Algarve or as it was baptized by the Arabs as Al
Gharb meaning
'to the west', is the most southern province of the eleven that
Portugal has been divided into. Its variety in terrain which
starts at the small town of Odeceixe on the west coast, nicely
tucked into the Espinhaco do Cao mountain range bordering the
coast and the brave Atlantic Ocean to the west. Its shoreline
runs down through Aljezur, symbolic in the Portuguese history
thanks to its castle which is one of the seven that appear on
the flag of Portugal. Still enjoying the different shades that
the fertile valleys offer, you continue along the shoreline to
Alfambra, a walled in city and well-known as a fishing village
and tourist attraction. To the most western tip is the Cape of
Saint Vicent and to the town of Sagres where Henry the
Navegator first started his navigation school. At this point,
you have come to the come into contact with the most attractive
Algarve beaches. Long soft sandy stretches which enclose secret
coves at the beginning where the outline of the coast is
extremely flat around the towns of Lagos but after the city of
Albufeira it turns into cliffs. Not leaving the hypnotizing
view of the Atlantic, your car hire seems to know the route and
continues on to Faro, the capital of this area after having
taken this title away from the city of Silves in 1577. Here in
Faro you have the main gateway into this southern region when
arriving at this well-prepared international airport for your
holiday stay. But there is still more beach towns like Tavira,
a very historic medieval town and Castro Marim another city
surrounded by a protective wall. From here, the journey
northward following the Guadiana River, which is the natural
border between Spain and Portugal.
Saved by its Ancestors
The Algarve region has seen all the cultures beginning with the
Lusitanians, Celtics, Romans and Arabs who were forced out of
Faro in 1249 by Sancho II. But thanks to the combination of all
these people, especially the Arabs, the Algarve province (
http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com/algarve/algarve-portugal.html
) now has a strong production of olive trees which produce rich
olive oil, figs and almonds. It is said that the almond trees
were a gift from a Moorish sultan who was in love with a Nordic
princess. She dearly missed the snow covered ground in winter
and what most resembled that were the almond trees in full
bloom in the spring. From this, the Algarve makes a rich
dessert from almonds, figs, eggs and sugar called 'morgados'.
And thanks to the dry weather, pears, tomatoes, melons and
grapes are among the delicious fruits available year round.
Algarve Wine, A Sweet Caress for Your Lips
Grapes in Portugal are synonymous to wine, and Algarve has
quite a variety. The exportation of wine from this region
started under the Muslim domain and reached its climax in the
14th and 15th centuries. Lagos, Portimao and Tavira are the
principal wine producers.
+ The Algar Dry from Lagos is a dry wine, served very cold for
appetizers. The dry and sweet moscatel wines are aged in oak
barrels for at least seven years and have about 18% alcohol
content.
+ Alfonso III is another dry wine from Lagos and also served
very cold.
+ Cruz de Portugal is a smooth red wine which should be served
at room temperature for dessert.
+ From Tavira you have Licoroso de Tavira which is very sweet
and dark in colour, served at room temperature.
+ Medronho is a type of liquer very well known all over the
Algarve region and usually found in the typical 'tascas' or
taverns and served in glasses from Oporto.
Cute places to see around Portugal
Between Tavira and Castro Marim, one can easily manage a nice
beach day in Monte Gordo and a leisurley stroll through the
Natural Reserve Park to appreciate the marvellous view of pink
flamengos and long-legged storks soaring in and out of sight.
For golf lovers, near Albufeira and hidden among pine trees and
the shore you will find Villamoura with its campestral fields
for playing a relaxing game of golf. Wherever you go in this
region, be it on the coast or deep in the forest area, there
are all kinds of hotels with great facilities for your stay in
Algarve or the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.
About The Author: The author Rob Carlton is a freelance writer
for the news section of http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com.
He
is specializing in subjects like the Algarve Portugal
http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com/algarve/algarve-portugal.html
and portuguese travel.