 |
 |
 |
      |
 |
 |
 |
General |
Lagos |
Sagres |
Costa Vicentia |
|
|
|
|
| Due to the importance of its position on the world
map this province was at one time its own Kingdom. It has been
invaded and fought over by the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors.
Closely associated with the sea throughout its history this
was the base of the famous Henry the Navigator who, from the
point at Sagres organized the 15th Century exploration of the
New World.
The Algarve is composed of 5.411 square kilometers with approx.
350,000 permanent inhabitants. This figure can swell to over
a million people at the height of the summer. Its administrative
centre is Faro controlling 16 Municipalities.
The length of the south-facing coastline is approx. 155 kilometers
and stretches about 52 kilometers to the north on the west.
There are about 100 sandy attractive beaches washed by the
Atlantic Ocean and due to the maritime shelf and water currents
the sea temperature can be surprisingly warm even in some
winter months. Located on the tip of Europe with the vast
ocean of the Atlantic as its southern and western border,
this enviable position gives this region possibly the most
unpolluted climate in the European continent.
The interior from the coast greatly varies in its picturesque
appeal due to its variety of fauna, soil and contours. In
January and February the coast is painted white with almond
blossom shading the many varieties of wild orchids. In March,
the heady perfume of orange blossom mixes with the bloom of
acacias. During the month of April the bountiful wild flowers
give cause to the delightful music of the many colorful birds.
May and June is the time to see the raw beauty of the striking
bare barks of stripped cork trees in contrast to the palette
purple of the jacaranda. July is the time of cherries, strawberries
and melons. August and September provide the picking of grapes,
figs and almonds. November is for the gathering of chestnuts
for the national festival of São Martinho. Whilst,
in December it is time to start picking the famous sweet juicy
Algarve oranges which continue through to March.
Away from the immediate coastal plain are the foothills leading
up to the highest point Foia (902 mts.) above the un-spoilt
village of Monchique. This mountain area is well known for
the layers of Roman terraces with granite stone walls that
provide the stream of local vegetables that can be found on
sale in the local market. Also, from this region comes the
local brewed drink "Medronho" that is best drunk
in one of the many local taverns. |
|
|
| Lagos was formerly the capital of the southern
part of the Iberian Peninsula, and was the last port before
the Portuguese caravelas set off for their long sea journeys,
during the great Discoveries of the 16th century.
The Governor's Palace and the Portas de Portugal e do Postigo
are attractions not to be missed. Other places of interest
are the Museu Regional, the Pau da Bandeira Fort and the old
Slaves' Market.
The Lagos Marina is the first stopover for boats coming in
from Western Europe to the Algarve, and is thus much sought
after on the way in and out of the Algarve by sea. |
|
|
| Sagres is situated inside the Southwest Alentejo
and Costa Vicentina Natural Park, at the most South-Westerly
point of Portugal and Europe.
The coast around Sagres is dotted with more than 20 beaches,
some sandy coves hidden at the foot of cliffs, others broad
expanses of sand that stretch away to the horizon, all inviting
you to discover them and rediscover peace and solitude. Here,
in an increasingly developed world, we are before an un spoilt
vision of nature. |
|
|
|
Parque de Floresta is also located on the boundaries
of the beautiful Costa Vicentia National Park. This Park extends
along the Algarvian and Alentejanian coast for 150 km between
the Counties of Vila do Bispo and Sines. This area of protected
landscape is characterised by its unexplored countryside, where
the sea and the mountains combine to an unusual natural monument.
The natural beauty of its beaches, many of them almost deserted,
and the high cliffs in direct contact with the sea, constitute
the main attraction of this area.
The resident population still devotes itself to the traditional
activities like fishing and agriculture, that amount the wealth
of this area. Here, one can still find the traditional fishermen
villages.
It is possible to practice varies sports, like fishing, submarine
fishing, surf, windsurf or paragliding.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
   |
|
