Places
Western Algarve
Aljezur
Aljezur is about 30km north of Lagos on the N120 and is situated in a lush, green, fertile valley, an area well known for it's sweet potato crops. It is built on either side of the river that runs through the valley...the old town being on one side and the new town on the other. The remains of a Moorish 10th century castle can be seen high on the hill over the old town and the views from there are fantastic!
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Cape St Vincent (Cabo de Sao Vicente)
Mainland Europe's most south-western point, the legendary Cabo de Sao Vicente. The western end of the coast is composed of colourful eroded sandstone cliffs, with numerous marine grottoes and wind-eroded rock stacks. Standing above the cliffs, and looking out toward the Atlantic, it is easy to see why the Portugese named it "Fim do Mundo". The beam from the lighthouse can be seen 100km out to sea.
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Lagos
Lagos is an atmospheric town, encircled by massive 16th century walls that effectively shut out the 21st century, shielding it from the western Algarve's biggest concentration of hotel developments to the west of the town. Within the walls of the old town, you will find a maze of cobbled streets, too narrow for cars to penetrate. Cafe owners have set up tables and chairs, tempting visitors to stop and sample their delicious coffee and cakes, in between exploring the town's churches, museums, art galleries, antique shops and bustling market.
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Monchique
Monchique is a market town up in the Serra de Monchique, which is a thickly wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from Alentejo. The jouney up (and down) to Monchique offers spectacular views and is totally different from coastal Algarve. The houses in Monchique are typically Algarvean with their white walls and bands of colour around the windows and doors, but their 'saia' (skirt) chimneys are quite unique and different from coastal homes.
The centre of Monchique is characterised by lots of narrow cobbled streets criss-crossing up the hillside with a spattering of cafes and restaurants. The central square boasts an attractive paved area with benches, trees and a lovely water feature, including an example of a Moorish water wheel. Monchique is a very quiet and relaxed place, which is ideal for pottering around and appreciating the fantastic views.
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Caldas de Monchique
A centuries-old spa town in the Monchique hills, with woodland walks, craft shops and numerous restaurants serving Algarvian food. Footpaths thread through woods and along the river, taking you to springs where you can sample the water (pleasant enough, although a little warm and sulphurous).
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Silves
The former Moorish town of Xelb is overlooked by the Algarve's best preserved castle, the massive Castle of the Moors. This compact town is built on terraces between the River Arade and the massive castle.
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Ferragudo
Located on the opposite side of the Arade River estuary from Portimao, Ferragudo is a rare example of an almost untouched coastal fishing village, a reminder of the Algarve as it was less than two decades ago. A timeless atmosphere prevails in the narrow cobbled streets which lead uphill to the simple village church.
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Site updated:
8th May 2012