DK Travel : The Algarve : Central Region

The Algarve’s central region encompasses the busiest coastal resorts in southern Portugal as well as remote inland hamlets. It’s an area of widely contrasting character, blessed with superb golf courses, beautiful golden beaches and wild, rolling hills where a more traditional, rural way of life prevails. History has left its indelible mark throughout this land in the shape of Stone Age megaliths, the remains of Roman villas, imposing Moorish castles and noble Gothic cathedrals. A strong, proud maritime heritage pervades the coast, evident in the fine selection of seafood in seaside restaurants.

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A Quinta, Almancil

Lively international menu, with surprises such asassiete of sea fish with Thai curry sauce.
A Ruína, Albufeira

Seafood crams the chalked-up menu. ThePargo (sea bream) androbalo (sea bass) are particularly good.
A Tour of Villages

Morning

An ideal starting point for your drive is Loulé (see Central Region), on a Saturday morning to take advantage of the bustling market. An early start will ensure you get the best choice of the produce. Aim to get there about 9am and allow an hour for browsing the stalls.

Order a coffee in Café Calcinha, Praça da República, 67, before jumping in the car and heading west on the N270 to the village of Paderne, see Other Villages and Sights. If you want to visit the 12th-century Moorish castle, turn right before the village.

To reach the next village, Alte, double back and head towards São Bartolomeu de Messines, turning right at the N124. Alte is now signposted, and you’ll reach it within half an hour. Take time to explore this wonderful rural idyll.

Afternoon

Lunch should be savoured in Salir, a leisurely, 25-minute drive away. Try the Casa Pasto Mouro Bar, in Rua dos Muros do Castelo, below the castle ruins and with superb views of Rocha da Pena.

Continue east on the N124, driving through the Caldeirão mountain range before turning right onto the N396, back towards Loulé.

A signposted detour off this road will take you into the ancient hamlet of Querença ( Other Villages and Sights), with its whitewashed church and the Loja da Quinta, a wonderful little handicrafts store. Treat yourself to some local liqueurs before heading back to Loulé.
Albufeira

Albufeira’s claim as the most popular holiday destination in the country is no idle boast. It’s the biggest and most energetic resort in the Algarve, and anyone doubting the fact should make a midsummer bee-line to the thoroughfare dubbed “The Strip”. A forest of neon lends the resort its exotic, all-night atmosphere, and a multitude of bars, restaurants and disco-clubs keep the party swinging till dawn. You can catch up on sleep on any one of Albufeira’s smooth, golden beaches, if you can find a spot amongst fellow sun-worshippers. See Albufeira.
Alcalar

The Alcalar burial chambers are a series of Neolithic dolmen passage tombs. The drive here is a delight in itself, among ancient oak and olive trees.
Alcantarilha

Known for its gruesome bone chapel, with the skeletal remains of 1,500 former parishioners completely covering the ceilings and walls.
Algarve Shopping Centre

Modern mall with national and international chains, hyper-market, multi-screen cinema and food hall.
Almancil

One of the most resplendent of all the Algarve’s treasures is the 18th-century Igreja Matriz de São Lourenço, just outside the unexceptional village of Almansil. Outstandingazulejos panels in the church depict episodes in the life of St Lawrence, while the highly ornate cupola is a breathtaking exercise in trompe-l’oeil – some say the best example of its kind outside Rome.

Church, Almancil
Alte

Described as “a delightful snapshot of the real Algarve” in many a tourist brochure, Alte is indeed a picture of beauty and serenity. The little village with its whitewashed façades, filigree chimney pots and rural charm appears to have little time for the 21st century, but always greets visitors with a warm handshake and ready smile. The central attraction is the fonte picnic area near the stream. The area is also renowned for its handicrafts and colourful folklore.
Ameixial

Typical of the villages that pepper this rugged region. Nearby Miradoura de Caldeirão is an inspiring place for a picnic, and to the south are the last remaining examples of round dwellings.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- over €50