ALCALAR
Alcalar is a tiny hamlet with a big archeological reputation. Situated 5 km to the west of Portimão, today it is little more than a collection of dwellings, with a café and a few restaurants. Set in rolling countryside it occupies a site with stunning views - north, to the Monchique hills, and to the south, the blue waters of the Atlantic. Five thousand years ago the scene greeting the visitor would have been very different. On a small hill adjacent to the present-day village there would have been a huge settlement which resulted in the site being declared a National Monument in 1910. The area had everything necessary to sustain early human habitation. Three rivers - the Torre, the Arão and the Farelo, provided access to the sea and primitive transportation, while the flat plains surrounding the settlement were rich in minerals. Access to the coast gave the settlers a good source of fish, while the plains provided stone and wood for building materials. Small amounts of copper were found and even alluvial gold was panned from the river beds. The many streams which crisscross the area provided drinking water and irrigated the land for crop growing. In addition there was an abundant supply of game. These conditions led to the development of further communities, the evidence of which can be seen in the remains of megalithic funeral temples discovered on the lower slopes of the settlement. Excavations by the Instituto Português do Patrimonio Arquitectonico are still ongoing and the site is open to the general public.
ALJEZUR
Archaeological exploration has revealed that there have been settlements in the Aljezur region since prehistoric times. The earliest records date from around 4000 BC. The Romans occupied the territory around the 1st century AD and the Moors ruled for six centuries after that. During this period, and for hundreds of years afterwards, the main industry was agriculture and the town thrived until the 1755 earthquake, when like so many Algarve towns it suffered a great deal of structural damage. The town itself stands on a hill, on the top of which are the remains of the castle. At the bottom of the hill is a fountain - the Fonte das Mentires, and between these two ancient buildings, narrow streets lined with white- washed cottages, twist and turn. There are two interesting museums in Aljezur. The Josê Cercas Mueum houses canvasses and sketches by the painter Josê Cercas who was born in the town, together with works, both secular and religious, by other Portuguese artists. The Municipal Museum, housed in the old town hall, contains archaeological artifacts found in Aljezur dating from 7000 BC
ALMEDENA
The charming village of Almedena is situated slightly inland, between the resorts of Praia da Luz and Lagos. The village has an attractive central square and a small indoor market selling fruit, vegetables and fish, fresh from the coastal resorts. Almedena is right on the edge of the Costa Vicentina National Park, which can be explored by foot or on horseback. For golfing enthusiasts there are three championship golf courses in close proximity to Almedena. There is a good choice of property in the area for those who like to be close to some of the finest beaches in Portugal, but have the peace and quiet of a traditional Algarve village.
BURGAU
The fishing village of Burgau is only ten minutes drive from Lagos, and is everything one would expect from an unspoilt Algarvian village, where fisherman unload their catch, mend their nets, and bait their lobster pots. Narrow cobbled streets, a few cafes and restaurants, and a sheltered sandy beach all contribute the relaxed atmosphere of this family- friendly resort. There is a sports centre on the outskirts of the village, providing facilities for tennis, squash and children's activities. There is an equestrian centre nearby , and the excellent Parque de Floresta Golf and Leisure Resort is just 8 kms to the west of the village.. Burgua borders on the Costa Vicentina National Park which provides a great day out for walkers, and nature lovers. There are some great views around Burgau and some good walks around the coast; the coastal path to the neighbouring village of Luz, or in the opposite direction towards Salema is particularly spectacular. Burgau makes a great base for exploring the western coast of the Algarve, but with a daily market and those wonderful beaches many holidaymakers prefer to stay put. The property development in Burgau is carefully managed, to retain the original charm of the village, and there are some nice town properties available as either second homes, or permanent occupation. Burgau is a friendly resort and is a perfect place for those wishing to re-locate to the sunshine.
BARÃO DE SÃO JOÃO
This little village of less than 1,000 inhabitants nestles in the rolling countryside of the Espinhaço de Cão, on the borders of the National Forest of Barão de São João. The park offers some lovely walks which reward the walker with exceptional views of the interior and the coast. Although the village is small, and somewhat remote, it has several good restaurants, bars and food stores, and it has a monthly fleamarket which attracts plenty of bargain hunters.
BENAGIL
This pleasant fishing village, just 35 minutes from Faro Airport is well known for its quaint farmhouses and pine woods. Although it is situated in rolling countryside, it just a few minutes from golden, sandy beaches, such as Praia de Marinha, an enormous beach backed by dramatic, terracotta coloured cliffs and the main beach, Benagil, which is a traditional Portuguese beach with towering rock formations, fishermen's huts and brightly painted fishing boats. This proximity to the coast makes the village an attractive location for holidaymakers who enjoy the beaches but prefer somewhere quieter than neighbouring resorts, such as Carvoeiro. There are several excellent restaurants in Benagil, but if livelier nightlife is preferred the popular resorts are all within a few minutes drive away.
CARRAPATIERA
This tiny village, perched high above the sea, has 17th century coastal defences, and a hemitage dedicated to Nossa Senahora da Conceicão
ROGIL
Yet another picturesque village, Rogil has an ancient windmill which for centuries ground the cereal grown in the surrounding fields.
ODECEIXE
This village, with its delightful sea views is a cluster of charming white washed house, and worth a visit just to see the Cellar Museum , which is a reconstruction of a traditional winery.
COSTA VICENTINA NATURAL PARK
This beautiful nature park extends from Odeceixe to Burgau, and includes some 80 kms of the coast. It contains over one hundred plants which have, over the centuries, adapted to the extreme circumstances encountered here. The plants are capable of existing in a salty, hot climate, in an environment which encompasses every soil condition from sand dunes to limestone. The area is also rich in animal life, with wild cats, boar and badgers, as well as the usual assortment of foxes and rabbits. Bird life is also a great attraction in the Costa Vicentina Park, with more than 20 species making their home in the wetlands, while the rocky crags are occupied by eagles, falcons, owls and sparrow hawks. The park is a naturalist's delight, and provides a great day out.
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