Algarve

Estói stretches out on a hill in the eastern Algarve, not far from Faro, the capital of the region.... It is an opportunity to stroll through the winding streets of the old town and gain a real insight into the everyday life of the people who live here. The main attraction is the Palácio de Estói. The magnificent rococo palace of the Counts of Estói dates back to the 18th Century and is one of the few large Quintas in the south of Portugal. The gardens were designed on an Italian Baroque model. Amidst the lush vegetation, there is a huge spring fountain, statues of famous figures such as Milton or Garrett, Azulejos and Roman mosaics which were found during excavation work in Milreu. The Roman ruins unearthed in 1877 are just a few miles to the west of Estói. The massive building of the Palacio has unfortunately not been accessible for years. This will, however, change in the near future as work has begun on converting it to a Pousada and is set to be completed in 2009. more

Albufeira, which was once a sleepy little fishing village, is now the tourist centre of the Algarve -... known as the "Portuguese St Tropez" because of its countless pubs, bars and clubs. The Moorish village centre, with its whitewashed houses clutching to the steep rocky cliffs in terraces, has more to offer than just nightlife. During the daytime, the long beaches with their bizarre rock formations and wonderful watersports await tourists eager for the sun. Right on the eastern side of the beach at Albufeira, on the Praia dos Barcos, is the picturesque fishing harbour. There is a wonderful view from the Miradouro de Bem Parece viewpoint high above the village. From here, you can also see the Gothic Capela da Misericórdia, which was destroyed in a major earthquake and later rebuilt. With its filigree portal and dome-shaped choir stalls, it has to be one of the main architectural attractions of Albufeira. more

In the midst of vineyards, olive, fig and orange groves lies Loulé - a centre of arts and crafts. Every... Saturday morning locals and tourists alike jostle for position in front of the colourful sales stands around the covered market where, first and foremost, art objects from the local workshops are offered for sale. In the centre of Loulé you will stumble across numerous relics from a time when the Moors were still in power. The Castelo or castle complex is also of Moorish origin, although very little of the original buildings still exists. A section of the city wall and a few towers were, however, restored and now provide a wonderful view of Loulé. In the small Nossa Senhora da Conceição church, both the carved alter and the blue and white Azulejos from the 18th Century are worth seeing. To the west, enthroned on a hill, is the famous Capale de Nossa Senhora da Piedade piligramage chapel which is the destination of a large pilgrimage to the East every year. more