General info Algarve
Faro region
Portugal's southern coastal region, the Algarve, is a well-known international tourist centre.
Faro is the provincial capital of the Algarve located 60 km from the Spanish border.
The city was founded by the Moors. The east and west side of Faro has a Wadden look
alike coast line. This is area is called Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa, consist out
of lagoons with salt hollows. The inlands behind this coast line are
flat to light sloping. You can find alot of market gardening with almond, orange, fig trees.
West Algarve
Near Praia da Falesia the character of the coast line changes
dramatically. No more wads but interesting rocks rising straight up
out of the Atlantic Ocean. In this part of the Algarve you can find
small fishing villages, long golden beaches, extraordinary rock
formations and isolated beaches protected by cliffs and rocks.
Further inland are hill villages, market towns and agricultural
landscapes.
Some towns and villages on the Algarve coast: Lagos, Albufeira, Olhão, Tavira, Cacela Velha,
Monte Gordo, Vila Real de Santo António, Portimão, Sagres. More inland: Lagoa, Porches, Loulé,
Almancil, Estói, São Brás de Alportel, Castro Marim. Further inland: Monchique,
São Bartolomeu de Messines, Silves, Alcoutim.
The high lights
During our trip in november 2000 we biked (mtb) near Silves.
To explore the inlands of the Algarve we walked in Santa Clara-a-Velha near a big lake.
Further we walked along the coast in National Park Vicentina.
Cape ST Vincente
