Culture lovers will relish the many reminders of the Algarve's rich and varied history, such as the castles of Silves and Castro Marim. From here, a short drive will take you to Milreu, home to Roman ruins.
The awe-inspiring interior of the Igreja de São Lourenço church in Almancil provides one of the best examples of the decorative tiling that can be found throughout the region.
Castle of Loulé, photo by Região de Turismo do Algarve
Those who'd sooner just spend their days relaxing should explore the Algarve's many handsome towns and villages. The best place to start is Faro, an attractive and easy to navigate town, with a pretty harbour and mosaic-paved pedestrianised streets. To its west lies Tavira, with its elegant old-town, while to the east is Lagos, home to cobbled streets, great seafood restaurants and beaches peppered with beautifully contorted rock formations. Further inland is the historic Moorish town of Silves, known for its formidable castle and cathedral, while on the westernmost tip of the region lies Sagres, where Prince Henry the Navigator set up the School of Navigation in the 15th century. Meanwhile, the Algarve coast is dotted with international marinas, able to receive yachstmen visiting or passing through its waters.
The Algarve also hosts many celebrations throughout the year, from the traditional celebration of Loulé Carnival and the Festa de Santo António in Tavira, to the modern day beer festival in Silves or the sardine festival in Portimão, among many others.
ATOP members: Algarve Select, Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Keytel International, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, Sunvil Discovery
