DK Travel : The Algarve : Central Region : Places of interest

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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.
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.
Faro

Faro is often overlooked by visitors to the Algarve who tend to head straight for the beach resorts. This is unfortunate, because its Old Town quarter is a particularly enchanting ensemble of centuries-old architecture and fine museums worthy of thorough investigation. Of special merit is the former convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, which houses the city’s excellent archaeological museum. See: Faro Old Town; also see Museums.
Ferragudo

Ferragudo has admirably managed to avoid the more garish trappings of tourism and looks the better for it. Sitting at the mouth of the Rio Arade, this attractive fishing village tumbles down to a busy little quayside bristling with fishermen’s huts, artisan’s workshops and one or two truly memorable seafood restaurants. The maze of steep cobbled alleys lead up to a rather handsome church. Praia Grande is a generous swathe of sand, which is popular sunbathing territory and also the location of a big windsurfing school. The beach is dominated by the monolithic Fortaleza de São João, a private residence.
Giões

Rarely visited, and best in mid-summer when the area is awash with bright pink oleander, the village is known for its hand-made bamboo baskets and rustic chairs. Nearby are the ruins of a fort and two mills.
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.