The Algarve region is the southernmost of Portugal. Moreover it is the place where you can let yourself go with flow. From hot sand to cool water… Now time to relax and get ready for the Algarve trip!
The Algarve is named after El Garb; which means Western Andalusia in Arabic according to some resources. Appearing to be the same; however it is very different from the north of the country. With its cute towns and pure beauties…
The last stop of the train you take from Lisbon is Faro. Where the Algarve embraces and awaits you… By the way, it’s also possible to come here by plane. City of Faro has an airport right next to the beach. You will make a landing accompanied by beautiful landscapes.
Southern Spirit
You are in the south now. Relax, take a deep breath and let things flow. After that, you can take the bus or the regional train -mostly never arrives on time- and go where you want. Let’s start this trip from the east! First destination would be Vila Real De Santo António. A ticket please to VRSA, on the banks of the Guadiana River.
Vila Real, which is a small and quiet town, welcomes you and makes you feel like you will never get tired here. I think it’s a good place for Portuguese people who usually take things slow. This place does not host as many tourists as in the west or north. For me the most interesting part is that the opposite coast is Spain. After a town tour that will not take much time in the city; you can meet the Atlantic Ocean by walking along the Guadiana River. The river which is the border of Portugal and Spain.
The Atlantic Ocean
Shall I tell you the best spots to meet the ocean in the Algarve?
- Ilha de Tavira- Barreta (Deserted Island)
- Ilha da Culatra – Farol
- Fuseta – Ilha da Armona
- Ilha da Faro
Tavira, Fuseta, Olhão and Faro are home to such beautiful and untouched islands; that you feel like you’ve entered a perfect picture frame. While you can reach Faro and Barreta islands on foot (a lot of walking); boats to other islands depart from the coastal ports at certain times. When you reach the island, you just feel like you need to let yourself go on the beach.
Neither city noise nor air pollution… Just peace and the vast Atlantic Ocean… Also seashells… Moreover, it’s possible to see more seashells here than you have ever seen in your life. You immediately recognize people who come to the island for the first time. They start collecting seashells as they arrive and ask you, “Why don’t you collect them?”. By the time, they become some of the people who smile and watch the new visitors who collect seashells. (I’ve been too.)
Tavira
Before you start walking to Barril Island; it is very pleasant to eat Portuguese toast and drink coffee in the town center.
Tavira is a bustling fishing port in the Algarve. This town is surrounded by rural areas of orange, fig and almond trees. A short walk from town is the beautiful white sandy beach of Barril, stretching for 14 kilometers! Stretching between the sand dunes on the beach and what the locals call “Cemitério das Âncoras”, the “Cemetery of the Anchors”.
Tavira has been successful in the fishing industry for centuries; However, when the fish stocks dwindled and the fishermen gave up the occupation, these anchors were left to rust on the beach. It is unknown who put the first anchor; but its sequels make it clear that this is an idea worthy of emulation. Tuna fishermen and the fishing industry have now left their place to tourism. This strange cemetery stands as a reminder of the past.
Cubist city: Olhão
Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve, is another small and charming town with a Moorish style. This lovely town has hosted me for a year.
Roofless flat roofed houses immediately attract attention with their cubist structures. In the past, when the men of the house went fishing, the women staying at home watched them from the rooftops. After that, the men who returned to their homes with the fish they caught would wash, clean and dry their fish on these flat roofs. Canned fish production continues at a rapid pace in this town. Especially tuna… However, my favorite is patê de sardinha meaning sardine paste. There’s nothing like having it with butter on your toasted bread before dinner. If you drink some sangria with it, nothing will upset you that evening. (If something upsets you, then you need to have some more sangria.)
Caminho Das Lendas – Road of Legends
This little town also has a little secret. Caminho Das Lendas, the streets of Olhão full of legends… There are five different legends at five different points parallel to the shore.
So, what is the secret of these legends? Centuries ago, it is obvious that some did not want the public to be witnessed the trade which was usually done at night. In those years, when trade started to progress, such urban legends were thrown out by some people that people would not go out to the streets much after the sun went down. Thus, merchants can do their shopping comfortably. It can be said that it worked quite well. Today, there are statues specific to those legends and writings describing what the legend is.
Another important point is that; as you wander through these narrow streets, beautiful tiles draw your attention. Azulejos, a part of Portuguese culture; has been decorating the walls of houses, parks and palaces for centuries. There are even scenes that tell the history of Portugal on these tiles. For some time you can’t take your eyes off their magnificence.
Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Ria Formosa Natural Park, hosted by the Algarve, is one of the most spectacular places in the Algarve due to its unique location. It is a unique coastal lagoon that is constantly changing due to the frequent movement of winds, currents and tides. In this protected area; you can witness impressive diversity such as dam islands, swamps, islets, sand dunes, salt pits, farmlands and woodlands. Ria Formosa is a paradise for bird watchers. Because, this area is very important as a stopping point on the migration routes between Europe and Africa. Especially for colorful flamingos…
Algarve is where I realize what tide means to me. Ocean water rising and then suddenly withdrawing at full speed… Boats on the sand… Dehydrated crabs, oysters… Fishers that are waiting with their boots ready to set the tables for dinner… That’s the definition of the tide! Just like our moods…
Fuseta
This lovely Portuguese fishing village located on the eastern shore of the Ria Formosa lagoon.
After a busy week, we visited Fuseta beach on an August evening. Experienced the excitement of swimming at sunset and being caught in the current. Had some wine, some tequila and raised our glasses, which were filled with pleasure. As the sun sets and the moon rises… It was one of the most beautiful full moons I’ve ever seen. I remember getting down on my knees, just wanting to watch it. The tiredness of the day was now hidden in the moonlight.
Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira
Above all, the most enjoyable place to start the day can be Portimão or Lagos. You immerse yourself in the magnificent view of the big rocks meeting the ocean here. You don’t realize how far you’ve come. Hot summer nights are long in Lagos and Portimão. Interestingly in this city, which is quiet in winter, you will wait for summer again.
Summer is good and pleasant as well as crowded! The real place where the tourist boom takes place in the summer is Albufeira. Right in the middle of the Algarve. Despite the influx of tourists, the center of the town has managed to preserve its essence. You have a chance to join a boat tour that will take you down the cobblestone streets to the magnificent caves.
Last station: Lagos
The train’s last station in the west is Lagos! The place where the first slave market in Europe was established. Hundreds of Africans were brought to this market, which was established in the middle of the 15th century, to be sold. The Atlantic Slave Trade is the largest forced migration in world history. Mercado de Escravos, the slave market museum, is located in the center of the city and witnesses this heartbreaking history.
The End of the Old World: Sagres
Let’s go to Sagres with a bus ride after Lagos! However; it is not easy to reach the most southwestern part of the European continent. You’re lucky if there’s a car that will stop for raised hands; otherwise you will walk until you see the lighthouse. Here you are, at the end of the world! At the end of the old Europe: Cape Saint Vincent
Spirit of the Algarve
Every corner of the Algarve is a sight to behold. Especially living in the Algarve means exploring it. It requires doing so with great pleasure, every weekend, whenever there is an opportunity. Sandwiches are prepared, some snacks are bought from the market, the water bottle is filled, and we hit the road early. Not even mentioning the sunscreen and hat…
Sometimes you sleep on the train, sometimes you take a nap on the beach. March, April, May… Sunny summer… Then September, October, November, December… The sun always shows itself here. This is the Algarve! With its mild climate and natural beauties… It is much more beautiful and special than you think.
You bend under a rock, then you are greeted by a pristine beach. You want to be forgotten there. Not being found by anyone… If you have a guitar or an instrument you play, the sound of waves will gladly accompany you. Or whistle, even sing… Enjoy being alone with nature and go crazy.
Do surf! These waves are not so fierce for nothing. Of course, they have something to share with you. Share it!
If you have a cup of coffee that you are sipping at that moment, feel the smell of coffee mixing with the sound of waves. Algarve I said; but would it be better if I say inspiration?
There are countless steps to come down and then climb up. There are countless shades of blue and green to be seen. In the Algarve there are many glasses full of joy, even sadness to be toast to sunset and moonrise.
So, cheers!
For more information: https://www.visitalgarve.pt/en/Default.aspx
