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Secret destinations in Portugal's Sunshine Coast |
In the far south of Portugal the Algarve offers one of Europe's warmest
and most sunny climates with a breathtaking landscape of sandy beaches,
forests and hills. In recent decades it has evolved from it's
agricultural and fishing background to become a major tourist
destination. Avoid the mass produced apartments and monotonous villa
complexes and discover some of the Algarve's best kept secrets.
Most tourists are shuttled off to the central Algarve leaving the
most beautiful and unspoiled areas in the east and the west for
independent tourists. In the back country only miles from the tourist
destinations many villages and towns remain untouched with little known
rural walks in the spring flowers and shady woods.
Most notable in the eastern Algarve is the historic city of Tavira
with it's multitude of churches and a central castle. This area is
close to the Ria Formosa natural park offering miles of lagoons and
barrier islands where flamingos and numerous aquatic birds live and
bread. The beach at the ilha de Tavira can be reached in summer using a
ferry from the centre of town or alternatively take the 20m minute walk
out of town towards the island and hop on a boat that will take you
across to the island. This stretch of sand is very popular with the
Portuguese but continues for miles allowing for solitude even in the
busy summer season.
In the west the city of Lagos is a popular destination and with
good reason. The city has an important history as it is was from here
that the Portuguese began their expeditions along the coast of Africa
in the age of discovery. Lagos now has a completely pedestrianised
centre within the old town that is surrounded by the castle walls.
There are many shops, excellent restaurants serving fish and in the
night Lagos is notorious for its bar scene. Don't miss the market on
Saturday mornings where you can purchase regional specialities and
freshly harvested fruit and vegetables before heading down to the fish
market for the days catch. Walk along the cliffs out to the Ponta da
Piedade (Mercy Point) with it's lighthouse or go swimming on the little
known nudist beach at Praia do Carnavial.
The mountains of Monchique are easily reached by car from anywhere
in the western Algarve. The Caldes de Monchique are therapeutic thermal
baths and the area is ideal for a stroll in the wooded hills or down by
the bubbleing stream. Drive out to the village of Marmallate or climb
to the top of the mountain where you can take in views of the whole of
the Algarve coastline and enjoy the refreshing cool mountain air. Many
local shops offer locally produced hams and varieties of 'Medronho' (a
brandy made from the Arbutus fruit that symbolises frienship) as well
as hand made craft items. Restaurants either side of the main road
offer up freshly grilled chicken, Piri Piri style.
From Lagos the coast stretches west towards "the end of the
world"'. Resort towns such as Praia da Luz with it's arced bay and
black rock headland give way to the natural park of Costa Vincentina
where many more secret beaches can be discovered especially along dirt
tracks west of Vila do Bispo. Atlantic rollers meet a wild landscape of
immense natural beauty. Popular with surfers the beaches at low tide
have waves that collapse on themselves again and again and sitting on
the beach on a sunny afternoon undisturbed by the modern world
listening to the roar in the background while looking out into the
abyss one can see how sailors were captivated to venture forth to
discover what lay beyond.
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ELITETOUR - Agência de Viagens e
Turismo
Alvará DGT 1363/2006 e IMTT
501/2008
| Ed.Tália, Loja 4, Apt 750 | 8125-909 Vilamoura -
Portugal
Tel:
+351 917490380 |
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