5. The Algarve
This southernmost tip was Portugal’s first developed tourist region and continues to lead preferences due to its sunny climate and warm winters. This was the last region to be recaptured from the Moors, and the Arab influence still persists in architecture, cuisine, vocabulary and place names.
The Algarve enjoys an almost Mediterranean climate with its deep blue skies, turquoise seas, golden sands and gentle sea breezes. The fragrance of wild flowers is ever present; the scent of orange blossom is breath-taking. Orange and lemon groves are in abundance.
Roadside stalls of fresh oranges tempt passers-by. Vibrant shades of bougainvillea and hibiscus plants climb and contrast against white-washed buildings. Pretty, elegant chimney pots and intricate wall lights adorn pastel-shaded houses. This region stimulates all the senses.
The western half of the Algarve is well known for its distinctive rocky coastline; its golden cliffs, caves, sheltered coves and beaches of fine sand. It is characterised by a series of popular sun-drenched holiday resorts, luxury hotels and exclusive leisure facilities including many impressive golf courses.
The eastern half is less well known by tourists and as a result enjoys a calmer, more relaxed, more authentically ‘Portuguese’ ambience. It is remarkable for its endless stretches of sandy beaches, dunes and salt pans.
A trip into the mountains offers incomparable views and gives a taste of the austere way of life of the mountain villagers, who eke out a meagre living from forest products, bee-keeping, sheep and goat herding and local crafts.
Places to visit would have to include the far west rocky, windswept headland of Cabo de São Vicente, named after the patron saint of vinegrowers and seafarers, and the port of Sagres, where the ruins of Henry the Navigator’s School of Seamanship lie. The old moorish town of Silves is interesting with its red sandstone castle and gothic cathedral. Baskets of freshly picked oranges and local craft stalls line and brighten the winding route up to Monchique, a delightful little town nestling on the hillside in the upper Algarve region, famous for its spring water and eucalyptus oil. The fishing town of Tavira, to the east of the Algarve strip, is still relatively unspoilt and offers a taste of the ‘real’ Portugal.