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Algarve: Albufeira to Tavira
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EASTERN PART:
from Albufeira to Tavira
Albufeira
Albufeira is a white little town that has now developed into a major tourist destination. Mass tourism is the operative word here, mainly because of its many beaches and beautiful rocky coastline. The old town is worth visiting. It doesn't have many shops, bars or restaurants, but you walk through a beautiful decor of whitewashed houses with flowery balconies.
Vilamoura - Quarteira
Vilamoura has many hotels and boasts a classy marina and several golf courses. It is not an exclusive seaside resort, but doesn't exactly have any cheap hotels either. Because most buildings were built at the end of the nineteen seventies, there are wide avenues and many gardens, so you never feel as though you are in a busy city. The beach is located between Vilamoura and Quarteira. Quarteira is a small town where you can visit a big famous market on Wednesdays.
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Almancil
This village only has one point of interest, but it is a big one: the Igreja Matriz de Sao Lourenço. This entire church, which was built in 1720, is decorated with the famous Portuguese blue azulejos (painted faience tiles). It is truly unique and was never damaged, even during the 1755 earthquake.
Loulé
If you want to take a stroll through the centre, do it on a weekday. On Saturdays Loulé is swamped by tourists and the city centre changes into one big market. On your walk you will notice that many buildings are of Moorish origin. Unfortunately they were considerably damaged by earthquakes.
Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve. The old city centre (Cidade Velha) is the most interesting part. The highlight is the cathedral (Sé) on a square that is lined with orange trees. Certain parts of the cathedral had to be rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. The former convent is located in the same calm surroundings and is now the home of an archaeological museum. The old town also has other points of interest: the Jewish cemetery, the Sao Pedro church, the Igreja do Carmo with its chapel lined with bones and a museum about the region (Museu de Etnografia Regional).
Tavira
Tavira used to be a very important and prosperous Moorish city, which is still reflected in its buildings today. Don't miss: the Moorish castle ruins Castelo dos Mouros and the churches Igreja de Misericordia and Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo. You can also see a bridge that was built on Roman foundations. This city deserves a quiet walk. Many people find it the most beautiful city in the Algarve. The Ilha de Tavira is a unique beach as it has a sandbank about ten kilometres into the sea.
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Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/pedro ferreira
Text: GVDV - © AT-Europe bvba
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