What was the Algarve like before resorts, golf courses, and pubs sprang up along this coast with its year-round sunshine and golden beaches? Drive east and north from Faro, and you’ll find out.
- Tavira, situated on the Gilão River, is arguably the most beautiful city in the Algarve and exudes authentic Portuguese charm. There are few large hotels, but many churches; fishing boats crowd the river, and everyone has time to linger. Embark on a journey of discovery through different historical eras, from Phoenician excavations to Islamic-style doors and Renaissance and Baroque ornamentation. But it’s the colors that fascinate and impress: dazzling white walls, brilliant azulejo tiles, and fiery red clay roof tiles. The former capital of the Algarve owes its charm to its pleasant little streets, old houses with their typical “quatro aguas” roofs, numerous churches, and charming restaurants, as well as the famous Roman bridge spanning the Gilao River.
- Loulé is a city of contrasts: mountains meet the sea, and ancient monuments blend with modern buildings. It is located 16 km northwest of Faro and just 7 km from our CASA KALU. Right in the heart of downtown is the local market, a Moorish-inspired building that has been supplying locals with fresh produce for more than a century. From fresh fish to local handicrafts, this colorful market has many stalls worth visiting. Saturday is the best day to visit the market, as more stalls are open and the market spills out into the streets. Other interesting sights include the Conceição Chapel and Loulé Castle.
- Faro is a city steeped in history and rich in culture, offering a variety of fascinating tourist attractions. Unfortunately, Faro is often overlooked because it’s known primarily for its airport, but if you spend some time there, you’ll discover a charming and authentic Portuguese city. Faro’s charming historic center (Cidade Velha) is surrounded by ancient city walls and is home to a Gothic cathedral, the Paço (Bishop’s Palace), and pretty cobblestone streets. Outside the city walls lies a modern city center with pedestrian zones, picturesque squares, and a variety of restaurants and bars. South of Faro lies the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, the mudflats, and a series of saltwater lagoons that are a paradise for migratory birds and wildlife. Along the seaward side of the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, home to Faro’s pristine beaches.
- The town of Silves—the former capital of the Algarve—located inland, is a great destination for day trippers in the western Algarve. The historic town center, with its charming cobblestone streets lined with orange and lemon trees, is dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle. Over a cup of coffee in one of the small, traditional cafés, you’ll feel as if you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Algarve’s coastal towns. From the castle, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of Silves and the surrounding area.
- Olhão is a coastal town in the Algarve that emerged from the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Located just 10 km east of Faro, Olhão remains one of the Algarve’s most important ports. The first cannery was founded here in 1882, sparking a trend that spread in both directions along the coast, with canned tuna and sardines quickly becoming the Algarve’s main source of income. The waterfront fish market remains Olhão’s main attraction. The market is a picturesque and lively place where local products such as fruit, honey, and vegetables, as well as a wide variety of fresh fish from the region, are sold.Olhão’s old town has a distinctly Moorish character, with square, whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs, and box-shaped chimneys. The Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dates back to the seventeenth century.
- Querenca, Salir, and Alte. These are three more villages that are undoubtedly worth a visit. These villages are characterized by their typical whitewashed houses, Moorish chimneys, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views across the Serra to the sea. You’ll also find smaller nature reserves in this region that are perfect for a pleasant walk.
