The Moorish occupiers named the most southern region of Portugal Al Gharb – the land in the west. Today they call it Algarve and it is famous for having the most stunning coastal landscapes throughout Europe. For many people their image of the Algarve is overcrowded beaches and congested holiday destinations but in fact 90% of the Algarve still remains unspoiled and reveals a remarkable countryside. The region is characterised by a very rugged coastline, with scenic bays in the West and endless, white sandy beaches in the East. Apart from the southern coastline, there is the wild and unspoiled West coast, which may have yet to discover. Mass tourism and huge tourist hotels cannot be found there. The scenery is determined by a magnificent dune landscape along the rough Atlantic coast highlighting a unique inter-play of light and colours.
The charming hinterland is characterised by a varied, flourishing vegetation, dominated by cork oak, hardwood and eucalyptus trees. You’ll find small, little hamlets and pretty villages, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, where old customs still exist – an area where the people’s traditional way of living gives you the feeling of being able to experience a trip into the past
Besides its natural beauty, the Algarve is also rich in history and culture. On ancient tracks and footpaths the visitor encounters the cultural heritage of the region through many centuries – from the Roman era and the time of the Moorish occupation up to the Golden Age during the 15th and 16th Century, when Portugal was a strong naval power establishing colonies around the globe. Roman archaeological sites and aqueducts, Moorish castles and town names, culinary specialties and musical sounds from Brazil and Africa are some examples of these various influences.
A fascinating natural and cultural landscape, coupled with the tranquillity and friendliness of the locals, make the Algarve a unique holiday destination and let the visitor quickly forget the stress and bustle of everyday life. The mild climate, especially during winter and spring, makes the Algarve ideal for beautiful walks along cliffs, over mountains and rivers, and through green countryside. Algarverde offers you the opportunity to experience some of the magnificent natural beauty of the region, including the exploration of bird and plant life as well as the Algarve’s history and culture – all under qualified guidance.
