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There are about 100 sandy attractive beaches washed by the Atlantic Ocean and due to the maritime shelf and water currents the sea temperature can be surprisingly warm even in some winter months. Located on the tip of Europe with the vast ocean of the Atlantic as its southern and western border, this enviable position gives this region possibly the most unpolluted climate in the European continent. The length of the south-facing coastline is approx. 155 kilometres and stretches about 52 kilometres to the north on the west. At the widest point to the north, it is approximately 36 kilometres deep. Communication is by road but there is single-track railway line running from Lagos to Vila Real do Santo António that also links to the line running north to Lisbon. There is at present no railway line from the Spanish boarder to Seville but are daily coaches run from the Algarve. The old "EN 125" main road that runs along the whole coast and has been suitably replaced by a dual carriageway named the "Via do Infante" or A22. It starts at the border to Spain and stretches along the coast to the western side of Lagos. Near to Albufeira the motorway links with another motorway to Lisbon. There is one international airport located close to Faro and this conveniently lies in the middle of the Algarve coastline. The interior from the coast greatly varies in its picturesque appeal due to its variety of fauna, soil and contours. In January and February the coast is painted white with almond blossom shading the many varieties of wild orchids. In March, the heady perfume of orange blossom mixes with the bloom of acacias. During the month of April the bountiful wild flowers give cause to the delightful music of the many colourful birds. May and June is the time to see the raw beauty of the striking bare barks of stripped cork trees in contrast to the palette purple of the jacaranda. July is the time of cherries, strawberries and melons. August and September provide the picking of grapes, figs and almonds. November is for the gathering of chestnuts for the national festival of São Martinho. Whilst, in December it is time to start picking the famous sweet juicy Algarve oranges which continue through to March. Away from the immediate coastal plain are the foothills leading up to the highest point Foia (902 mts.) above the un-spoilt village of Monchique. This mountain area is well known for the layers of Roman terraces with granite stone walls that provide the stream of local vegetables that can be found on sale in the local market. Also, from this region comes the local brewed drink "Medronho" that is best drunk in one of the many local taverns.
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| ALGARVE INFO |
WHO? WHAT? WHERE? & WHEN? IN ALGARVE | ||
Algarve History
