The magnificent natural beauty of the Algarve sets the area apart from the remainder of Europe. Stunning clean beaches, captivating villages, spotless outback and a mean of over three thousand hours of sunlight a year await vacation makers in this superlative jewel of the Iberian Cape.
The biggest town in the Algarve is Faro, with a population of almost 42,000 inhabitants. Faro is where Faro / Algarve airfield ( FAO ), the Algarve’s main airfield, is found. The area also has one or two tiny towns and cities like Lagos, Portimo, Lagoa, Loule, Sagres and Tavira.
Many northwards Continentals , especially from Britain and Germany, have moved or have vacation houses in the Algarve. This gives the area a little bit of a global feel, although not so overpowering as one might find in the expat colonies in the Costa del Sol area of Spain, for instance. The Algarve still keeps a robust local personality and a specific flavour all its own. It’s the preferred destination for Portuguese visitors as well as foreigners, and is brim-full of popular sun and surf spots. Thanks to the unique views, countless concealed as well as well-liked beaches, and safe, family vacation atmosphere, the Algarve has successfully developed and transformed itself into a favourite world holiday location.
The Algarve is a superb mix of natural and historic sights. Awesome rock formations, beautiful mountain and coastal perspectives, and grand Roman and Moorish ruins are all gathered in this beautiful, sunny and pretty place. Principal sights in the Algarve include Neolithic Montes dos Amantes and Alcalar, Roman ruins of Milreu and Cerro da Vila, the unsullied hamlets of Alte and Salir, the captivating towns of Lagos and Tavira, and a few Moorish castles e. G the Castelo de Silves.
The Algarve Coast The finest sight in the Algarve is maybe the coast itself, which stretches 2 hundred km and is dotted with lovely beaches, sandy dunes, fascinating lagoons, and impressive cliffs, crags, islets and grottoes. The coast is a fabulous expanse for water-based sports and climbing, relaxing on the beach or on a ship, or simply enjoying the view. Alcalar Found close to Portimo, by the hamlet of Alcalar, is a Neolithic and Copper Age funeral and settlement site dating from circa three thousand BC. The site features monuments and a necropolis. Alcalar is an absolute must for any archeology fan traveling thru the Algarve.
Alte and Salir Alte, found in the municipality of Loul, is assumed to be the most quintessential Portuguese town in the Algarve. The village provides an enchanting country setting along a pleasing stream with fountains and bridges. Alte is also the location of the ruins of a Moorish castle, the Igreja Matriz church ( featuring a Manueline altar ), and a chapel finished with rare Sevillean tiles from the 16th century. Close by Salir is another surprisingly well saved Portuguese hamlet, with its own Moorish castle and a history stretching back to pre-Roman times.
Algarve 6 Day Weather Forecast
| Today | 21/05/2013 | 22/05/2013 | 23/05/2013 | 24/05/2013 | 25/05/2013 |
 Clear 66°/54° |  Partly Cloudy 72°/57° |  Clear 73°/61° |  Clear 77°/63° |  Clear 75°/63° |  Clear 75°/63° |
Caldas de Monchique This spa city is named after the caldas or hot springs found there. The thermal springs in the Serra de Monchique were known and used since Romans times. A natural spa of sulphuric thermal springs, maintaining a sustained temperature of 32C, Caldas de Monchique was trendy at the end of the 19th century among the local nobility and remains a popular health resort. Castelo de Silves Found in the town of Silves, this imposing castle was built by the Arabs between the 8th and thirtheenth centuries. Silves Castle is a distinct and well saved reminder of the grandeur of the art of the Moorish Islamic civilization that once existed in the Algarve.
Castro Marim Castro Marim is a city dating from Roman times. Near to the Guadiana Brook and the Spanish border, the city features ruins of the an old fortress and a Roman cemetery.
Cerro da Vila Cerro da Vila is a Roman settlement close to the pier in Vilamoura with archeological finds from Roman, late Roman, Visigoth and Moorish periods. The star attraction is a gigantic Roman bath installation called the Balnario Grande. Esti Palace Found bewteen Faro and So Bras de Alportel, the Palcio do Visconde de Esti is a rococo palace with lush gardens and ornamental statues. Esti Palace dates back to the eighteenth century.
Faro Faro is the biggest town in the Algarve, capital of the area and home to Faro airport. The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is found just outside the edge of the city and is a great spot for bird watching and observing this unique ecosystem. Faro itself has decent shopping facilities, transport links and a fascinating historic quarter. Lagos Lagos is a little touristic town with historic importance and vicinity to beautiful beaches and other fascinating sights. A center in the Portuguese Age of Discovery, Lagos has a past going back to Roman and pre-Roman times. Places of interest in Lagos include a 17th century fort, town beach, the delightful Igreja de Santo Antnio, and the regional museum, with its various mixture of ethnographic, archeological, prehistoric, neolithic and African artifacts.
Milreu Ruins 1 or 2 kilometers from Faro and just next to Esti are the Milreu ruins, a wonderful archeological site featuring the remains of an opulent Roman villa. The Casa Agricultural das Runas has been modified into a visitors centre, showing depictions of Roman life in the Algarve.
The Milreu site contains remains of a manor house, farm buildings, a wine press, baths and a church along with 2 mausoleums and a peristyle of twenty-two columns, a yard and gardens. The old Roman villa had a good water supply network, heated rooms, thermal springs and baths on the west side, where it still is feasible to see brightly coloured tiles showing a range of sea life. Montes dos Amantes A neolithic site near Vila do Bispo, Monte dos Amantes is a collection of menhirs or giant stones erected during ancient times, dating from circa 5000 BC. These stones aren’t claimed to be local. It is said that they were instead brought to the site, thanks to the fact they are of a different kind of limestone than what’s found round the location. Paderne Paderne is a town in the municipality of Albufeira featuring the ruins of a Moorish castle. Paderne Castle is extraordinarily pretty and dates back to the twelfth century.
It was of strategic significance as it controlled the the traditional Roman road, the Thru Lusitanorum, which crosses the Quarteira Brook on its southern side. The Roman Bridge still stands at the crossing point below. Paderne Castle is among the seven castles which are showed on the Portuguese flag. Ponta da Piedade On the Costa d’Oiro near Lagos, lies a group of unique and interesting rock formations which are some examples of the most snapped subjects in the Algarve. Sheer rock cliffs drop into unruffled, turquoise waters full of engaging sea life. The Ponta da Piedade is a gorgeous, otherworldly place full of miraculous inlets and grottos that provoke the imagination. Sagres and Cabo de So Vicente A Ponta de Sagres is the most southwesterly point in continental Europe and has a 16th century fort and striking views.
A moderately quiet visitor destination, Sagres is superb for surfing, rock climbing and abseiling. Close to Sagres is another point of interest, the Cabo de So Vicente, said to be the most southwesterly point, dependent on how you position the map. Once the location of a priory, the Cabo de So Vicente lighthouse is the second strongest lighthouse in Europe. Both points have held spiritual importance since Neolithic times and were considered paranormal places by the Greeks, Romans and Portuguese Christians.
Caldas de Monchique
This spa town is named after the “caldas” or hot springs located there. The thermal springs in the Serra de Monchique were known and used since Romans times. A natural spa of sulphuric thermal springs, maintaining a constant temperature of 32°C, Caldas de Monchique was fashionable at the end of the 19th century among the local nobility and continues to be a popular health resort.
Castelo de Silves
Located in the city of Silves, this imposing castle was built by the Arabs between the 8th and 13th centuries. Silves Castle is a distinct and well preserved reminder of the grandeur of the art of the Moorish Islamic civilization that once existed in the Algarve.
Castro Marim
Castro Marim is a town dating from Roman times. Close to the Guadiana River and the Spanish border, the town features ruins of the an old fortress and a Roman cemetery.
Cerro da Vila
Cerro da Vila is a Roman settlement near the marina in Vilamoura with archeological finds from Roman, late Roman, Visigoth and Moorish periods. The star attraction is an enormous Roman bath installation called the Balnéario Grande.
Estói Palace
Located bewteen Faro and São Bras de Alportel, the Palácio do Visconde de Estói is a rococo palace with lush gardens and decorative statues. Estói Palace dates from the 18th century.
Faro
Faro is the largest city in the Algarve, capital of the region and home to Faro airport. The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is located just outside the city and is a great spot for bird watching and observing this unique ecosystem. Faro itself has decent shopping facilities, transportation links and an interesting historical quarter.
Lagos
Lagos is a small touristic city with historical significance and proximity to lovely beaches and other interesting sights. A center during the Portuguese Age of Discovery, Lagos has a past dating back to Roman and pre-Roman times. Places of interest in Lagos include a 17th century fort, city beach, the exquisite Igreja de Santo António, and the regional museum, with its diverse mix of ethnographic, archeological, prehistoric, neolithic and African artifacts.
Milreu Ruins
A few kilometers from Faro and just next to Estói are the Milreu ruins, a fantastic archeological site featuring the remains of a luxurious Roman villa. The Casa Rural das Ruínas has been transformed into a visitors centre, displaying depictions of Roman life in the Algarve. The Milreu site contains remains of a manor house, farm buildings, a wine press, baths and a temple, as well as two mausoleums and a peristyle of 22 columns, a courtyard and gardens. The old Roman villa had an excellent water supply network, heated rooms, thermal springs and baths on the west side, where it is still possible to see brightly colored tiles depicting a variety of marine life.
Montes dos Amantes
A neolithic site near Vila do Bispo, Monte dos Amantes is a collection of menhirs or massive stones erected during prehistoric times, dating from circa 5000 BC. These stones are not believed to be local. It is thought that they were instead brought to the site, due to the fact that they are of a different type of limestone than what is found around the location.
Paderne
Paderne is a village in the municipality of Albufeira featuring the ruins of a Moorish castle. Paderne Castle is very picturesque and dates from the 12th century. It was of strategic importance because it controlled the the ancient Roman road, the Via Lusitanorum, which crosses the Quarteira River on its southern side. The Roman Bridge still stands at the crossing point below. Paderne Castle is one of the 7 castles which are depicted on the Portuguese flag.
Ponta da Piedade
On the Costa d’Oiro near Lagos, lies a group of unique and fascinating rock formations which are some of the most photographed subjects in the Algarve. Sheer rock cliffs drop into serene, turquoise waters full of interesting marine life. The Ponta da Piedade is a beautiful, otherworldly place full of magical inlets and grottos that inspire the imagination.
Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente
A Ponta de Sagres is the most southwesterly point in continental Europe and features a 16th century fort and stunning views. A somewhat quiet tourist destination, Sagres is great for surfing, rock climbing and abseiling. Close to Sagres is another “point” of interest, the Cabo de São Vicente, also said to be the most southwesterly point, depending on how you position the map. Once the site of a convent, the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse is the second most powerful lighthouse in Europe. Both points have held religious significance since Neolithic times and were considered mystical places by the Greeks, Romans and Portuguese Christians.
Tavira
Historical Tavira is an architectural gem of the Algarve. With a history of Phoenician, Roman and Moorish settlement, Tavira boasts many fine 18th century buildings. The city has become increasingly popular with tourists due in part to its beauty and proximity to many fine golf courses.
Caldas de MonchiqueThis spa town is named after the “caldas” or hot springs located there. The thermal springs in the Serra de Monchique were known and used since Romans times. A natural spa of sulphuric thermal springs, maintaining a constant temperature of 32°C, Caldas de Monchique was fashionable at the end of the 19th century among the local nobility and continues to be a popular health resort.
Castelo de SilvesLocated in the city of Silves, this imposing castle was built by the Arabs between the 8th and 13th centuries. Silves Castle is a distinct and well preserved reminder of the grandeur of the art of the Moorish Islamic civilization that once existed in the Algarve.
Castro MarimCastro Marim is a town dating from Roman times. Close to the Guadiana River and the Spanish border, the town features ruins of the an old fortress and a Roman cemetery.Cerro da VilaCerro da Vila is a Roman settlement near the marina in Vilamoura with archeological finds from Roman, late Roman, Visigoth and Moorish periods. The star attraction is an enormous Roman bath installation called the Balnéario Grande.Estói PalaceLocated bewteen Faro and São Bras de Alportel, the Palácio do Visconde de Estói is a rococo palace with lush gardens and decorative statues. Estói Palace dates from the 18th century.FaroFaro is the largest city in the Algarve, capital of the region and home to Faro airport. The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is located just outside the city and is a great spot for bird watching and observing this unique ecosystem. Faro itself has decent shopping facilities, transportation links and an interesting historical quarter.
LagosLagos is a small touristic city with historical significance and proximity to lovely beaches and other interesting sights. A center during the Portuguese Age of Discovery, Lagos has a past dating back to Roman and pre-Roman times. Places of interest in Lagos include a 17th century fort, city beach, the exquisite Igreja de Santo António, and the regional museum, with its diverse mix of ethnographic, archeological, prehistoric, neolithic and African artifacts.Milreu RuinsA few kilometers from Faro and just next to Estói are the Milreu ruins, a fantastic archeological site featuring the remains of a luxurious Roman villa. The Casa Rural das Ruínas has been transformed into a visitors centre, displaying depictions of Roman life in the Algarve. The Milreu site contains remains of a manor house, farm buildings, a wine press, baths and a temple, as well as two mausoleums and a peristyle of 22 columns, a courtyard and gardens. The old Roman villa had an excellent water supply network, heated rooms, thermal springs and baths on the west side, where it is still possible to see brightly colored tiles depicting a variety of marine life.Montes dos AmantesA neolithic site near Vila do Bispo, Monte dos Amantes is a collection of menhirs or massive stones erected during prehistoric times, dating from circa 5000 BC. These stones are not believed to be local. It is thought that they were instead brought to the site, due to the fact that they are of a different type of limestone than what is found around the location.PadernePaderne is a village in the municipality of Albufeira featuring the ruins of a Moorish castle. Paderne Castle is very picturesque and dates from the 12th century. It was of strategic importance because it controlled the the ancient Roman road, the Via Lusitanorum, which crosses the Quarteira River on its southern side. The Roman Bridge still stands at the crossing point below. Paderne Castle is one of the 7 castles which are depicted on the Portuguese flag.Ponta da PiedadeOn the Costa d’Oiro near Lagos, lies a group of unique and fascinating rock formations which are some of the most photographed subjects in the Algarve. Sheer rock cliffs drop into serene, turquoise waters full of interesting marine life. The Ponta da Piedade is a beautiful, otherworldly place full of magical inlets and grottos that inspire the imagination.Sagres and Cabo de São VicenteA Ponta de Sagres is the most southwesterly point in continental Europe and features a 16th century fort and stunning views. A somewhat quiet tourist destination, Sagres is great for surfing, rock climbing and abseiling. Close to Sagres is another “point” of interest, the Cabo de São Vicente, also said to be the most southwesterly point, depending on how you position the map. Once the site of a convent, the Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse is the second most powerful lighthouse in Europe. Both points have held religious significance since Neolithic times and were considered mystical places by the Greeks, Romans and Portuguese Christians.TaviraHistorical Tavira is an architectural gem of the Algarve. With a history of Phoenician, Roman and Moorish settlement, Tavira boasts many fine 18th century buildings. The city has become increasingly popular with tourists due in part to its beauty and proximity to many fine golf courses.