The Area
Carvoerio
Once a small but important fishing village where the tempo of life
was snail’s pace, Carvoeiro was one of the earliest holiday destinations
for the ‘upper crust’ English who, in the late 1950s before mass
tourism arrived – took the boat to Lisbon and drove down to the
Algarve in their Rolls Royce’s. It is now a vibrant cosmopolitan
resort which, happily, has grown outwards rather than upwards and
is much enjoyed by an increasing number of expatriates as well as
casual visitors. The beauty of the coastline and beaches have not
changed. It is dotted with caves and grottoes, which can be explored
by boat: a world of true geological wonders. Visit carvoeiro.com
to find out what’s going on locally, view temperatures, and get
lists of bars and clubs.
Ferragudo
On the Arade estuary facing Portimao lies the most photographed
village in the Algarve. Ferragudo is one of the few fishing villages
in the Algarve that has retained its character, its narrow streets
with tiny white houses sprawl around a fort which was built in the
16th century to defend Portomao against attack. It is a very popular
place with tourists especially the fish restaurants serving’ catch
of the day’ fresh from the boats. Ferragudos village square is a
great place to people watch and in the summer month’s entertainment
is provided.
Silves
Silves, the ancient Arab capital of the Algarve, stands
in a fertile valley with mile after mile of orange orchards. The
town is dominated by the famous red sandstone Moorish castle that
offers delightful views over the surrounding landscape. The town’s
excellent new museum opened in 1990 and built around a beautifully
preserved 12th century Arab well. It contains a wealth of fascinating
artefacts and documents from pre-historic times to the 17th century.
Rui’s restaurant in the centre of the town has a reputation as one
of the regions finest fish restaurants
Lagos
Lagos, with its relaxed atmosphere and quiet charm, make
it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve to visitors
from abroad. Boasting an attractive modern yacht marina, excellent
shopping and beautiful beaches Lagos has something for everyone.
The best restaurants are concentrated in the pedestrian only Rua
25 de Abril, or relax and let the world pass by in one of the many
open-air cafes in the Praca da Republica, next to the tourist information
office. Lagos was the first market in Europe to auction slaves brought
back from Africa. You can find the slave market (Mercado dos escravos),
now a little art gallery, in the far corner of Praca da Republica
Lagos is the most historically interesting costal town in the Algarve.
Its fame derives from its association with Henry the Navigator who
had his ships built here, Henry founded his “school of navigation”
to teach sailors to navigate when land was not in sight. He proved
that there was land and sea beyond the horizon and that boats were
not going to” drop of the end of the world” , So why not hire a
boat and go on a sightseeing tour along the coast and marvel at
the cliff erosion. Don’t forget your camera!
Portimao and Pria da Rocha
Portamao is the largest town in the Algarve. Today it is
a busy provincial town and a commercial fishing port. During the
summer months the quay on the town side of the river is lined with
boats offering game-fishing trips and costal river cruises. There
are many outside restaurants specializing in regional seafood dishes
close to the town end of the old iron bridge. The main focus of
activity is in the higher part of town, in the vicinity of Praca
da Republica and the Rua do Comercio, a pedestrian – only shopping
centre. Fine golden sands as far as the eye can see. Ochre cliffs
and rocks sculpted into fantastical shapes. Such is the natural
beauty of Praia da Rocha, a place witch inspires visitors today
as it has always done. Praia Da Rocha is also home to three golf
courses and spectacular coastal scenery which prove very popular
with walkers.
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