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Algarve
On the Algarve coast, which extends for 150
kilometres along great beaches of white sand that
are fringed by reddish cliffs and sandstone rocks,
there is an infinite variety of water sports to
complement your golfing. Most of these facilities
are available at excellent hotels and resort
developments.
Ponta da Piedade
Faro, the region's main town, is served by an
international airport. It is well worth visiting its
medieval walls, the cathedral built over an old
mosque and the church of Saint Francis, which is
decorated with a beautiful collection of painted
ceramic tiles dating front the 18th century. It is a
cosmopolitan town and a colourful postcard of
the Algarve.
To the west of Faro lies the town of Lagos,
where the ships were built that once sailed away
on great adventures marking the Age of
Discoveries.
Lagos - D. Sebastião Statue
The headland of Sagres, a short distance from
Lagos, is a place of symbolic significance, for it
was from here that Portuguese sailors weighed
anchor under the orders of Prince Henry the
Navigator, the inspiration behind the Age of
Discoveries. To the east of Faro, Tavira's houses
are mirrored in the calm waters of a silvery river;
its narrow streets have an almost oriental charm.
In the hinterland stands the town of Silves, with
its Moorish castle and famous cistern. Set
amongst the unusual and exuberant vegetation of
the Monchique mountains, one can discover the
town bearing this name, which was founded by
the Romans, who considered its hot springs to be
sacred.
In terms of gastronomy, the Algarve region offers
a wealth of seafood and fish dishes. Some are still
cooked in the old manner - such as the famous
cataplana, which uses clams as its basic
ingredient. Fig, almond, and egg sweetmeats have
their origins in old Arab recipes. You should not
miss any of these after enjoying a good game of
golf, and before heading for one of the region's
famous discotheques.
Climate - This coastal region, with the Atlantic
breezes has a warm and dry climate, ideal for
visitors throughout the year.
Season High 29 C / 84F - Low 15 C / 59F
| Faro is the local airport. Buses are clean, reasonably comfortable and cheap. Local services often infrequent by day and non-existent at night. Booking express regional services for longer journeys. Good choice of Algarve-Lisbon bus companies and departure times. The Faro-based EVA (info in Portuguese, English, German and Dutch) run good local and regional services, and also frequent services to Lisbon and Spain, and the Rede Nacional de Expressos run a comprehensive national service. Both have good on-line routes and timetables. Portuguese trains (Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses) are clean, efficient, comfortable, very cheap and run right on-time. Trains are one of Portugal's secret gems, and well worth exploring. If you intend to travel from the Algarve to Lisbon, take the train - it's far cheaper and much more fun than the bus. The route pass through some spectacular scenery, particularly in the hills and valleys of the lower Alentejo, and the adventure is completed by a ferry journey across the river Tejo into the heart of Lisbon. Consider paying the little bit extra for 1º class, where you have soft reclining seats and aircon. Activities Local Markets In Quarteira a market is held every Wednesday, Loulé every Saturday, Portimão every first Monday of each month, Lagos every Saturday, most Sundays in Almancil and Moncarapacho, and most Thursdays in Boliqueme and on Mondays in Tavira. |
Consulates
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