Albufeira - About 20 minutes east of our apartment. Once a peaceful fishing village, Albufeira is now one of Portugal's busiest holiday resorts. The old town retains its narrow streets and whitewashed houses overlooking a lovely beach. Shops, bars and restaurants fill every corner, but there is also the old castle, the buildings which still preserve Moorish arches and interesting churches.
Aljezur- Aljezur is a small market town with two parts divided by a fertile river valley. It is on the Western coast about 40 minutes from the apartment. Its 10th century hilltop Moorish Castle, offering attractive views to the surrounding countryside, dominates the old town. There are also several cafes and restaurants in this area. Several spectacular, almost unspoiled beaches are located in the vicinity.
Alvor - Only approx 15 mins from our apartment, this was originally considered an important port by the Romans. However most of the original town was destroyed in the earthquakes of 1532 and 1755. Although this ancient coastal village is now a very popular holiday location the enclosed narrow streets have kept development to a minimum. Many of these streets now boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants but leading off from these there are still memories of the older fishing village. There is a choice of a long open sandy beach or a number of small coves tucked under the cliffs.
Carvoeiro- About 10 minutes away from us, Carvoeiro is a lively fishing village which has become popular during recent years, but still retains its local charm. The fishing boats come and go, and fresh fish and locally produced fruit and vegetables can be purchased from the small market. There are four lovely sandy beaches around Carvoeiro, and other beautiful unspoilt beaches such as Benagil and Marinha are also close by. There are shops, pretty views and good restaurants aplenty.
Faro-
Approximately 40 minutes from the
apartment lies Faro- the administrative centre of the Algarve
region. The city has both Roman and Arab ruins.
The old part of Faro, still surrounded by the Roman walls, attracts
tourists from all over the area. Interesting buildings include
the 13th Century Cathedral, the Episcopal palace and the 16th
Century Convent, now turned into an archaeological museum. The
church of Nosso Senhora do Carmo is also worth a visit.
The Naval Museum next to the small boat basin presents the
maritime history of the region with an interesting selection of
model boats and galleons. Faro hosts many attractive shops and
restaurants.
Faro is surrounded by the Ria Formosa, a nature reserve of
17,000 hectares and stopping place for migrating birds.
Loulé-
Situated 18 km (11miles) north east of Faro.
The Saturday morning gypsy market is famous amongst both locals
and holidaymakers. The municipal market has an excellent
selection of fruit and vegetables, and fresh fish every day.
Leatherwear and embroidered linen, are also to found in
abundance.
Loulé is a town that still thrives on local craftsmanship. You
will often see artisans working brass, copper or clay in and
about the streets. With old castle walls, originally from
Moorish times and the 13th century Gothice parish church, São
Clemente, the town offers a mixture of styles.
Loulé hosts the biggest and most flamboyant Carnival
celebrations. Carnival, is 5 days of celebration before Lent,
and is derived from carne vale - farewell to meat. This is the
party of the year, with dancing in the streets, floats, flower
battles, and fancy dress. Loulé also hosts an international jazz
festival every July.
Monchique- With
a few exceptions, Monchique has been untouched by the invasion
of tourism- and maintains a rural atmosphere. It is located
between the two highest hills of the Algarve,
Picota (774 m)
and Foia (902 m).
Approximately 40 minutes from the apartment, but worth it for
the views alone.
The 17th Century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town
offers panoramic views over the peaceful countryside. The
surrounding area produces cattle, pigs, cork and wood. It is
also the place where the famous
Medronho , an excellent strong local schnapps
is distilled.
The two hills dominating the landscape offer dramatic views to
the southern and western coast of the Algarve. Hidden in the
valley south of Picota there is a hot spring site named
Fonte Santa
that is rumoured to have special healing effects. The sulphuric
warm spring water emerging at a constant temperature of
approximately 32°C helped to develop the village of Caldas de
Monchique as a Spa.
Portimão- Located at the mouth of the River Arade, across the estuary from the apartment. Portimao is accessible via river taxi in summer months, or a walk/drive across the old bridge,.Portimao it is one of the main shopping and big game fishing areas for the whole of the Algarve. It provides a natural harbour and has been associated with many famous smugglers and pirates in the past. Its origins date back to before Roman times. The town is proud of its church of Our Lady of Conception sitting on the hilltop- dating back to 1476.
A new smart marina has been built adjoining the popular tourist area of Praia da Rocha and with this has come a plethora of new bars and restaurants to while away the hours watching the yachts and what seems like the rest of the world go by.
Sagres
- The village of
Sagres is situated on Europe's most south-western corner
approximately 35 minutes from Ferragudo. Due to its
position on the southern side of the cape, Sagres is well
protected against the rough Atlantic Ocean and strong westerly
winds. It was this location that made Sagres the starting point
of numerous expeditions during past centuries.
The Fortress of Sagres is a monument of national importance -
either a compass or a sundial, the monument is a unique sight.
There is an important fishing port, secured located at the
eastside of the village.
Reserva Biogenética de Sagres: as one of Southern Europe’s last
remaining and most important stretches of wild, unspoilt
coastline, benefiting from both a low level of human
interference and a low population density, the area from Ponta
de Sagres to Cape St. Vincent is a protected area filled with a
wide diversity of different species and natural habitats,
many of which are quite unique in the world.
Silves
- Only about 15
minutes away, lies this town with origins back to some 1.000 BC
and it was a notable place in Roman times. The Moors constructed
lavish palaces and it became the cultural centre of learning for
the whole Iberian Peninsula under the mantle of Cordoba in
Spain. The importance of Silves continued under the control of
the Portuguese kings until the 15th Century.
An earthquake in 1755 destroyed most of the town and its
historic buildings. The remains of the Moorish castle are still
impressive, and the huge underground water reservoir is still
used by the city today. An archaeological museum has been
constructed above this cistern showing local items including
some from the Stone Age.
The town is now a quiet market town surrounded by the largest
orange growing area in Portugal. North to the fertile valleys is
an area of attractive forest covered hills leading to the
mountains of Monchique.
Tavira - About an hour away, but one of the architecturally most attractive towns in the Algarve. Its origin dates back around 2.000 BC. With its inviting long beaches and traditional buildings, this picturesque town offers a beautiful view over the Gilão river and its Roman bridge. With many churches to visit ranging between 13th-18th centuries. It offers beautiful medieval houses, with Gothic windows and portals.
The surrounding of Tavira is still very rural but slowly changing due to the demands of the tourist industry and three golf courses opened recently nearby. The beach can only be reached by a ferryboat that takes the visitor to the sandy-bar island of Ilha de Tavira.
Vilamoura
- About 30
minutes from Ferragudo is one of the largest single tourist
complexes in Europe, covering an area of almost 2,000 ha of
land. Parts of that land are covered with pine woods whilst
others are open recovered marshland. Numerous sports and leisure
facilities include 4 golf courses, a large marina, a lawn
bowling club, a tennis centre, a shooting club, a private
airstrip and a riding school. The international casino and
several night clubs offer alternative distractions.
Within the centre of Vilamoura there is a preserved Roman site
and museum of Cerro
de Vila providing impressions of the
history of this area, when this location was important in
producing a fish paste known as "garum“.
Just a few other things to do and see in the area:
Aqualand -As the name suggests a Water Park - with the usual slides and fun. Approx 20 mins back towards Faro
Karting Algarve -Go Karting near Almancil. Approx 35 mins
Zoomarine - A dolphin park/ near Albufeira approx 20 mins
Krazy World
-A fun park for
children and adults with two mini-golf courses (18 holes),
pools,
children's farm, crocodile park and Quad mania. Approx 20 mins
Lagos Zoo-Monkeys, bird, lynx and lots more animals to see. Approx 30 mins
Slide&Splash - The largest Water Park in the Algarve near Lagoa/ Approx 10 mins
Tiffany's Riding Centre - Beginners or accomplished riders can enjoy basic lessons, trekking or for the more adventurous 4-5 hour 'safaris-Near Lagos approx 20mins.
Portimao Casino- Feeling lucky? Try Hotel Algarve Casino, Praia da Rocha. Just across the river.
Tour Raid -
Looking for excitement? These guys provide it! Bike
scrambling, paintball, Surf or Body boarding, water or jet
skiing. Tel - 282 457 263. Alvor, approx 10 mins