Monchique is, with a few exceptions, happily untouched by the invasion of tourism brought about during the 20th Century.
Situated in between the two high hills, Foia and Picota, the former reaching to 902 metres above sea level, the 10,000 inhabitants of this town have retained the rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small dark doorways housing various artisan trades. There is a very neglected 17th Century Franciscan monastery overlooking the town from which a visitor has a panoramic view over the beautiful countryside. The 16th Century Parish Church has excellent examples of Manueline craftsmanship around its doorway.
The surrounding area flourishes on the production of cattle, pigs, cork and wood. Another important local product is the popular "medronho", the name of a strong schnapps type drink made from distilling the fruit from arbutus bushes.
Foia and its sister mountain of Picota at 774 metres provide dramatic views of the coastal plain to the south and to the western Atlantic coast.
Faro is the administrative centre for the whole of the Algarve region with a population in excess of 55.000 people. The city has both Arab and Roman ruins but most of the present attractive older buildings were constructed after the disastrous earthquake of both 1755 and 1532.
Particularly attractive about Faro is the old part of the city still surrounded by the Roman walls which date back to the 9th Century. Inside a spacious open square that was once the site of the Roman Forum is a 13th Century Cathedral that faces the 18th Century Episcopal palace.
An interesting building is the neighbouring 16th Century Convent that is now turned into the home of the city’s archaeological museum. Within it is a section devoted to the Arab occupation.
The "golden" church of Nossa Senhora do Carmois is claimed to be the best example of gold-leaf woodwork in southern Portugal. It also contains the macabre spectacle of a chapel lined with the bones from over 1200 monks!
Next to the small boat basin bordering the Praça de Dom Francisco Gomes is a small Naval Museum composed of scale model boats and galleons showing the maritime history of the coast. Much of the city is now composed of apartments and there are many attractive shops and a particularly artistic theatre.
Faro is also the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 17.000 hectares and a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods.
Albufeira is the tourist capital of the Algarve.
Located in the centre of the Algarve, it has a population of approximately 40,000 residents. The cliff lined coast with 23 beaches of Mediterranean climate, teamed with its pulsating nightlife, attract tourists in their thousands during the hot summer months. Their days are spent soaking up the hot Algarve sun before treating themselves to the many restaurants, bars and clubs that the town has to offer once night has fallen.
Albufeira was once a small fishing village, but the Great Earthquake of 1755 saw most of the old town destroyed, including its castle, but some of the old charm still remains along the narrow back streets.
Vilamoura has seen a steady transformation and growth, and this town now includes a huge new marina with berthing for over 600 craft.
Of course, Vilamoura lies at the heart of the Golfing country, with some of the worlds best golf courses being situated there, but there are also pleasant beaches, dramatic cliff top walks and all manner of water sports.
Cape Saint Vincent here stands Europe's most south westerly point, the "Land's End" of Portugal.
The cape is still an important shipping landmark and the lighthouse (sometimes open to the public) is visible 50 miles away.
It's an awe-inspiring place, packed with tourists in summer, but if you venture away from the coaches and kiss-me-quick souvenirs piled high at the entrance you'll find some lovely windswept beaches and quiet corners where you can contemplate the end of the world, next stop North America!!!!!!
Loule is a rural administrative and active market town with some remains of a castle dating back to the 12th Century. The Arab castle has been virtually destroyed leaving some walls still standing that are now surrounded by modern buildings. Like most other towns in the Algarve, most of the older potentially interesting buildings have been destroyed in the earthquake that occurred in 1755.
Within the remaining walls is a museum with an explanation of what was in the past the grandeur of the castle. The various earthquakes that it has suffered through its history have damaged the 13th Century Church of São Clemente. However, its Gothic arches and side chapels that are from the 16th Century have survived.
The town of Loule, consisting of some 20,000 residents, is mainly concerned with producing souvenir products made out of copperware, leather, cane and wood, to service the tourist industry. The weekly Fair attracts tourists from all along the Algarve. Due to the demands of tourism, this town has blossomed in size. An important event is the annual Carnival held in February that is considered to be one of the best in Portugal. In the town there is a Museum that is devoted to the local industry of dried fruits and it is interesting to see how these products are prepared for the public.
To the west of the town is a hilltop Church that is built on the site of a 16th Century chapel. This is the destination of an annual religious procession that requires some physical effort on the part of the bearers of the church's religious shrines.
Disclaimer
*The above infomation is provided as an aid to identifying possible visitor options, infomation provided was correct at the point of inclusion on this website. The villa owners and/or thier agents accept no responability for any inaccuracies, changes or ommisions to the infomation.