The Algarve

The Algarve is located in the far south of Portugal, bordered by the Atlantic on two sides, by the mountains in the north and Spain in the east. It stretches from the Spanish border westwards to Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St Vincent).

The area is well geared to provide for tourists and it has become a favourite package destination with good beaches and and well equipped sports facilities.

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, and only part of the old town remains. Loulé is a market town famous for crafts such as leather and copper. Albufeira is a busy market town with a Moorish atmosphere. Armação de Pãra is a fishing village with one of the biggest beaches on the Algarve. Silves is an old walled city with a 12th-century cathedral. Carvoeiro is an old fishing village with a picturesque harbour. Portimão is one of the largest towns and fishing ports in the Algarve, known for its furniture and wickerwork. Monchique is set high in the mountains and has a spa. Lagos has historical shipyards. Sagres is the centre of the lobster fishing industry, with a 17th-century fortress. Cape St Vincent is the most southwesterly point of mainland Europe.

Resorts in the area include: Albufeira, Armação de Pãra, Lagos, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Silves, Tavira, Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Olhão, Quarteira, Carvoeiro, Loulé , Sagres, Vilamoura, Monte Gordo, S. Brás de Alportel, Aljezur and Monchique.