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 Algarve History
Due to the importance of its position on the world map this
province was at one time its own Kingdom. It has been invaded
and fought over by the Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. Closely
associated with the sea throughout its history this was the
base of the famous Henry the Navigator who, from
the point at Sagres organised the 15th Century
exploration of the New World.
Algarve Description
The Algarve is composed of 5.411 square kilometres with approx.
350,000 permanent inhabitants. This figure can swell to over a
million people at the height of the summer. Its administrative
centre is Faro controlling 16 Municipalities, who in turn
govern a total of 77 Parishes.
The length of the
south-facing coastline is approx. 155 kilometres and stretches
about 52 kilometres to the north on the west. At the widest
point to the north, it is approximately 36 kilometres deep.
Communication is by road but there is single-track railway line
running from Lagos to Vila Real do Santo António
that also links to the line running to Lisbon and the
north. The old "EN125" main road runs along
the whole coast and has now been partially replaced by a new
dual carriageway "Via do Infante" starting at
the border to Spain and stretching to just north of Albufeira
and links with the main road to Lisbon.
This motorway has been extended to Alcantarilha some
17 kilometres further west and is now in process of construction
to the town of Lagoa. There is one international airport
located close to Faro and this conveniently lies in the middle
of the Algarve coastline.
There are about 100 sandy
attractive beaches washed by the Atlantic Ocean and due to the
maritime shelf and water currents the sea temperature can be
surprisingly warm even in some winter months. Located on the tip
of Europe with the vast ocean of the Atlantic as its southern
and western border, this enviable position gives this region
possibly the most unpolluted climate in the European continent.
The interior from the
coast greatly varies in its picturesque appeal due to its
variety of fauna, soil and contours. In January and February the
coast is painted white with almond blossom shading the many
varieties of wild orchids. In March, the heady perfume of orange
blossom mixes with the bloom of acacias. During the month of
April the bountiful wild flowers give cause to the delightful
music of the many colourful birds. May and June is the time to
see the raw beauty of the striking bare barks of stripped cork
trees in contrast to the palette purple of the jacaranda. July
is the time of cherries, strawberries and melons. August and
September provide the picking of grapes, figs and almonds.
November is for the gathering of chestnuts for the national
festival of São Martinho. Whilst, in December it is time
to start picking the famous sweet juicy Algarve oranges which
continue through to March.
Away from the immediate
coastal plain are the foothills leading up to the highest point
Foia (902 mts.) above the un-spoilt village of Monchique.
This mountain area is well known for the layers of Roman
terraces with granite stone walls that provide the stream of
local vegetables that can be found on sale in the local market.
Also, from this region comes the local brewed drink
"Medronho" that is best drunk in one of the many
local taverns.
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagoa
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
Algarve Photos
Oranges ·
Beach ·
Horses ·
Public Transport ·
Storks ·
Beach
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