dynamic cities in the Algarve, some examples of the
characteristic local vegetation have been carefully preserved.
Alte
where there are still traces of what used to be one of the most
typical villages in the Algarve
Olhão,
once referred to as the cubist city, since the shape and outline of
the houses in its fishermen‘s quarter are reminiscent of a Picasso
painting. The whole attention of the city is focused on the sea and
it still preserves an interesting historical centre. You can also
appreciate its two curious markets built in a neo-Arab style on the
main avenue by the coast and
the excellent regional cuisine.
Silves,
the legendary western Bagdad, which dates back to the time of
the great Muslim kingdoms. here you should visit the Islamic Museum,
a living reminder of the splendour of bygone times, as well as the
castle built from the local red sandstone and its cathedral, where
the see of the diocese of the Algarve was first located in the early
days of the Reconquest, before being transfered to Faro.
Monchique,
with its peculiarly nineteenth-century charm and drive on up to Fóia
(902 m), from where you can enjoy the most commanding views in
the whole of the Algarve.
Portimão,
where there is a wide range of hotels to choose from, and the
cosmopolitan beach of Praia da Rocha.
Sagres
is the magical headland inhabited by the Romans and the legendary
site of the musings of Prince Henry the Navigator, the real driving
force behind the Portuguese Discoveries in the 14C.
Lagos, another city
with a well preserved historical centre and an important
architectural heritage: the Igreja de Santo António, a church with
some of the most impressive azulejos and carved and gilded wood
decorations in Portugal or the Forte da Bandeira, the fort which
used to protect the busy trading port from pirates.
Monte
Gordo,
a big Leeward tourist centre, whose sea-front is a
relaxing
setting for walks in the sunset. A visit to the casino could be an
excellent option to finish off a day of holiday in style.
Castro
Marim,
a place surrounded by the most important damp reserve in the country
(the Nature
Reserve of Sapal of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António).
Around 2000 ha of water rich in fish, glistening salt, fresh
breezes, and hundreds of species, create a true humid ecosystem that
characterizes this unique landscape.
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