A minute of History
Visitors interested in archaeology or history will need a car to get around properly. One of the places they should visit is the neolithic dolmen site at Alcalar, 5 km inland from Penina and signposted on the EN125. There are various standing stones, mainly in the eastern Algarve, but they are rather difficult to find. From the first three centuries AD, there are Roman ruins at Milreu (Estoi), Vilamoura (near the marina) and Abicada (7km west of Portimão). The main medieval fortresses are at Sagres, Silves and Castro Marim, with remnants of Moorish fortifications at Aljezur and Paderne. Museums at Faro, Lagos, Silves and Moncarapacho contain relics from the neolithic through Roman, Visigothic, Moorish and medieval Christian periods.
Where to go
A good place to visit all year round. On summer, the coast between Faro and Lagos attracts thousands of visitors, but it is possible to escape from the crowds even in popular places like Albufeira and Portimão. Faro itself is worth a visit. The colorful Tavira is a good base for an excursion to the lagoons of Eastern Algarve, while in Lagos you easily arrive to the southwestern beaches of the Algarve. In the more interior locations, the towns are more relaxed, with luxuriant vegetation, cultivated and wild. Monchique is an area of great beauty, excellent for strolls.
The Algarve has a lot to offer!
Beach Information
The EFEE (European Foundation for Environmental Education) has awarded 1/3 of all beaches at the Algarve the “Blue Flag” for quality of water, sanitary installation, parking place, lifeguard and other available services. Select zone on the map to find more information on these qualified beaches.
Art and Culture
Once or several time a month so called gipsy markets take place in many locations at the Algarve, where flying dealers offer a huge variety of goods, especially handicraft made of wicker, ,wood and ceramics, as well as household and dry goods. These markets attract tourists from all over the place, be it to buy a souvenir or just to enjoy the atmosphere of the region.
Nature
Naturalists will find that the Algarve is extraordinarily rich in fauna and flora, but it is not always obvious and often requires diligence and patience to find the most interesting or unusual species. Among the best places for both birds and plants are Cape St Vincent, the Serra de Monchique, the Alvor Estuary, the Ria Formosa National Park, Castro Marim Reserve and the south-eastern Alentejo.
Sports
There are many riding centres with Lusitano horses for adults and ponies for children. Those who have not been in a saddle for a while may want to take a few lessons before riding out over sand dunes or on trails through pine forests.
Tennis is another very popular, year-round sport and there are a great many courts which can be hired at hourly rates, some of which offer coaching.
Other sports with more limited facilities include archery, clay-pigeon shooting, lawn bowls, micro-light flying and squash. There are a few health and leisure clubs with good facilties for a number of sporting activities.
Alternative Activities
Sightseeing boat trips show the best side of the Algarvean coastline. The two most scenic sections of the south coast are between Armação de Pera and the mouth of the river Arade at Ferragudo, and from Lagos round the Ponte da Piedade headland. Day and half-day trips depart from Portimão and Lagos. Shorter trips operate from these two harbours and any number of beaches.
Gastronomy
The Algarvian cuisine is dominated by the superb fresh fish and seafood from the near Atlantic. In the hilly countryside delicate rural dishes with lamb or venison are served at moderate prices. The famous Cataplana, originally prepared on the open fire place, is a must for every visitor.