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Algarve

Because of its gentle climate, warm sea temperatures and year-round sunshine, the Algarve has a Mediterranean atmosphere, moderated by gentle breezes coming from the Atlantic. This atmosphere is reflected by the white houses and their peculiar chimneys.

The Algarve coast extends for 150 kilometers along great beaches of white sand that are fringed by reddish cliffs and sandstone rocks

Faro, the regions main town, is served by an international airport. It is well worth visiting its medieval walls, the cathedral built over an old mosque and over St. Francis, which is decorated with a beautiful collection of painted ceramic tiles dating from the 18th century. It is a cosmopolitan town and a colorful postcard of the Algarve.

To the west of Faro lies the town of Lagos, where the ships were built that once sailed away on great adventures making the Age of Discoveries. 

The headland of Sagres, a short distance from Lagos, is a place of symbolic significance, for it was from here that Portuguese sailors weighed anchor under the orders of Prince Henry the navigator, the inspiration behind the Age of Discoveries. To the east of Faro, Tavira’s houses are mirrored in the calm waters of a silvery river; its narrow streets have an almost oriental charm.

In the hinterland stand the town of Silves, with its Moorish castle and famous cistern. Set amongst the unusual and exuberant vegetation of the Monchique mountains, one can discover the town bearing the name, which was founded by the Romans, who considered its hot springs to be sacred.

In terns of gastronomy, the Algarve region offers a wealth of seafood and fish dishes. Some are still cooked in the old manner - such as the famous cataplana, which uses clams as its basic ingredient. Fig, almond, and egg sweetmeats have their origin in old Arab recipes. 
 

Other towns and villages on the Algarve coast: 

Lagos, Albufeira, Olhão, Tavira, Cacela Velha, Monte Gordo, Vila Real de Santo António. 
More inland: Lagoa, Porches, Loulé, Almancil, Estói, São Brás de Alportel, Castro Marim. 
Further inland: Monchique, São Bartolomeu de Messines,Silves, Alcoutim.