Lagos is the gateway to thewestern Algarve,an area of glorious beaches and peaceful villages.Originally established by theMoors this fortified city is steeped in a rich cultural historywithwalls dating back to the 15th and 16th Centuries,narrowcobbled streets,an eclectic array of churches,an excellent dailymarket,many traditional craft shops and awealth of first rate restaurants.


Enjoying an ideal climate ofmildwinters followed by hot and sunny summers,cooled by pleasant sea breezes, the Algarve lends itself perfectly to outdoor living.However, this lovely region has somuchmore to offer than justwonderful beaches! Probably themost famous of thewide variety of sporting facilities available is golfwith various championship courses dotted along the coast andmore being planned all the time.World class facilities include the famous Royal Course at Vale do Lobo, the recently opened Millenniumcourse and four other celebrated courses at Vilamoura.Tennis, horse riding, scuba diving, surfing,water skiing, sailing and fishing are but a fewof the other activities on offer.There is also a variety ofwalking trails throughwoodland in the Serra deMonchique,along rugged cliff tops,or amongst the flora andwild grasses of the coastal sand dunes.


Several nature reserves are home to huge varieties ofwildlifewith storks, flamingoes,eagles,owls and vultures among themany species.The Rio Formosawetlands of the eastern Algarve provide habitat for a diverse selection of indigenous andmigrating birds.Within this protected area, accessed via a short, scenic boat trip fromthemainland, the islands of Faro, Farol,Culatra and Armona all boast beautiful,natural beaches.


Portugal as a nation boasts a rich history and this region is a full contributor to that heritage.There are castles, forts and ruins to explore, interestingmuseums tomeander around, statues,monuments and churches to visit.This coastlinewas also the departure point fromwhich several epic voyages of discoverywere launched hence Henry the Navigator features prominently in local history.


Cuisine Cuisine here varies fromthe simple and unpretentious in the formof freshly caught sardines at a quayside bar to sophisticatedMichelin starred restaurants.There is a huge variety of fresh fish,meat and vegetables to be sampledwith sweet dishes using eggs,almonds, sugar and butter appearing onmostmenus.Likewise, the high standards of thewines are gaining awell deserved reputationwith‘vinho verde’perhaps the best known. There are some fine reds,whites and rosés to be sampled and all at very reasonable prices.


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GETTING THERE


Fiestas Hardly aweek goes bywithout some kind of ‘festa’taking place in towns and villages along the Algarve.These vary fromhighly organised displays of folk dancing and traditionalmusic followed in the evenings by dazzling firework extravaganzas, tomore simple traditional gatherings in small communities, all accompanied by sumptuous feasts of food andwine.


The Algarve – A fascinating land of stunning beaches,diverse sporting facilities,wonderful countryside and lovely cuisinewaiting to be explored and enjoyed…with a charming populationwaiting towelcome you!


The Algarve iswell served by awide range of no frills, charter and scheduled airlines flying into Faro airport.Fromhere,all our properties can be reached in a drive of between 50 and 90minutes.


For further information see pages 184–192.


For reservations call 01954 261 431 or book online at www.vintagetravel.co.uk 171


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