DK Travel : The Algarve

The Moors called their al-Gharb the Sunset Land, and visitors have been waxing lyrical ever since. Blessed with a mild winter climate and a sunny disposition, Portugal’s playground province remains one of the most popular year-round holiday destinations in southern Europe. Lively coastal resorts spill over ribbons of golden sand in sharp contrast to the quiet villages of the hinterland, where history and tradition go hand in hand.

Folk dancers

Loulé

This cheerful market town is renowned as a centre of traditional handicraft. The copper, leather and ceramic goods hammered out in the dozens of workshops dotted around its streets are some of the most sought-after in the Algarve. These can be purchased at Loulé’s bustling Saturday morning market along with an amazing selection of fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, herbs, spices, honey, bottled liqueurs and sugared fig cakes. Loulé was an important Moorish settlement, and remnants of Muslim rule still exist. See Loulé.
Loulé Jardim

Refurbished to an early 20th-century design, the beige-and-cream façade faces a quiet park in the centre of Loulé. The town’s castle and Saturday market are both within easy reach, and the rooftop pool is a bonus.
Loulé Market

On Saturday mornings this market bursts with the freshest harvest from the ocean and the hinterland. Delicate sprigs of herbs and spices hang over pots of honey and jam. Cakes made from fig and almond compete for space with loops of smoked sausage, fresh fish glisten and everywhere it seems are blooms of bright flowers.
Loulé Market

One of the Algarve’s biggest and most colourful markets, selling fruit and vegetables, fish, herbs, spices, honey, jams, cakes and local handicraft.
Luís dos Frangos, São Brás de Alportel

Down-to-earth establishment serving up succulent grilled chicken to an eager clientele.
Luz de Tavira

It’s one of those villages you normally drive through on your way somewhere else. But stop off to view the south door of the local church. The highly ornate portal is one of the loveliest examples of Manueline architecture in the Algarve.
Mãe Soberana, Loulé

This is the Algarve’s most important religious festival, linked to ancient maternity rites. On Easter Sunday, a 16th-century statue of Mãe Soberana (the Sovereign Mother) is carried into town from her hilltop shrine. Exuding solemnity and piety, the subdued procession makes its way to Loulé’s parish church where the image rests for two weeks. On the return journey the mood is more ebullient – flowers are tossed into the path of the cortège, and the air rings with cries of “Viva Mãe Soberana”.
Manueline Window

King Dom Sebastião (1557–78) is said to have roused an army from the window at Lagos Castle.
Marisqueira Rui, Silves

Orderameijoas na cataplana (cockles in acataplana pan) and you’ll understand why this is the most famous seafood restaurant in the Algarve.
Marquês de Borba Reserva (Tinto)

Robust red from the João Portugal Ramos stable. Blended from periquita, aragonês and trincadeira grape varieties and matured in French oak, this deep crimson delight enhances casseroles and roasts.

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