Portugal Golf Vacations!

Sheraton Hotel

Situated approximately 35 minutes from Faro airport, in the area of
Falesia is the Sheraton Algarve, skirted by the 9 hole Pine Cliffs
Golf Course - which is as the name suggests - on the edge of the
coastline cliffs set amongst pine trees. The hotel itself is part of
"The Westin Group' and as such has a very high standard of
accommodation. For dining there is ample choice within the hotel or
some local restaurants within walking distance. The health facilities
boast two outdoor pools and one indoor, with beauty treatments also
available. However it has to be said that the beach bar is it's finest
feature on balmy evenings - there is a lift which takes you from the
grounds of the hotel, down the side of the cliffs and, the pathway to
the bar, is guided by soft lighting - the view of the sea, sand and
cliffs is spectacular.

Le Meridien Dona Filipa Hotel

Located in the Vale do Lobo resort this hotel stands between the sea
and the championship golf course on the Algarve's most prestigious
Vale do Lobo estate. The elegantly furnished bedrooms offer all modern
comforts and the hotel boasts a choice of superb restaurants, catering
for both international and local cuisine. There is an extensive range
of recreational facilities, including one of Europe's highly rated San
Lorenzo golf course, tennis courts, 2 swimming pools and a health
club.

Faro

The capital of the district, with a medieval wall and a large number
of monuments: Cathedral (Romanesque-Gothic origin), Nossa Senhora da
Assunção Convent (Renaissance), São Francisco Church (16th-18th
centuries). Museums to visit: Infante Dom Henrique, Regional
Ethnographic, Ramalho Ortigão and Antoniano (next to Santo António do
Alto Chapel). Also worthwhile visiting are the beautiful churches of
São Pedro da Misericórdia and Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Roman ruins of
Milreu in the suburbs.

Lagos

Enclosed within 15th century walls, with its Manueline window, are the
magnificent churches of São Sebastião (Renaissance portals and 17th
and 18th century tiles), Santa Maria or Misericórdia (16th-19th
centuries), Santo António (Baroque) and the very old São João Chapel
(8th-9th centuries). Other points of interest: Regional Museum,
Governors' Palace, Pau da Bandeira Fortress and the old slave market.
Charming marina.

Monchique

Amongst the beautiful houses on the slope stand the mother-church
(Manueline), the Misericórdia Church (with a Baroque retable) and the
Senhor do Pé da Cruz Chapel (17th century). Nearby, look for the
famous thermal spa of Monchique and Fóia for (902 m high), overlooking
the hills and the ocean.

Portimão

In this fishermen's town, visit the mother-church (14th century,
rebuilt in the 18th century), the Colégio Church (17th century), and
the Town Hall. In the suburbs, the renowned Praia da Rocha (with its
Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress), and the Roman ruins of Abicada.

Silves

Stones of different times and cultures overlap in this town: the
castle and walls are of Arab origin; the Gothic Cathedral (having
undergone several restoration works) was built on the site of an
ancient mosque; the 12th century bridge was built where formerly stood
a Roman bridge. The Cross of Portugal also deserves special mention
(16th century religious sculpture), as well as the following examples
of Manueline motifs: the Nossa Senhora dos Mártires Chapel and the
Misericórdia Church. The Archeology Museum is built around an almost
unique Arab water cistern, dating from the Almohad period.

Tavira

With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, this
picturesque town offers a beautiful view over the Gilão river and its
Roman bridge. Churches to visit: Santa Maria do Castelo (13th-18th
centuries), Misericórdia (Renaissance), Nossa Senhora das Ondas (17th
century), São José (with Gothic and Manueline elements), São Paulo and
Carmo (17th-18th-centuries). If you are browsing along the Travessa de
Dona Brites, you will see beautiful medieval houses, with Gothic
windows and portals. In the suburbs, in the village of Luz there is a
Renaissance church, which has been a pilgrimage place for many
centuries.

Quinta do Lago

Designed by the late American golf course architect, William Mitchell,
it consists of four nine-hole loops set in picturesque terrain of pine
trees and artificial lakes. The course has been widely acclaimed for
its design and high standards of maintenance and the tees and greens
are said to be among the best in Europe.

Vilamoura 1 Course

This course has been the venue for a number of major championships,
including the World Ladies Amateur, the Portuguese Open and the
Portuguese Ladies Open. Designed along the lines of the classic
English course, the layout is set among gentle pine-covered slopes
with the sea providing a spectacular backdrop. The relatively narrow
fairways which cut through the pine woods create a stiff test for all
golfers and every hole presents a new problem.

Vila Sol

This challenging championship course was opened in 1991 and the layout
and condition of the fairways and greens quickly earned the praise of
the European tour staff and competitors. Golf course architect Donald
Steele has made excellent use of the pencross greens. The opening nine
holes wind through a valley of pine, fig and cork trees and the golfer
has to negotiate water hazards and undulations before turning back
towards the clubhouse. The second nine-hole loop is spread over a
valley of umbrella pine trees which provide superb scenic views.

Vale do Lobo

This enjoyable course was designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton and is
the focal point of the resort. Recent works have given it further new
dimensions, another 18 holes. (The Ocean Course and the Royal Course).
The layout incorporates the most photographed hole in Europe, a long
par three 7th, which stretches from the tee over two gaping ravines to
the green 210 yards away. Vale do Lobo is a well undulated course with
tight fairways ensuring penalties for the player whose concentration
strays. Many of the holes afford spectacular sea views.

San Lorenzo

This course is situated in the 2000-acre Quinta do Lago estate which
is renowned for its pine-woods, lakes and abundant wildlife. The
course has an ever changing face. A classic hole is the par 4 6th,
which offers spectacular views of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Only
a perfect drive will achieve par here, with water lapping the edge of
the fairway all the way to the green.

Penina Golf Club

Situated in the heart of the Algarve, the Penina championship course
is considered the most brilliant project of Sir Henry Cotton, triple
champion of the British Open. This was also the first golf course to
be built in the Algarve, back in 1966. The Penina course has numerous
bunkers, 360 trees, plenty of water and wide greens.

PLANNING AHEAD

Visas and Passports

All U.S. Citizens traveling in Europe must have a valid passport good
for the duration of their visit. If you do not have a passport, apply
for one at your local passport office, clerk of the federal state
court, or designated post office. Allow several weeks for the
government to process your application. You do not need a visa for
Spain and Portugal.

Your passport will be inspected in your home city airport and again in
Europe upon your arrival.

As a safety measure, we would suggest that you photocopy the front
pages of your passport, your traveler’s check agreement (with check
numbers), airline tickets and everything you will be carrying in your
wallet. Leave one copy at home and carry one copy separate from your
passport. This will be of immense help to you if your documents are
lost or stolen. It is also a good idea to have two extra copies of
your passport pictures made for use in case your passport must be
replaced because of loss.

GOLF EQUIPMENT

Golf Bag

Take a small Sunday bag in case you have to carry or pull your own
bag. We would also recommend you do not leave your golf bag unattended
at any time, either at the golf course or in your car, as even in
Spain and Portugal things can be stolen.

Caddies

Caddies are a rare commodity in Portugal, therefore it is more likely
to have a trolley, if buggies are not available. Where a caddy has
been reserved, they are independent from the course and are paid
directly. The fee ranges from 30.00€ to 40.00€ euros, the amount of
tip is at your discretion. Pull trolleys are approximately 3.00€ euros
or 4.00€ euros for an electric one.

Golf Balls

Bring enough for the trip, unless money is no object, as you will pay
premium for golf balls in Spain and Portugal.

Pencils & Wooden Tees

Courses overseas do not provide pencils, so bring 3 or 4 of your own.
The tees in Europe are much shorter than ours, and sometimes plastic,
so bring your own.

Band Aids & Sunblock

You should also bring Band-Aids for blisters and sun block to prevent
an uncomfortable burn.

Towel

Ball washers are very uncommon overseas, so bring a small towel for
your clubs and golf balls.

Rain Suit & Umbrella

Although you will be traveling during the dry season, there is always
the possibility of rain. The umbrella can also come in handy in case
of hot sun.

Rain Suit & Umbrella

Although you will be traveling during the dry season, there is always
the possibility of rain. The umbrella can also come in handy in case
of hot sun.

Golf Shoes

Two pairs should be plenty. Make sure they are well broken in before
you travel. New shoes that cause blisters could be a disaster, as you
are walking each day. Soft spikes are used at all courses

WHAT TO TAKE

Two words say it best ..... TRAVEL LIGHT. You will enjoy your vacation
more with a suitcase which isn’t too heavy.

Travel Documents

Don’t forget to take your AIRLINE TICKETS AND PASSPORT!! Always be
sure to check your airline tickets as soon as you receive them to be
sure that they are accurate and complete. DO NOT pack your airline
tickets or passport in your suitcase and DO NOT carry your airline
tickets around with you. It is a good idea to use the hotel safe for
valuables.

Money

We suggest that you do not take large amounts of cash, but instead
take a widely recognized brand of travelers checks and a well known
credit card. Be sure to make a list of your credit card and check
numbers and keep it in a separate place from your wallet, purse or
passport. ATM machines are available in Europe and your US ATM cards
can be used. Be sure to check with your bank what the charges will be.
The banks are also a good place to change money. It is more expensive
to change money at travel agencies or hotels.

Clothing

Pack lightly, since it will simplify your travel. Laundry and dry
cleaning is very expensive, so drip dry clothes might come in handy.

Acceptable attire for golf courses in Europe is equivalent to many
places in the US. T-shirts must have collar and sleeves, golf shoes
should have SOFT SPIKES and Bermuda shorts are allowed. Strictly no
denim.

Packing Suggestions

For the men: Sports Coat (Jackets can be required for dinner in some
hotels). Two or three pairs of slacks, light weight sports jacket, two
sweaters – one for golf and one multipurpose, dark shoes and a pair of
walking shoes, eight golf shirts (unless you want to do laundry),
dress shirts and ties.

For the ladies: Dress code for dinner at hotels can be described as
smart. Slacks are acceptable attire. Walking shoes are essential, as
is a light jacket or raincoat.

Appliance Converters

You should ensure that all electrical appliances, such as shavers and
hairdryers, can be used on European voltage, which is 220. Some hotels
will supply adapters upon request, although we recommend that you
carry one.


Hotel Extras

Try to pay your extras (laundry, bar, bill etc) the evening before
departure. You will have much more time to check your bill. Some
hotels can’t accommodate this, but try to do it wherever you can.

GENERAL NEED TO KNOW

Baggage Allowance

Your international baggage allowance is two pieces checked, of which a
golf bag counts as one plus one carry-on. These pieces should not
exceed 107 linear inches, i.e. length plus width plus height, and
should, if possible, be restricted to less than 44lbs per bag (check
with airline). The airlines also require that your full name and home
address is on the outside of your bag. It is also a good idea to put
your name and address somewhere on the inside of your bag. We suggest
you bring a golf bag, one suitcase and one carry-on flight bag. Use
your flight bag for toilet articles and it is also a good idea to pack
an extra set of clothing in your flight bag in the unexpected event
that for some reason your suitcase is misplaced.


A golf bag should be contained in a secured bag rather than a hard
carry case (hard carry cases can be a problem in terms of the space
they take up in a rental car or mini bus). It is much safer for your
golf equipment if you put a belt (canvas, plastic or leather) around
the middle of the golf bag to keep the handle in its proper position.
Bag covers are easily torn and clubs damaged when the bag handlers
can’t find the grip and carry (or toss) the bag by the cover.

Check In

You should check in for your international flight at least 2 ½ hours
before departure

Customs

Check at the airport your duty free allowances for Europe. On your
return you can bring up to $400 worth of duty and tax free purchases.
Purchases up to $1,000 over your exemption will be assessed at a flat
rate of 10%. Also unsolicited gifts with a limit of $50 may be sent,
duty free, to the U.S. – no more than one to the same address, and
none to your home address.

Travellers entering Portugal may bring in a series of personal items
(such as personal jewelry, still and movie cameras, musical
instruments, portable video and sound equipment, athletic gear, etc)
without having to pay customs charges.

For certain articles, such as cigarettes, cigars, perfume, wines and
liquor, maximum limits have been established, with customs duties
leviable on amounts exceeding these limits.

Value Added Tax

VAT is a sales tax which is levied at a uniform rate of 7% on most
goods and services a visitor buys. Some larger stores participate in a
VAT refund scheme. When buying something, ask if the store operates
this scheme. If a participant, you will get a form to fill out listing
your goods and costs, you keep a copy of this with the address of the
store on the form. After going through customs on your return you will
post this back to the store, ie. before leaving Europe.
Please note: you should pack all VAT refund items in one bag in case
customs asks to see them. The customs official at the airport will
sign your form, then you post it back to the appropriate stores.

Tipping

Tipping is a longstanding tradition in Portugal. While practically all
establishments currently include a surcharge for service it is still
common to leave something of a tip. This custom, common in bars and
restaurants, has extended to hotel porters and taxi drivers, though in
none of these cases is it obligatory nor will anyone recriminate a
client for not tipping. It is customary to leave a tip in the room for
the chambermaid.

INTERNATIONAL ACCESS

Airports

Lisboa, Porto, Faro, Funchal (Island of Madeira); the Islands of São
Miguel, Terceira and Faial (The Azores)

Trains

Lisboa/Paris (The Sud Express); Lisboa/Madrid (Lusitânia); Porto/Vigo.

Principal International Roads

From Vigo: E1/A55-A3; From Badajoz: E90/NV-A6; From Huelva: N431-IP1, N125

COUNTRY ACCESS

Principal Road

N-S: A1/IP1, A2/IP1, A3/IP1, IP2, IP3; W-E: A4/IP5, IP6, A6/IP7,IP8

Trains

There are express trains between Lisboa and Porto, with a stop in
Coimbra (Alfas) and regional trains (Intercidades and Inter-regional)
that connect different parts of the country. There are special tickets
available for tourists.

Coaches

A country-wide net, including an express network.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Urban Transport

The principal cities have a complete network of transport systems. In
Lisboa you can use buses, the subway, trams or travel on its various
lifts. In Lisboa and Porto there are tourist passes available from the
information kiosks of Carris (Lisboa) or STCP (Porto), open on working
days from 8 am to 8 pm.

Taxis

They are beige, with a luminous identification sign on the roof. If
this is on, it means the taxi is occupied. Between 10 pm and 6 am
there is an extra tariff of 20%. It is advisable to ask for a receipt.
Baggage transported in the boot has a fixed rate. All taxis have a
price table in two languages.

Car Rental

With or without a driver, in all principal cities and international
airports. Obligatory conditions: show an identity card (E.U. citizens)
or a valid passport (other nationalities), green card, aged over 21.
Insurance obligatory.

Driving

In Portugal we drive on the right. Seatbelts are obligatory as is a
helmet for moped or motorbike riders. The maximum level of alcohol is
0.5g/1. Maximum speeds: cities and built up areas: 50 km/h; main
roads: 90 km/h; motorways: 120 km/h. Insurance is obligatory. Most
petrol stations are open between 8 am and midnight, and some are open
24 hours a day. Service stations open on working days from 8 am to 7
pm. In the big cities, motorways and dual-carriageways have service
stations open 24 hours a day.

REGIONAL ACCESS

Principal Roads

EN125; IP¬1 (Via do Infante)

Trains

Connection Algarve-Lisboa between Barreiro and Vila Real de Santo
António, with a fork in Tunes for Lagos.

ELECTRICITY

The current is 220 volts AC, with a continental round pin plug. It’s
always recommended to carry a travel adaptor.

CLIMATE

Coast and islands: average winter temperatures, 12°C; in summers,
21°C. Interior and mountains: in winter, 5°C; in summer 25°C.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

1st January, 25th April, Holy Friday, 1st May, Corpus Christi
(movable), 10th June, 15th August, 5th October, 1st November, `1st,
8th and 25th December.

LOCAL HOLIDAYS

Albufeira 07/20; Alcoutim – second Friday in November; Aljezur –
08/29; Castro Marim – 06/24; Faro – 09/07; Lagoa – 09/08; Largos –
10/27; Loulé – Asantion Thursday (Dia da Espiga); Monchique – Asantion
Thursday (Dia da Espiga); Olhão – 07/16; Portimão – 12/11; São Brás de
Alportel – 06/01; Silves – 09/03; Tavira – 07/24; Vila do Bispo –
01/22; Vila Real de Santo António – 05/13.

LOCAL TIME

On the continent and the island of Madeira, Portugal follows GMT. In
the Islands of the Azores an hour earlier.

OPENING HOURS

Banks

From Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 3 pm. Shut on holidays and Sundays.

Shops

Working days: from 9 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. On Saturdays,
most shut at 1 pm. In the shopping malls of the big cities, you will
find the shops normally open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
as well between 10 am and 11 pm.

A new shopping centre opened in 2001 in the centre of Faro, The
Algarve Forum, which houses top international designers to local
merchandise.

Museums

National: 10 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays until 2 pm, Holy Friday, Easter
Sunday, the 1st May and the 25 December. Regional and private museums
normally close for lunch and have different closing days. National
palaces close on Wednesday.

CREDIT CARDS AND ATM CASHPOINTS

Most establishments accept credit cards: Visa, Amex, Eurocard,
Euro-cheque, Diners Club and Mastercard. Cashpoints (ATM) are in great
quantity throughout the country and can be identified by an MB sign.

EMERGENCIES

Call 112 at any time and at any place. In case of an accident on a
motorway, use the closest SOS phone (orange in colour).

TELEPHONE

All over Portugal, there are crediphones where phone cards can be
used. These can be bought in post offices and newsagents. At post
offices, calls can be paid for at the end of the conversation, which
is a most convenient way to call home. To phone abroad, dial 00 then
the country code and city/local code.

Please note that telephone calls from your hotel room are charged at a
higher rate than normal and can be expensive. Please check charges
before calling especially long distance. Local calls in Europe are NOT
free. Most of the US long distance carriers now have 0-800 numbers in
Europe that connect directly to a US operator. You can then charge the
call to your phone or credit card. To get the 0-800 number contact
your service prior to departure. This is the most cost effective way
to call home.

CHEMISTS

From 9 am to 1 pm, then 3 pm to 7pm from Monday to Friday. Saturdays:
from 9 am to 1 pm. There are 24 hour chemists.

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Euro. Some banks have automatic exchange
machines. Reception in most hotels will change money although charge
higher commission rates. Travelers cheques and Eurocheques are
accepted by all Portuguese banks and exchange bureaus. Visa, Amex,
Eurocard, Diner Club and Master Card are the most useful credit cards.

GUIDES & INTERPRETERS

Contact your EGT Golf representative for assistance.

BEACHES

They are numerous and many in their splendour along the coastline,
with changing characteristics depending on whether they are on the
Barlavento section of the coast or the Sotevento caves and coves wind
changing. Be careful not to swim in areas where there are flags
warning not to. Red flags mean total prohibition to swim and yellow
flags mean you should be very careful. Green flags mean there is no
danger at all.

GOLF

Golf is the most popular participation sport among visitors to the
Algarve. The game can be played all-year-round and most of the
Algarve’s 20 courses, including some of the finest in Europe, are open
to any player with a handicap certificate.

RIDING

There are many riding centres with Lusitano horses for adults and
ponies for children. Those who have been in a saddle for a while may
want to take a few lessons before riding out over sand dunes or on
trails through pine forests.

TENNIS

Tennis is another very popular, year-round sport and there are a great
many courts which can be hired at hourly rates, some of which offer
coaching.

GAME-FISHING

Game-fishing boats are based in Vilamoura and Portimao. Blue sharks
are the normal quarry, but record catches of the very much rarer blue
and black marlin have been made by boats out of Vilamoura.

SIGHTSEEING BOAT TRIPS

These show the best side of the Algarvian coastline. The town most
scenic sections of the south coast are between Armadao de Pera and the
mouth of the river Arade at Ferragudo, and from Lagos around the Ponte
da Piedade headland. Day and half-day trips depart form Portimao and
Lagos. Shorter trips operate from these two harbors and any number of
beaches.

RIVER CRUISES

River cruises from Vila Real de St. Antonio penetrate far up the
Guadiana that separates the Algarve from Spain. The much shorter river
cruises from the quayside at Portimao go up on the high tide as far as
Silves.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

January: 60, February: 61, March: 63, April: 67, May: 71, June: 77,
July: 83, August: 83, September: 78, October: 72, November: 66,
December: 61

The Algarve

Stretching along the whole southern coast, from Cabo de São Vicente to
Vila Real de Santo António, the Algarve is the most famous of all
Portuguese tourist resorts.

Washed in the south and west by the Atlantic, protected from the north
by mountain ranges that temper the strong winds, this region of calm,
warm water has a mild climate with average temperatures around
24?C/75oF in summer and 15oC/58oF in winter. The sun shines
brilliantly almost all year round giving the region its characteristic
light. More than 150km of beaches caressed by the warm winds from
North Africa have secured the Algarve’s role as a year – round holiday
destination.

The climate is mild and mellow and so is the character of the land and
its people. Spring, with its profusion of wildflowers, comes very
early. Summers are long; winters are short. The Atlantic that laps the
southern shore of this most southwesterly corner of Europe is nearly
always calm. The air is free of pollution and light breezes prevent
even the hottest midsummer days from becoming oppressive. The
Algarvean lifestyle is easy-going, fatalistic and unfettered by
concern for time. The predominant influences in this unique and
remarkable beautiful region are as much Mediterranean as Atlantic, and
as much North African as Southern European.

The Algarve is a compact, well-defined and historically ancient
province, quite distinct from the rest of Portugal. The coastal belt,
where most Algarveans live, is fringed with sand-spit islands,
lagoons, drifted dunes, spectacular headlands, cozy coves and vast
open beaches. From the coast the land slopes gently up through
vineyards, orchards of oranges and lemons, almonds and avocados, to
ranges of rolling hills which separate it from the wide-open plains of
neighboring Portuguese province of Alentejo. The placid Gadiana River
forms the border with the Spanish province of Andalusia.

One of the most appealing aspects of life in the Algarve is that it
seems to be locked in a paradoxical time warp. As international
airlines strain to shuttle visitors in and out of Faro airport
according to strict schedules, Algarveans feel no compulsion to be
punctual, no reason to rush. Nothing is more important than
conversations with friends over small cups of coffee. Some of Europe’s
most sophisticated residential and holiday developments with their
manicured golf courses and first-class restaurants are viewed without
envy by ordinary folks who like to sit outside the front doors of
their humble town houses grilling sardines on mini makeshift
barbecues.

The Algarve’s healthy climate is nicely complemented by wholesome,
locally caught and homegrown food. In particular, there is a wonderful
wide range of seafood, including all sorts of clams, prawns and
lobster, and delicious fresh fish such as swordfish, tuna, sea bass
and sea beam. Eating out in restaurant is all the more delightful
because Portuguese wines are so good and reasonably priced.

Clarity of light and brilliance of color are startling features of the
Algarve. The coastline is made up of various shades of gold set in a
translucent turquoise sea. The vast vault of sky is usually vivid
blue. Town and village houses as well as country cottages are
dazzlingly whitewashed.

Inhabited since pre-historic times and settled successively by the
Phoenicians and Greeks, it was the Romans who have left us with the
most enduring signs of an important human presence predating the Arab
conquest. It is most clearly in evidence at archeological sites in
Cerro da Vila in Vilamoura, Milreu in Estói (on the Faro to São Brás
de Alportel road) and Quinta da Abicada in Portimão.

Golf is one of the principal attractions of tourism in the Algarve
there are twenty courses and more in the planning, many of them
located in excellent hotel complexes, regularly hold national and
international level competitions, the most famous being the Algarve
Open of Portugal, which is held annually in March. Here you can count
on the participation of world famous golfers. Due to the great climate
and lack of rainfall, golfers from around the world choose the
Algarve’s courses throughout the year.

On holiday every moment is to be taken advantage of, and the Algarve
does not let you forget it. With the sunset in the streets, which
during the day are alive with dynamic business where you can find
interesting artisan and souvenir shops, a new ambiance sets in and the
magic scene of the Algarvian nights begins. Bars and discos for all
tastes emerge at night with their seductive lights and contagious
music, because in the Algarve the night lasts until well after sunrise
and the fun is unlimited.

Those feeling lucky can take a chance at one of the regions three
casinos – the Hotel Algarve casino or the casinos in Vilamoura and
Monte Gordo.

For those who prefer something calmer, you can opt for one of the
innumerable restaurants, some right next to the beach, and why not
round off the evening with a moonlit stroll by the sea.

The Fish and seafood are the height of the region’s gastronomy – in
particular the famous “caldeirada” (fish stew), “arroz delingueirão”
(razor clam rice), “carapaus alimados” (skinless mackerel), “feijoada
de buzinas” (whelks with beans), “cataplana” (hearty casserole) is, no
doubt, it’s biggest symbol, joining in majesty meat and seafood.

Carveiro

The village of Carveiro stands in a steep valley leading down to the
sandy cove of Praia de Carvoeiro. Old houses and narrow streets of
Carvoeiro climb up the valley sides from what has now become a popular
resort village. The beach of Praia de Carvoeiro is a bay of pure
golden sand between rocky cliffs. It is unspoilt by high-rise
buildings and from the top of the cliff are the remains of the walls
of the fort Nossa Senhora de Concicao from where one has a great view.

The coast is high and rocky, with little beaches sheltered between
cliffs from Sagres Point to Lagos. Albufeira sees a transition to
cliffs of golden or rosy sandstone that reach a peak at Falésia Beach.

Albufeira

The Arabs rightly named Albufeira Castle of the Sea, Al-Bhuera, whiles
centuries before the Romans called in Ballum. When Albufeira was
visited in the XVI century by Kind Sebastian the Desired, it boasted a
fort and walls of defence against the English and French corsairs,
then the scourge of the Algarve coast. The harbour walls offer a
panorama of the white houses tumbling down the cliff to the sea.

Albufeira began as a small fishing village huddled in a narrow valley.
To aid access to the sandy beach where fishermen hauled their boats
above the waves a passage was cut through the rocks to steps down to
the sand. The passage and the village square remain but the village
has grown.

The early growth of Albufeira was east along the cost to include the
once separate communities of Oura and Olhas de Agua. Today the tourist
centre of this most popular of resorts has moved out of the old
village to The Strip, an Avenida of bars, restaurants and clubs form
the apartment complexes of Montechoro down to the beach.

There are also many places to be explored, such as the caves and
tunnels under the cliffs.

From Vilamoura onwards appear extensive sandy beaches that stretch to
the mouth of the Guadiana, intersected by the Ria Formosa, a natural
park extending between Ancão (Loulé) and Manta Rota (Vila Real de
Santo António).

Close to Castelejo beach is one of the highest points of the Algarve
coast: the Torre da Aspa. Looking out from this formation of 150 m, we
have a panorama of black, white or green rocks separated by lines of
fine sand and flowers, and we can hear the natural symphony of rough
waves pounding the rocks.

Delight in this natural gift from the terrace next to the beach as you
enjoy a drink. In the peaceful locality of Vila do Bispo remember to
visit the parochial church, covered from floor to ceiling in 18th
century tiles.

Lagos

Historically linked to the sea, once inhabited by the Romans
(Lacóbriga) and the base for Portuguese exploration of the African
coast in the 15th century, has a significant collection of monuments
and religious buildings, making it an unmissable place to visit. The
Church of Santa Maria da Misericórdia, with its renaissance doorway;
the magnificent jewel of the Algarve, the Church of Santo António) or
a look at the local exhibition dedicated to the Portuguese
Discoveries, housed inside the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, where you
can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and the sea, are also
interesting options. Spreading from the centre where the statue of
King Dom Sebastião stands (a work of art by José Cutileiro, a
contemporary Portugues sculptor), various restaurants, shops and bars
give life to this part of town. A stroll through the centre can be an
invitation to shop, to meet people or to have a drink and a snack.
Lovers of night life will not be disappointed, as Lagos is famous for
its energetic partying. Towards the interior, don’t forget to visit
the beautiful doorway of the Parish Church in Odiáxere.

Where ever you choose to stay, your Algarve holiday will not be
complete without a visit to the historic city of Lagos. Visit Lagos
today and you cannot help but be aware of its history. The modern town
centre lies within the high stone walls built first by the Arabs when
this was the capital of their kingdom in Portugal.

Later Lagos came to be the port form which explorers set out to
discover lands in Africa and Asia and build the trade routes which
made Portugal rich. No trade richer than that in Slaves and first
slave market in Europe still stands here. Today it is an art gallery
where local artists exhibit their works.

Today Lagos is expanding, across the river along the length of Meia
Praia apartments and tourist complexes are developing to form the next
Algarve resort. Thankfully the old town and its very unique character
are being preserved from the developers. A meeting place of Portugal’s
history and today’s tourism.

• Thank you: Obrigado (if you’re male) or Obrigada (if you’re female)
• Please: Por favor

• Good morning: Bom dia

• Good evening: Boa tarde

• Yes: Sim
• No: Nao
• Bank: Banco
Change: Cambio
• How much is it?: Quanto e?
• Do you speak English: Fala ingles?
• I don’t understand: Nao compreendo
• The bill please: Pode trazer a conta, por favor?
• Excuse me (when asking a waiter/waitress): Se faz favor
• Excuse me (when someone’s attention): desculpe