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Pueblos Blancos
Throughout the Algarve region
are picturesque ‘white villages’, each offering charming houses with
whitewashed walls that have changed very little since the time of
Ferdinand and Isabella.
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Beaches
No visit to the Algarve is complete
without exploring the many beautiful beaches. There are 150 named
beaches, and many more that haven’t been named. The most popular
stretches are those closest to the town and in the west of the region,
but a little exploration to the east will reveal pristine beaches
without another tourist in sight.
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Sagres
The Cape of St Vincent is called
‘Land’s End’, Europe’s most south-westerly point. It is an important
shipping landmark and its lighthouse is visible 50 miles away. The Ponta
de Sagres, the fortress of Henry the Navigator was built near the cape.
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Ponta da Piedade
Protecting the bay of Lagos
is the bizarre rock formation of Ponta da Piedade, with its high cliffs,
deep caverns and hidden creeks. A boat trip around this promontory is
highly recommended for the spectacular views it provides.
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Monchique
The village of Monchique still
retains much of its old world charm, and many of the traditional crafts
such as weaving and basket-making are still carried out the old
fashioned way. Particularly impressive is the view of the Serra de
Monchique mountain.
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Palace of Estoi
Situated near the village of Estoi, the palace is the most significant manifestation of Romanticism
in the Algarve. Built in the 18th century, it combines neo-baroque and
rococo styles and is partially covered with intricate 19th century
azulejo-tiles featuring luxurious floral designs or depicting scenes
from classical mythology.
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Buraco dos Mouros
Located near the town of Loule, the buraco is a stalactite cavern with three chambers, used as a
hideaway by the Moors in former times.
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Silves
The town of Silves was the ancient
Moorish capital, a heritage that can still be seen in the city layout
and the architecture of the buildings. Above the city looms the largest
and finest castle in the Algarve, also built during the Moorish
occupation.
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Tavira
Often described as ‘Algarvian Rome’ or
‘the Venice of Algarve’, the town is one of the most architecturally
appealing towns in Algarve, with many fine 18th century buildings and
bridges. Tavira is also known as the ‘Town of Churches’ because of its
22 churches.
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Alcoutim
Once an important trading centre due
to its strategic location, Alcoutim has since declined into a quiet
town. Reminders of its past glory can be seen in the two impressive
castles on both sides of the bordering River Guadiana, which were used
to defend the trading vessels anchored at Alcoutim.
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