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A brief introduction to the towns of the Algarve. Click on the town names to see more.
Alcoutim
This has to be the favourite Algarve drving trip for all the team here
at Algarve Guidebook. The views over the Guadiana River to neighbouring
Spain are simply stunning and there are plenty of smaller towns to drop
in on the way including the river museum at Guerreiros do Rio and also
a local cheesemaker at the mouth of the Odeleite river.
Almancil
Although Almancil is now more famous for its Karting track the town has
some wonderful architecture and is a lovely place to stop for lunch or
dinner. The Igreja de São Lourenço - parish church of St. Lawrence
dates back to the 18th centrury and has some beautiful glazed tiles
inside depicting the life of St. Lawrence. Castro Marim
Castro Marim nestles between two hills. There is a commanding view of
the river Guadiana from the town, which marks the border between the
Algarve the Spain province of Andalusia. Castro Marim has two separate
forts - one stands on the hill on the riverside. You can drive nearl to
the front gate and walk around within the battlements.
Loulé
Loulé is one of the Algarve's larger towns located just off the coast
North of Faro. Loulé holds on Saturdays a typical Portuguese market,
with the locals selling fish, fruit and fresh vegetables. Local
craftsmen, coppersmiths, basket and harness makers have stalls, and you
can browse for traditional goods. Of course, as with all markets these
days there are areas of cheap imports but thankfully as the market is
inland there is plenty of locally produced items too.
Olhao
One of the two main fishing towns of the Algarve, Olhao is famous for its sardines
which are said to be in the top three in the world. Just East of Faro,
Olhao has an absolutely amazing covered fish market (also vegetables
and meat in the hall next door) where you can buy that mornings catch.
You need to be getting there around 7-8am to get the best choice.
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