Eastern Algarve

Every year, visitors used to a colder and wilder climate seek the fine sandy beaches of the Leeward Algarve to take advantage of the warmth of the sun and the hospitality of the Algarve's people.

Marking the transition between Windward and leeward, Albufeira, a town of fishermen with its white houses and sheltered beach (entered by a tunnel from Rua 5 de Outubro), is definitely the tourist capital of the Algarve. An extremely bustling night life, with hundreds of possible choices between bars, restaurants, cafes and discos, plenty of well-equipped beaches and accomodation for all pockets make this area an authentic Mecca of Portuguese tourism.

Following the coast, discover the soft sands of the beach of Barcos, São Rafael beach, the well-equipped and crowded Oura beach, the gorgeous Santa Eulália beach, the famous Maria Luísa - with nautical sports, bars and restaurants - and Olhos d'Agua. Between Albufeira and Vilamoura, a few kilometres of sand between cliffs form some of the more stunning long beaches such as Falésia and Tomates.

Vilamoura has become in little over 30 years one of the larger leisure centres in Europe, sailing, flying, tennis, horse-riding, equipment to go shooting or fishing, a casino and an aerodrome are complemented by numerous hotels and apartment blocks restaurants and a yacht club around a busy marina which had in excess 1300 moorings before the latest expansion. Right next to Vilamoura, Quarteira, with its apartment blocks, is a new destination in demand. Further east, Ancão (where the Ria Formosa begins) and Quinta do Lago, beaches preferred by those seeking quality and privacy, with lots of getaway villas, to create an atmosphere that combines nature with a privileged lifestyle.

Should you wish to discover something more than just beaches and appreciate religious and military architecture, head for the interior. Visit the Parish Church and take a walk around the ruins of the Arab castle in Salir; the chapel of São Luis and the Parish Church (built in the 13th century) in the pleasant village of Alte; or the Parish church of Paderne and the abandoned castle ruins (visible from the IP1 expressway.) The pearl of the Algarve's monuments is the Parish Church of São Lourenco, in Almancil (a beautiful interior of tiles made by Policarpo Oliveira Bernardes). Close by, in the Cultural Centre of São Lourenço you can set- art exhibitions or attend some of the frequent musical concerts.

In Loulé, a beautiful town of Moorish origin, discover the regional artisan crafts - the famous copper-work, painted clay and brasswork. The market, with Arabic traces in its architecture, the Church of So Qemente (13th century), the Church Misericordia and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição arc attractions of a town of great cultural dynamism.

Since 1756 the Algarve capital has been Faro, where the Ria Formosa - a natural park considered the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve - hints at its true splendour and size. One of the last places in Europe to preserve intact its coastal zone composed of lagoons, channels, offshore islands and marshland, it stretches still further east as far as Manta Rota (close to Vila Real de Santo António).

Around 1,500 species of wild fowl find refuge in these damp 18,400 hectares extending for over 60 km.

Faro derives its name from the word for lighthouse introduced by the Pharaohs of Egypt firstly at Alexandria with duplicates along the coasts of Europe and North Africa. Of all the historical sites of Faro, in the heart of the Old City, the highlight is the Cathedral - a mixture of gothic and baroque styles -, the elegant Episcopal Palace (17th century), which surrounds it, and the Arch of the Town (built in the 19th century at the entrance to the old medieval castle). Outside the walls stands the Church of São Francisco (18th century), decorated with impressive tiles depicting the saints life.

The Church of São Pedro, which has a spectacular relief of the Last Supper, and the baroque exuberance of the interior of the Church of Carmo complete a generous collection of religious buildings. The main meeting place of the city is the Manuel Bivar Garden, along with the elegant and busy pedestrian street of Santo António, full of shops and restaurants. At the municipal market, in Largo Sá Carneiro, you can find fresh food and handicrafts, and at the chapel of Santo António do not miss the beautiful panorama over the sea and the saltworks.

The beach (at 8 km) is a stretch of sand separated from the mainland by the Ria, full of life and with excellent conditions for sailing or for an interesting and relaxing walk or boat-trip.

The islands around Faro are a characteristic of this old city embraced by the Ria Formosa, and it is only 45 minutes by boat (from Faro or Olhão) to the island of Culatra, which is the southernmost point in continental Portugal. Here stands the lighthouse of the cape of Santa Maria, which can be seen from both Olhão and Faro. To the interior, the little village of Estói is of great cultural interest. It is the only example of Romantic architecture in the south of the country, the Palace of Estói is a rococo pastiche, ordered to be built by a local noble. The orange and palm trees in the gardens give a pleasant feel to the palace, which also possesses beautiful stained-glass windows, tile panels and a copy of Canova's "Three Graces". Almost two thousand years and a few kilometres separate this place from another no less interesting.

The Roman complex in Milreu (1st or 2nd century) gives you an idea of what might have been a farm, house, which was converted into a luxury villa built around a central patio in the 3rd century. Though the baths still have their original tiles, the major part of the pieces will be found in the Archeology Museum in Faro.

Leaving Faro and heading eastwards, pass through Olhão, an important fishing port and a big centre for the food preservation industry. The centre of the fishermen's quarter is an excellent example of typical architecture, with terraces where fish and fruit were dried in the sun. The traditional flat-roofed houses in Olhão gave rise to the nickname of "cubist town" though reminds us that North Africa is nearby. Olhão is also well-known for its magnificent Seafood Festival, held annually in August.

Tavira, proud to be called "the plate of a thousand and one churches", is amazing for the quantity of its temples - 25 in all. This is one of the most typical Algarve towns, with characteristic wooden-slatted doors, which allow air into the houses, and four-sided roofs, lis saltworks are also a traditional feature. As for gastronomy, "bolos folhados", Dom-Rodrigos, fish slews, fish dishes, the local wine and leg of lamb ate delicacies not to be missed.

A very short distance by boat, the Island of Tavira is a paradise ever more eagerly sought out by visitors, with excellent windsurfing conditions. The delightful beach at Cabanas, a bay protected by a 17th-century fortress, is next to a fishing village.

A the bottom of sandstone cliff lies Cacela, with its white church and ruined fortress. When the tide goes out, clam farms can be seen. Here at at Fábrica there are a number of renowned restaurants which face west (yes west!) for a stunning sunset over the ocean. The shadow of the pine-trees of Praia Verde, which also guards vestiges of Roman ruins and a well of the same period, are a good place for a picnic. Very close is Monte Gordo, a big Leeward tourist centre, whose seafront is a relaxing setting for walks in the sunset. A visit to the casino could be an excellent option to finish off a day in style.

On the Spanish border, Vila Real de Santo António still preserves the influence of the Marquês de Pombal. The old façades give a peculiar touch to this geometrical town, with a big square with King Dom José's obelisk.

On the right bank of the maritime estuary of Guadiana, the marina of Vila Real de Santo António has a wet area of 25,000 square metres and offers excellent shelter. Making a trip up-river is beautiful and interesting. For those who have a boat there is technical support in Alcoutim; for those who do not have one, there are some companies who organize regular excursions.

Also you should not miss visiting the castle of Castro Marim, a place surrounded by the most important wetland reserve in the country (Reserva natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António).

Around 2000 Ha of water rich in fish, glistening salt, Fresh breezes and hundreds of species create a true humid ecosystem that characterizes this unique landscape.