Places to Visit Guidebook
City/town information
Praia da Luz is a small town situated on the stunning western Algarve coastline. Luz sits around a glorious sandy bay, and combines a wonderful climate, delicious food and a welcoming ambience.
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Praia da Luz
1 R. José da Conceição CondePraia da Luz is a small town situated on the stunning western Algarve coastline. Luz sits around a glorious sandy bay, and combines a wonderful climate, delicious food and a welcoming ambience.
Portimão: Traditionally an important trading and fishing port, Portimão has now become one of the Algarve’s most popular holiday destinations and a modern city offering fabulous beaches, proximity to the natural beauty of the Alvor estuary and plenty of animation.
The attraction of the area lies in the amazing diversity of its countryside and beaches. Holidaymakers in search of sun and sea will have the choice of longer beaches, such as the much-loved Praia da Rocha, or any one of the smaller, more sheltered ones like Prainha, lying westwards of the city. Many of Portimão’s beaches are framed by the characteristic golden cliffs of the area and feature the stunning rock outcrops that are the delight of scuba divers and snorkellers. Praia do Alvor, the westernmost beach in the Portimão area, is entirely different. Gone are the cliffs and rocks and, in their place, lie the glistening white dunes of the sand barrier that separates the ocean from the lagoons and marshlands of the Alvor estuary.
The protected area around the estuary is a beautiful place to visit. Its marshlands and canals are graced with numerous species of migrating birds and offer a sense of tranquillity that is far removed from the animation of the coastal resorts.
Portimão is a bustling seaside city in which there is plenty to see and do. Beach-lovers will be close to the beautiful Praia da Rocha, where they will find a host of amenities, including water sports rentals, bars, cafés, restaurants and shops. For those wishing to see the sights, the riverfront area is particularly pleasant for a saunter along the promenade to gaze at the passing fishing boats or to stop and sample the favourite local snack (the region’s unique sardines on homemade bread) in one of the city’s celebrated fish restaurants. The area is particularly lively in August when the crowds gather to celebrate the popular Sardine Festival. Boats providing scenic trips up the Arade river also depart from here, giving visitors the chance to admire the changing landscape further inland.
Portimão’s lively nightlife is a far cry from the peace and quiet of the fishing village of old. The marina is the epitome of modern Portimão and has become a favourite summer venue, offering a wide choice of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in very select surroundings. Praia da Rocha is the liveliest area for evening entertainment, its many bars and nightclubs providing all-night partying and its casino drawing many visitors from afar. In the summer, when many of the clubs host world-class DJs, Praia da Rocha becomes one of the most exclusive nightlife spots in the Algarve.
Keen golfers have a number of golf courses to choose from in the surroundings, including Álamos, Morgado, Alto Golf, the Penina courses and Silves Golf.
125 penduduk tempatan mengesyorkan
Portimão
Portimão: Traditionally an important trading and fishing port, Portimão has now become one of the Algarve’s most popular holiday destinations and a modern city offering fabulous beaches, proximity to the natural beauty of the Alvor estuary and plenty of animation.
The attraction of the area lies in the amazing diversity of its countryside and beaches. Holidaymakers in search of sun and sea will have the choice of longer beaches, such as the much-loved Praia da Rocha, or any one of the smaller, more sheltered ones like Prainha, lying westwards of the city. Many of Portimão’s beaches are framed by the characteristic golden cliffs of the area and feature the stunning rock outcrops that are the delight of scuba divers and snorkellers. Praia do Alvor, the westernmost beach in the Portimão area, is entirely different. Gone are the cliffs and rocks and, in their place, lie the glistening white dunes of the sand barrier that separates the ocean from the lagoons and marshlands of the Alvor estuary.
The protected area around the estuary is a beautiful place to visit. Its marshlands and canals are graced with numerous species of migrating birds and offer a sense of tranquillity that is far removed from the animation of the coastal resorts.
Portimão is a bustling seaside city in which there is plenty to see and do. Beach-lovers will be close to the beautiful Praia da Rocha, where they will find a host of amenities, including water sports rentals, bars, cafés, restaurants and shops. For those wishing to see the sights, the riverfront area is particularly pleasant for a saunter along the promenade to gaze at the passing fishing boats or to stop and sample the favourite local snack (the region’s unique sardines on homemade bread) in one of the city’s celebrated fish restaurants. The area is particularly lively in August when the crowds gather to celebrate the popular Sardine Festival. Boats providing scenic trips up the Arade river also depart from here, giving visitors the chance to admire the changing landscape further inland.
Portimão’s lively nightlife is a far cry from the peace and quiet of the fishing village of old. The marina is the epitome of modern Portimão and has become a favourite summer venue, offering a wide choice of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in very select surroundings. Praia da Rocha is the liveliest area for evening entertainment, its many bars and nightclubs providing all-night partying and its casino drawing many visitors from afar. In the summer, when many of the clubs host world-class DJs, Praia da Rocha becomes one of the most exclusive nightlife spots in the Algarve.
Keen golfers have a number of golf courses to choose from in the surroundings, including Álamos, Morgado, Alto Golf, the Penina courses and Silves Golf.
Monchique:
A land of wooded hills, fragrant orchards and natural springs, the area around the town of Monchique invites you to put all thoughts of sand and beaches temporarily aside and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of rural Algarve.
Situated in the Serra de Monchique mountain range that separates the Algarve from the neighbouring northern region of the Alentejo, this lush landscape of rolling hills, leafy woods and flowing streams is aptly referred to as the ‘garden of the Algarve’. Overlooked for many years as attention focused on the glitz and glamour of the Algarve’s coastal resorts, Monchique’s breathtaking scenery and peaceful ways are proving to be irresistible charms to the many visitors who now venture inland to explore it. The area invites nature treks, with trails leading you past cork oak, chestnut and pine trees, through picturesque hamlets and up to the granite rocks and shrubs of the higher peaks. A walk up to Fóia, the highest peak in the Algarve at 902 metres (2,959 ft), will afford you dazzling panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the southern coastline stretching as far as Sagres.
The pace of life in Monchique is far removed from that of the busy coastal resorts. Small hamlets nestle between the hills, home to artisans who uphold age-old traditions and farm labourers who tend to their terraced vegetable plots or citrus groves as their cattle graze peacefully in the meadows. The fruits of their labours are reflected in the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy, which continues to be produced using traditional methods. Black pork sausages and cured hams, the unique honey that comes from the region’s scented wild flowers and the powerful medronho liqueur, made from the fruit of strawberry trees, all contribute to the gastronomic fame that the area enjoys.
The town of Monchique lies between the peaks of Fóia and Picota. It is a charming hillside town of steep, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses and is a perfect base from which to visit the springs and discover the mountains. Its busy monthly market is the ideal time to appreciate the local gastronomy and handicraft, this being comprised mainly of folding chairs, wickerwork, pottery and knitwear. The March Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais (Traditional Sausage Fair) and the Feira do Presunto (Smoked Ham Fair), normally held in July, are lively annual events where the best of Monchique’s produce is on full show.
The picturesque spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique, home to the only natural springs in the Algarve, lies approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) south of the town amidst the exuberant vegetation of its surrounding hills. The 32ºC spring waters have been attracting visitors since the Romans first recognised their healing properties and are now widely recommended for their therapeutic effect on respiratory, muscular and rheumatic ailments. Caldas is a charming retreat, with elegant 19th Century houses bordering a shaded central square and a beautiful wooded park filled with acacias, camellias and centenary trees. The constant sound of trickling water flowing through streams, under footbridges and in fountains, combined with the light reflecting off the foliage creates an atmosphere of peace and relaxation that has led to it being dubbed ‘the Sintra of the Algarve’.
267 penduduk tempatan mengesyorkan
Monchique
Monchique:
A land of wooded hills, fragrant orchards and natural springs, the area around the town of Monchique invites you to put all thoughts of sand and beaches temporarily aside and appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of rural Algarve.
Situated in the Serra de Monchique mountain range that separates the Algarve from the neighbouring northern region of the Alentejo, this lush landscape of rolling hills, leafy woods and flowing streams is aptly referred to as the ‘garden of the Algarve’. Overlooked for many years as attention focused on the glitz and glamour of the Algarve’s coastal resorts, Monchique’s breathtaking scenery and peaceful ways are proving to be irresistible charms to the many visitors who now venture inland to explore it. The area invites nature treks, with trails leading you past cork oak, chestnut and pine trees, through picturesque hamlets and up to the granite rocks and shrubs of the higher peaks. A walk up to Fóia, the highest peak in the Algarve at 902 metres (2,959 ft), will afford you dazzling panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the southern coastline stretching as far as Sagres.
The pace of life in Monchique is far removed from that of the busy coastal resorts. Small hamlets nestle between the hills, home to artisans who uphold age-old traditions and farm labourers who tend to their terraced vegetable plots or citrus groves as their cattle graze peacefully in the meadows. The fruits of their labours are reflected in the region’s mouth-watering gastronomy, which continues to be produced using traditional methods. Black pork sausages and cured hams, the unique honey that comes from the region’s scented wild flowers and the powerful medronho liqueur, made from the fruit of strawberry trees, all contribute to the gastronomic fame that the area enjoys.
The town of Monchique lies between the peaks of Fóia and Picota. It is a charming hillside town of steep, cobbled streets and whitewashed houses and is a perfect base from which to visit the springs and discover the mountains. Its busy monthly market is the ideal time to appreciate the local gastronomy and handicraft, this being comprised mainly of folding chairs, wickerwork, pottery and knitwear. The March Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais (Traditional Sausage Fair) and the Feira do Presunto (Smoked Ham Fair), normally held in July, are lively annual events where the best of Monchique’s produce is on full show.
The picturesque spa hamlet of Caldas de Monchique, home to the only natural springs in the Algarve, lies approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) south of the town amidst the exuberant vegetation of its surrounding hills. The 32ºC spring waters have been attracting visitors since the Romans first recognised their healing properties and are now widely recommended for their therapeutic effect on respiratory, muscular and rheumatic ailments. Caldas is a charming retreat, with elegant 19th Century houses bordering a shaded central square and a beautiful wooded park filled with acacias, camellias and centenary trees. The constant sound of trickling water flowing through streams, under footbridges and in fountains, combined with the light reflecting off the foliage creates an atmosphere of peace and relaxation that has led to it being dubbed ‘the Sintra of the Algarve’.
Albufeira: A stunning coastline of creamy, coppery cliffs and a wide assortment of beautiful, sun-drenched beaches have transformed Albufeira from the quiet little fishing village of old into the holiday haven and favourite Algarve destination that it is today.
The allure is understandable: Albufeira’s beaches come in all shapes and sizes and they are all equally appealing. Ranging from secluded sandy coves and miles-long stretches of glittering, golden sands to picture-postcard landscapes combining sea, sand and delightful rocky outcrops, the draw is irresistible. More than half of these beaches hold the prestigious Blue Flag and offer a comprehensive range of amenities and water sports facilities while the resorts that flank them provide an endless supply of entertainment and leisure activities. The great diversity of bars, restaurants and clubs have made Albufeira’s nightlife the most famous in the Algarve while numerous golf courses, a marina, children’s theme parks and abundant shopping opportunities provide plenty of additional daytime distractions.
The city of Albufeira is fronted by three magnificent long, sandy beaches: Pescadores, Peneco (also known as Túnel beach) and Inatel. The colourful fishing boats on Pescadores beach are present-day reminders of the city’s fishing past and while the fishermen continue to supply the local restaurants with their daily catches, the boats are also used to provide scenic tours around the natural grottoes that adorn this beautiful coastline. A pleasant promenade links Peneco beach to Albufeira’s vibrant marina.
Affording breathtaking views of Albufeira’s scenic coastline from their clifftop positions overlooking Santa Eulália, São Rafael and Falésia beaches, the luxurious Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa, CS São Rafael Atlantic Hotel, and Pine Cliffs Hotel offer access to the beaches lying below, the privacy of secluded locations and exceptional accommodation and facilities. Porto Bay Falésia enjoys an equally beautiful clifftop location above Falésia beach while the exclusive CS São Rafael Suite Hotel, situated a small distance inland from São Rafael beach, will impress with its contemporary elegance and peaceful surroundings. In a quiet Albufeira location, the Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa provides a wide range of facilities and a shuttle service to the beach and city centre. Enjoying a unique oceanfront location with direct access to the sand dunes of Salgados beach, the brand new Vidamar Resorts Algarve is a luxurious retreat where guests can also appreciate the natural beauty of the protected Salgados lagoon wetlands lying nearby.
Albufeira’s old town centre has a delightful traditional feel. Whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets lined with cafés and shops lead to a picturesque central square surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can taste some of the local fish-based gastronomy. And if you’re looking for some late night partying, there’s plenty of it in fun-loving Albufeira. The area known as ‘The Strip’ is a succession of thriving bars, restaurants and clubs – and the hub of Albufeira’s nightlife.
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Albufeira
Albufeira: A stunning coastline of creamy, coppery cliffs and a wide assortment of beautiful, sun-drenched beaches have transformed Albufeira from the quiet little fishing village of old into the holiday haven and favourite Algarve destination that it is today.
The allure is understandable: Albufeira’s beaches come in all shapes and sizes and they are all equally appealing. Ranging from secluded sandy coves and miles-long stretches of glittering, golden sands to picture-postcard landscapes combining sea, sand and delightful rocky outcrops, the draw is irresistible. More than half of these beaches hold the prestigious Blue Flag and offer a comprehensive range of amenities and water sports facilities while the resorts that flank them provide an endless supply of entertainment and leisure activities. The great diversity of bars, restaurants and clubs have made Albufeira’s nightlife the most famous in the Algarve while numerous golf courses, a marina, children’s theme parks and abundant shopping opportunities provide plenty of additional daytime distractions.
The city of Albufeira is fronted by three magnificent long, sandy beaches: Pescadores, Peneco (also known as Túnel beach) and Inatel. The colourful fishing boats on Pescadores beach are present-day reminders of the city’s fishing past and while the fishermen continue to supply the local restaurants with their daily catches, the boats are also used to provide scenic tours around the natural grottoes that adorn this beautiful coastline. A pleasant promenade links Peneco beach to Albufeira’s vibrant marina.
Affording breathtaking views of Albufeira’s scenic coastline from their clifftop positions overlooking Santa Eulália, São Rafael and Falésia beaches, the luxurious Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa, CS São Rafael Atlantic Hotel, and Pine Cliffs Hotel offer access to the beaches lying below, the privacy of secluded locations and exceptional accommodation and facilities. Porto Bay Falésia enjoys an equally beautiful clifftop location above Falésia beach while the exclusive CS São Rafael Suite Hotel, situated a small distance inland from São Rafael beach, will impress with its contemporary elegance and peaceful surroundings. In a quiet Albufeira location, the Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa provides a wide range of facilities and a shuttle service to the beach and city centre. Enjoying a unique oceanfront location with direct access to the sand dunes of Salgados beach, the brand new Vidamar Resorts Algarve is a luxurious retreat where guests can also appreciate the natural beauty of the protected Salgados lagoon wetlands lying nearby.
Albufeira’s old town centre has a delightful traditional feel. Whitewashed houses and narrow, cobbled streets lined with cafés and shops lead to a picturesque central square surrounded by bars and restaurants where you can taste some of the local fish-based gastronomy. And if you’re looking for some late night partying, there’s plenty of it in fun-loving Albufeira. The area known as ‘The Strip’ is a succession of thriving bars, restaurants and clubs – and the hub of Albufeira’s nightlife.
Sagres is home to the most impressive landscape in the Algarve. The force of Nature is so strong in this south-westerly tip of continental Europe that visitors will soon understand why ancient settlers deemed it sacred, how it lured 15th Century Portuguese explorers to set sail into the unknown and how it has managed to retain its original striking beauty.
Sagres’ history has been defined by its geographic location and the stunning landscape of the Sagres and Cape St. Vincent promontories. The land’s-end feel of these 50 metre (164 feet)-high headlands dropping dramatically into the sea were a constant source of mystery and attraction to the region’s successive settlers as the various traces of their presence show. The most influential figure in Sagres’ history was Henry the Navigator, who found inspiration here to embark on his exploratory journeys, bringing fame to the region and leading to the creation of the town of Vila do Infante. Under his guidance, the area became a hub of maritime activity as cartographers, astronomers and mariners congregated, caravels were built and the exploration of the coast of Africa began.
The wild, rugged landscape of Sagres and the force and attraction of the sea continue to enthral visitors. The dramatic embankments and long, sandy beaches of the coast north of Cape St. Vincent have made them a favourite with surfers, paragliders and those who prefer untamed, natural surroundings. The southern coast offers more alternatives. Exposed beaches such as Tonel have helped to make Sagres the surfing capital of the Algarve while more sheltered ones like Mareta or Martinhal are family favourites that continue to retain a natural, unspoilt feel to them. These are especially popular with scuba divers and snorkelers, who take great pleasure in exploring the underwater grottoes of Mareta’s limestone cliffs or the islets facing Martinhal. Travelling eastwards along this southern coast, long stretches of sand alternate with small coves nestling between cliffs, the least accessible of these often providing blissful beaches of near seclusion.
Sagres is a lively fishing town with a picturesque harbour in Ponta de Baleeira, which becomes particularly busy at the end of the day when the fishermen return with their daily catch. A number of boats providing fishing, dolphin spotting or scenic trips around the impressive coastline also depart from here. The town’s central square, Praça da República, is a pleasant spot in which to watch the world go by and enjoy a taste of the local gastronomy. Fish is the staple ingredient of most of the dishes and the assortment is remarkable, with everything from gooseneck barnacles, cuttlefish or fried moray eel served in a variety of succulent ways.
The summer months bring many a lively night to the bars of Sagres as surfers flock to the beaches and enjoy the annual surf festival that is staged here. The nearest beach, Praia da Mareta, lies a short walk south from the centre of town.
294 penduduk tempatan mengesyorkan
Sagres
Sagres is home to the most impressive landscape in the Algarve. The force of Nature is so strong in this south-westerly tip of continental Europe that visitors will soon understand why ancient settlers deemed it sacred, how it lured 15th Century Portuguese explorers to set sail into the unknown and how it has managed to retain its original striking beauty.
Sagres’ history has been defined by its geographic location and the stunning landscape of the Sagres and Cape St. Vincent promontories. The land’s-end feel of these 50 metre (164 feet)-high headlands dropping dramatically into the sea were a constant source of mystery and attraction to the region’s successive settlers as the various traces of their presence show. The most influential figure in Sagres’ history was Henry the Navigator, who found inspiration here to embark on his exploratory journeys, bringing fame to the region and leading to the creation of the town of Vila do Infante. Under his guidance, the area became a hub of maritime activity as cartographers, astronomers and mariners congregated, caravels were built and the exploration of the coast of Africa began.
The wild, rugged landscape of Sagres and the force and attraction of the sea continue to enthral visitors. The dramatic embankments and long, sandy beaches of the coast north of Cape St. Vincent have made them a favourite with surfers, paragliders and those who prefer untamed, natural surroundings. The southern coast offers more alternatives. Exposed beaches such as Tonel have helped to make Sagres the surfing capital of the Algarve while more sheltered ones like Mareta or Martinhal are family favourites that continue to retain a natural, unspoilt feel to them. These are especially popular with scuba divers and snorkelers, who take great pleasure in exploring the underwater grottoes of Mareta’s limestone cliffs or the islets facing Martinhal. Travelling eastwards along this southern coast, long stretches of sand alternate with small coves nestling between cliffs, the least accessible of these often providing blissful beaches of near seclusion.
Sagres is a lively fishing town with a picturesque harbour in Ponta de Baleeira, which becomes particularly busy at the end of the day when the fishermen return with their daily catch. A number of boats providing fishing, dolphin spotting or scenic trips around the impressive coastline also depart from here. The town’s central square, Praça da República, is a pleasant spot in which to watch the world go by and enjoy a taste of the local gastronomy. Fish is the staple ingredient of most of the dishes and the assortment is remarkable, with everything from gooseneck barnacles, cuttlefish or fried moray eel served in a variety of succulent ways.
The summer months bring many a lively night to the bars of Sagres as surfers flock to the beaches and enjoy the annual surf festival that is staged here. The nearest beach, Praia da Mareta, lies a short walk south from the centre of town.
Aljezur: Nestling among the rolling hills of northwestern Algarve, Aljezur represents the untouched Algarve, an area of beautiful natural landscapes where donkeys work the land, cowbells tinkle on the plains and some of the best beaches in Portugal await you.
Situated in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, the large natural park that extends along the western coast of the Algarve, Aljezur is a small agricultural town lying on the fertile plains that border the Aljezur river. The hilltop ruins of a 10th Century Moorish castle dominate the historic town centre and afford beautiful panoramic views of cork oak and pine woods, fields sprinkled with wild flowers and the sea in the distance. The old town that spreads down the hillside is a charming mix of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with the characteristic colourful trimming around the windows. The newer part of town was established in the 18th Century to relocate the population after the destruction caused by the 1755 earthquake and lies at a short distance from the hill on the other side of the river.
Outside the town, it’s hard to decide what is more appealing: countryside or coastline. Nature treks, mountain biking tours and donkey or horse rides around the hills offer the opportunity to admire wild boar, foxes and badgers in their natural habitat while Aljezur’s 40 km (25 mile)-long coast is a treasure trove of rich marine life, numerous species of local and migrating birds and a beautiful mix of virgin beaches and peaceful river valleys.
The Costa Vicentina, as this south-western coastal strip is referred to, contains some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in Portugal, many of which feature broad expanses of sand dunes flanked by towering cliffs and with hardly a building in sight. The swell size at beaches such as Arrifana and Praia do Amado attracts surfers and bodyboarders while Odeceixe, Bordeira and Amoreira are situated at the mouth of rivers, making them especially popular with families and offering a choice of river or sea to swim in. Attractive, natural lagoons also form in these beaches, making them a favourite with children. In Odeceixe, canoes can be rented for scenic trips upriver while, at Amoreira, the change from dunes into estuary marshland opens up a whole new natural world inhabited by kingfishers, otters and grey herons. The cove of Praia das Adregas, just south of Odeceixe, is an official naturist beach.
119 penduduk tempatan mengesyorkan
Aljezur
Aljezur: Nestling among the rolling hills of northwestern Algarve, Aljezur represents the untouched Algarve, an area of beautiful natural landscapes where donkeys work the land, cowbells tinkle on the plains and some of the best beaches in Portugal await you.
Situated in the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, the large natural park that extends along the western coast of the Algarve, Aljezur is a small agricultural town lying on the fertile plains that border the Aljezur river. The hilltop ruins of a 10th Century Moorish castle dominate the historic town centre and afford beautiful panoramic views of cork oak and pine woods, fields sprinkled with wild flowers and the sea in the distance. The old town that spreads down the hillside is a charming mix of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses with the characteristic colourful trimming around the windows. The newer part of town was established in the 18th Century to relocate the population after the destruction caused by the 1755 earthquake and lies at a short distance from the hill on the other side of the river.
Outside the town, it’s hard to decide what is more appealing: countryside or coastline. Nature treks, mountain biking tours and donkey or horse rides around the hills offer the opportunity to admire wild boar, foxes and badgers in their natural habitat while Aljezur’s 40 km (25 mile)-long coast is a treasure trove of rich marine life, numerous species of local and migrating birds and a beautiful mix of virgin beaches and peaceful river valleys.
The Costa Vicentina, as this south-western coastal strip is referred to, contains some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in Portugal, many of which feature broad expanses of sand dunes flanked by towering cliffs and with hardly a building in sight. The swell size at beaches such as Arrifana and Praia do Amado attracts surfers and bodyboarders while Odeceixe, Bordeira and Amoreira are situated at the mouth of rivers, making them especially popular with families and offering a choice of river or sea to swim in. Attractive, natural lagoons also form in these beaches, making them a favourite with children. In Odeceixe, canoes can be rented for scenic trips upriver while, at Amoreira, the change from dunes into estuary marshland opens up a whole new natural world inhabited by kingfishers, otters and grey herons. The cove of Praia das Adregas, just south of Odeceixe, is an official naturist beach.
Silves: Cascading prettily down the side of a hill under the protective mantle of its Moorish castle, the picturesque town of Silves has always enthralled visitors with its tales of past riches and legends of exotic Arab princesses.
Although an important agricultural area and Portugal’s main orange producer, present-day Silves’ quaint, rural attractiveness bears little witness to the splendour of its past. Capital of Al-Faghar (kingdom of the Algarve) during the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Silves or Xelb as it was called by the Arabs, boasted such beautiful buildings, fabulous treasures and lavish bazaars that it was referred to as the ‘Baghdad of the West’.
Nowadays, the fortified castle walls are the only reminder of Silves’ past magnificence. Arab remains consist of underground grain silos, a 13th Century 10 metre-high (33 ft) water tank and a 60 metre-deep (197 ft) well. The sandstone turrets provide lovely panoramic views of the countryside and the inner gardens are a beautiful spot for a stroll.
279 penduduk tempatan mengesyorkan
Silves
Silves: Cascading prettily down the side of a hill under the protective mantle of its Moorish castle, the picturesque town of Silves has always enthralled visitors with its tales of past riches and legends of exotic Arab princesses.
Although an important agricultural area and Portugal’s main orange producer, present-day Silves’ quaint, rural attractiveness bears little witness to the splendour of its past. Capital of Al-Faghar (kingdom of the Algarve) during the Arab occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Silves or Xelb as it was called by the Arabs, boasted such beautiful buildings, fabulous treasures and lavish bazaars that it was referred to as the ‘Baghdad of the West’.
Nowadays, the fortified castle walls are the only reminder of Silves’ past magnificence. Arab remains consist of underground grain silos, a 13th Century 10 metre-high (33 ft) water tank and a 60 metre-deep (197 ft) well. The sandstone turrets provide lovely panoramic views of the countryside and the inner gardens are a beautiful spot for a stroll.