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Tourism |
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| Portugal > Tourism > Algarve > Accommodation |
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Gorgeous beaches, warm water and glorious sunshine year-round: the
dream holiday. |
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Situated on the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the territory was the last to be conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king in 1292. Traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique architecture - terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. However, the distance that was difficult to cover back in the 13th century is no longer an obstacle thanks to the modern Lisbon-Albufeira-Castro Marim road (IP1) or Faro international airport. So why not visit this charming region, with its idyllic . |
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temperatures which are ideal for playing golf and other sports. In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhação de Cão, Monchique and Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly coloured region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes. |
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| Apart from the wealth of available water sports facilities (the marinas of Vilamoura and Lagos deserves special mention, amongst the various ports and harbours), there are other alternatives, such as tennis courts, famous golf`courses, luxury hotels or quaint holiday resorts and an exciting nightlife. |
| PLACES OF INTEREST |
 Albufeira
- Once a peaceful fishing village, it keeps its narrow streets
in the old town and whitewashed houses perched over a charming beach where,
when tourism allows it, you can walk amidst colourful fishing boats ornamented
with eyes, animals and stars. Shops, bars and restaurants fill every corner,
but there are is also the old castle, the buildings which still preserve
Moorish arches and interesting churches, like the one of São Sebastião.Accommodation: Hotel de Aldeia***, Hotel Montechoro****, São Rafael Suite Hotel****, Sheraton*****, Montechora Clube 99 (Self catering), Alfagar Apartment Hotel. |
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| Alcoutim
- Away from the crowds and the bustle of the tourist centers
along the coastline of Algarve, the lovely town of Alcoutim lies near
the Alentejo (at about 15 kilometers, 10 miles) and has a natural border
with Spain formed by the river Guadiana. A winding road that runs alongside
the river offers superb views of the countryside, with its orchards and
orange groves, and the rural way of life in Alcoutim remains very much
unchanged. |
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| Aljezur
- From Aljezur tourists can explore the wonderful beaches of
the Algarve´s west coast: bathed by the Atlantic, they are often
wild and deserted in contrast to the warmer ones of the south. Aljezur
is small and tranquil, it is overlooked by a Moorish castle from the 10th
century. Aljezur is divided into two parts and lies in a fertile valley
with a patchwork of fields where various crops are cultivated. |
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| Castro
Marim - The elegant outline of flamingos. The dusty gold of soft sand,
the turquoise blue of warm waters. Vast ranges of hills covered in a bright
carpet of wild flowers. The tranquil countryside along the banks of the
Guadiana, lush with orchards and vegetable gardens. These are just a few
facets of a municipality that stretches from the sea to the hinterland,
with a river as its boundary. |
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| Faro
- The capital of the district, with a medieval wall and a large
number of monuments: Cathedral (Roman-Gothic origin), Nossa Senhora da
Assuncão Convent (Renaissance), São Francisco Church (16-18th
centuries). Museums to visit: Infante Dom Henrique, Regional Ethnographic,
Ramalho Ortigão and Antoniano (next to the Santo António
do Alto Hermitage). Also worthwhile visiting are the beautiful churches
of São Pedro da Misericórdia and Nossa Senhora do Carmo.
Roman ruins of Milreu in the suburbs. Accommodation:Hotel Faro****, Pousada de Faro |
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| Lagoa
- Lagoa is known for its wine, which takes the Algarve to the rest
of the country. Standing on a small hill, it is surrounded by vineyards
and its white houses gleam in the distance. A very peaceful town in contrast
to the tourist centers on the coast. Nearby Carvoeiro, with its charming
sandy cove, is an old fishing village which became a popular holiday resort,
but of the ancient fortress and convent there is little left. Accommodation: Tivoli Carvoeiro****, Hotel Apartment Cristal****, Hotel Apartment Solferias****, Carvoeiro Sol****, Rocha Brava (Self catering), Colina da Lapa Resort****, Colina Village*** |
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| Lagos
- Enclosed within 5th century walls, with its Manueline window, are
the magnificent churches of São Sebastião (Renaissance portals
and 17th-18th century tiles), Santa Maria of Misericórida (16th-
19th centuries), Santo António (Baroque) and the very old São
João Hermitage (8th-9th centuries). Other points of interest: Regional
Museum, Governors' Palace, Forte do Pau da Bandeira and the Old Slave
Market. Charming marina. Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli ****, Hotel Marina São Roque ***, Porto Dona Maria (Self catering), Quinta de São Roque (Self catering) |
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| Loulé-
This place is a rural administrative and active market town with some
remains of a castle dating back to the 12th Century. The Arab castle has
been virtually destroyed leaving some walls still standing that are now
surrounded by modern buildings. Like most other towns in the Algarve,
most of the older potentially interesting buildings have been destroyed
in the earthquake that occurred in 1755. Within the remaining walls is
a museum with an explanation of what was in the past the grandeur of the
castle. The various earthquakes that it has suffered through its history
have damaged the 13th Century Church of São Clemente. However,
its Gothic arches and side chapels are remaining from the 16th Century
have survived. |
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| Monchique
- Amongst the beautiful houses on the slope stand the mother-church
(Manueline), Misericórdia Church (with a Baroque retable) and the
Senhor do Pé da Cruz Hermitage (17th century). Nearby look for
the famous thermal spas of Monchique and Fóia (902 meters high), overlooking
the hills and the ocean. Between Monchique and Portimão is the
village of Caldas de Monchique that was developed in Roman times as a
Spa. Here a visitor can try the curing elements of the sulphur smelling
hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32ºC |
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| Olhão
- The square-shaped flat-roofed houses, with their
Moorish-style terraces, are this fishing town's ex-libris. Behind the
mother-church (17th century) you will find the Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos
Chapel. Another architectural curiosity is the fish market in a long unattractive
building on the waterfront. Every morning there is a lively atmosphere
and the impressively large variety of fish offered by the local catch
is displayed to tempt the housewife. Accommodation: Casa da Calma, Vilamonte Resort |
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| Portimão
- First the blue sea and its gently lapping waves. Then fine, golden
sands framed by cliffs and rocks. The cosmopolitan atmosphere of an international
tourist destination. This is the Algarve of beach holidays in the sun.
Portimão and its municipality
have more to offer though. A rich heritage of historical monuments. The
eternal natural beauty of Ria de Alvor. The charm of cultivated fields,
of slopes covered with pine trees and wild flowers. The allure of walking
up into the hills and looking down on the Algarve from a new perspective.
In this fishermen's town, visit the mother-church (14th century, rebuilt
in the 18th century), the Colégio Church (17th century), and the
Town Hall. In the suburbs, the renowned Praia
da Rocha (with its Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress), and the Roman
ruins of Abicada. Popular crafts - Wicker and cane baskets, hats, mats and baskets made of palm leaves and twisted "esparto" grasses, lace and embroidery, copper utensils, domestic and decorative earthenware: these are among the unassuming treasures that the craftsmen and women of Portimão and its municipality continue to make using traditional materials, motifs and techniques. Accommodation: Hotel Algarve Casino*****, Meridien Penina*****, Oriental****, Jardim do Vau (Self catering), Hotel Globo ***, Clube da Bemposta (Self catering), |
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| São
Brás de Alportel - In a fertile
inland region, São Brás de Alportel was known as a center
for cork production in the Algarve. The town has narrow streets and rustic
houses, although there are richer ones with painted ceramic tiles and
balustrades decorated with artistic wrought iron. Accommodation: Pousada São Brás de Alportel |
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| Silves
- Stones of different times and cultures overlap in this town: the
castle, with its famous water cistern and walls, is of Arab origin; the
Gothic Cathedral (having undergone several restoration works) was built
on the site of an ancient mosque; the 12th century bridge was built where
formerly stood a Roman bridge. The Cross of Portugal also deserves special
mention (16th century religious sculpture), as well as the following examples
of Manueline motifs: the Nossa Senhora dos Mártires Hermitage and
the Misericórdia Church. Accommodation: Capela das Artes****, Colina dos Mouros*** , Garbe**** |
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| Tavira
- With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, this
picturesque town offers a beautiful view over the Gilão river and
its Roman bridge. Churches to visit: Santa Maria do Castelo (13th-18th
centuries), Misericórdia (Renaissance), Nossa Senhora das Ondas
(17th century), São José (with Gothic and Manueline elements),
São Paulo and Carmo (17th-18th centuries). If you are browsing
along the Travessa de Dona Brites, you will see beautiful medieval houses,
with Gothic windows and portals. In the suburbs, in the small village
of Luz there is a Renaissance church, which has been a pilgrimage place
for many centuries. Accommodation: Pousada Tavira, Quinta Velha Village |
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Vila do Bispo - Sagres -
It was here that five centuries ago Prince Henry set up a school of navigation,
which played a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries. Apart from
the Nossa Senhora da Graça Hermitage, you can visit the magnificent
Fortress (originally built in the 14th century, and later altered) and
the 15th century Rosados-Ventos (a 43 m diameter compass rose). Nearby,
on the extreme south-western tip of the European continent is Cabo de
São Vicente (Romans' Promontorium Sacrum), opening on to a vast
horizon of sea and sky. Accommodation: Pousada do Infante, Parque da Floresta |
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| Vilamoura
- Many of the Algarve's resorts have grown in a rather chaotic
fashion around a pre-existing town or village. Not so in Vilamoura. This
is a modern, purpose-built resort where everything has been planned and
designed with your pleasure in mind. The huge range of facilities available
makes it a very popular destination for families seeking stress-free fun.
Accommodation: Hotel Tivoli Marina Vilmoura*****, Cegonha Inn**** |
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| Other
places of interest Almancil (beautiful São Lorenço Church, a Baroque masterpiece), Alte, Cacela, Carvoeiro, Estômbar, Moncarrapacho, Ponta da Piedade, Porches, São Bartolomou de Messines, Vila Real de Santo António. |
| REGIONAL GASTRONOMY |
| Apart from a very high quality, international cuisine that stems from
the expanding tourism industry, this region also offers delicious regional
dishes. Seafood soups oregano snails, pork meat and "cataplana"
clams, roasted dried octopus on the grill (Lagos style), and grilled
squid and cuttlefish. Special attention should be given to the fig pastries, to the marzipan pastries, shaped like little animals or fruits, to the famous "D. Rodrigo" and "morgado" from Lagos, to the puff pastry from Olhão, and to the egg yolk, almond paste and caramel pastries from Tavira. You should taste the Lagoa wines, internationally famous, as well as those from Lagos and from Tavira and the various regional liquors. 
Food FestivalsSausage Festival - Monchique, March. Portuguese Food Week - Lagos, June. Beer Festival - Silves, July. Tuna Itinerary - V.R. de St. António, July. Art of Desert Fair - Lagos, July. Sardine Festival - Portimão/Quarteira, July/August. Seafood Festival - Olhão, August. Algarve Tavern Fair - Lagoa, August. Tit bit Festival - Loulé, August. Sweet Potato and Rock Barnacles Festival - Aljezur, October/November. |
 
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| FESTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT |
| Almond
Blossom International Cross Country RaceLoulé
Carnival - February/MarchAlgarve
Bicycle Race - FebruaryLadies
Football Cup - MarchHoly
Week - March/AprilGrand
Prix Formular 1 World Championship - Arade/Portimão,
AprilAlgarve
Open Golf - AprilAlgarve
International Film Festival - MayProcession
of Nossa Senhora da Piedade or Mãe Soberana - Loulé,
MayPopular
Saint Day - JuneAlgarve
International Music Festival - May/June/JulyAlgarve
International Motorcycle Meeting - Faro,
JulySenhora
do Carmo Festivities and Fair - Faro, JulyInternational
Jazz Festival - Loulé, July/August
Fatacil - Lagoa, AugustSenhora
dos Màrtires Festivities and Fair - Castro Marim, AugustMedieval
Days - Castro Marim, August/SeptemberAlgarve
Folk Music and Dance Festival - different locations, SeptemberAlgarve
international Horse Jumping - Vilamoura/Portimão,
SeptemberSanta
Iria Fair - Faro, OctoberOctober
Fair - MonchiqueChristmas
Concert - Tavira, December |
| HANDICRAFTS |
| Wicker
and osier objectsStraw
hats and basketsCopper
and tin objectsWooden
objectsCeramics
from Porches |
| USEFUL INFORMATION |
| Algarve
Tourist Information Offices |
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Albufeira |
289 585 279 281 546 179 282 998 229 282 457 540 282 312 145 282 357 728 281 531 232 289 803 604 282 763 031 289 463 900 282 911 189 281 544 495 |
Olhão Ponte Inter. Guardiana Portimão Praia da Rocha Quarteira Sagres S. Brás de Alportel Silves Tavira V.R St. António Faro International Airport |
289 713 936 281 531 800 282 416 556 282 419 132 289 389 209 282 624 873 282 842 211 282 442 255 281 322 511 281 542 100 289 818 582 |
| Algarve
Consulates |
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Germany - Faro |
289 803 181 282 416 202 289 803 219 289 396 719 282 417 720 289 803 757 289 803 010 281 544 888 289 394 085 289 313 731 |
Holland - Faro Iceland - Portimão Italy - V.R St. António Morocco - Faro Mexico - Lagos Norway - Faro Peru - Vilamoura UK - Portimão Romania - Vilamoura Switzerland - Portimão |
289 820 903 282 413 311 281 544 274 282 762 814 282 762 814 289 823 505 289 389 977 282 417 800 289 303 180 282 413 311 |
| Health In case of emergency call 112, the international emergency services number. If you require medical assistance, go to your local Health Center. In more serious cases, visit the hospital A&E. |
Opening
Times Chemist Shops - Weekdays: 9am-1pm & 3pm-7pm. Saturdays: 9am-1pm. In each area there is a chemist open 24 hrs. Post Office - Open Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm. Shopping - Most shops are open between 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm on week days. Shopping centers stay open longer, generally between 10am-11pm. Banks - Open from 8.30am-3pm on week days. Museums - Generally closed at lunch time and with different closing days. Credit
CardsCredit cards are accepted almost everywhere: Visa, Amex, Eurocard, Diners club & Mastercard. You can withdraw money from "Multibanco" cash points on any high street. |
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Faro District Hospital |
289 830 300 282 763 034 282 450 330 |
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| Health Centers in Albufeira, Aljezur, Alte, Armação de Pêra, Carvoeiro, Castro Marim, Estómbar, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão, Salir, S. Bartolomeu de Messines, S. Bras de Alportel, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo, V.R de St. António. | |||
| Portuguese Red Cross | 289 899 900 | ||
Accommodation | Sightseeing Guided Tours | Golf | Places of Interest
Regional Gastronomy | Festivals | Handicrafts | Useful Information
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| Portugal > Tourism > Algarve > Accommodation |
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Algarve |