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Portugal is one of Europe's most beautiful
countries to explore by car. From Porto in the north to the Algarve
in the south, Alentejo, The Beiras, or Lisbon, there are so many
places to go, sights to see.
A week's driving will only whet
your appetite for a more leisurely drive through the wonders of
Portugal with its diverse landscapes and uraban splendours. We have
selected only one of several possible driving trip planners to give you a
taste of what Portugal has to offer. You need time to savour the
delights of this lovely country, but a week should be enough to
explore at least part of the Algarve. With its ancient traditions
and the rugged beauty of its landscapes, Portugal is also a modern
and vibrant, thriving country taking its place in the European
community.
The Algarve is situated in the south of Portugal.
Its breathtaking coastline, gorgeous beaches broken up by rugged
cliffs and fabulous grottoes, mountain ranges in the northern region,
its year-round sunshine, and reasonable prices, the Algarve is Portugal's
most popular holiday destination. The route given here takes in some towns,
but to get the most out of your week's holiday, the rural and seaside areas
are the most appealing, so we suggest bypassing the larger towns and exploring
the real Algarve.
Day 1
As you will probably arrive at Faro international airport, you could
spend some time in Faro itself, the
capital of the Algarve. An attractive town with many points of
interest, Faro has some Moorish and Roman ruins, although most of
the lovely older buildings date from after Portugal's earthquake of
1755, which devastated so much of this lovely old town. A visit to
the beach on the Ilha de Faro must not be missed with its miles of
sand and sea, and of course almost guaranteed sunshine. There is a
wealth of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs to suit all tastes, as
well as a beautiful old theatre, offering a full programme of dance,
music and drama.
Day 2
From Faro, drive east along the coast, passing on your way, glorious
coast line, terrific beaches and around 20 great golf courses, to
Carvoeiro, 5 kms off the main road from
Lagoa. Carvoeiro is a small, tranquil seaside resort, with some
lovely beaches in the vicinity. It is a pleasant spot to stay and
there are a number of cafes by one of the beaches, and restaurants
where you can sample the local cuisine, particularly of course the
fish dishes.
Day 3
On your way to Sagres, the next suggested stay over spot,
from Carvoeiro, the route is really stunning, with a steep rugged
coastline and gorgeous beaches. Head back to the main road from
Carvoeiro, and turn west on the N126 past Portimao, on to the N125
at Lagos, and head for Vila do Bispo. On the way, you might
want to turn off the main road to the picturesque village of
Salema. Its laid back ambience and many
beaches make it a good spot for a stop. From Salema, go back on to
the N125 until you reach Vila do Bispo where you take the N268 for
around 10 kms for Sagres. Sagres is at the south-western tip of
Europe and is flanked by rugged cliffs on three sides.
Day 4
Head onto the N268 as far as Alfambra, and join the N120
as far as Aljezur.
From Burgau to Cabo de Sao Vincente on the southern coast and up the
whole Algarve and Alentejo coastline, lies the Parque Natural do
Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. Take time to explore part of
this truly stunning area, with its rugged cliffs bordering the
coastline, empty beaches, inlets, estuaries and marshes, where you
will see some of the most splendid wildlife, unique to Portugal.
Aljezur is a convenient spot, with restaurants, cafes and a choice
of accommodation.
Day 5
Take the N127, a winding, minor road and head for the bustling
little market town, of Monchique, typical of Portugal, in the
forested area of Serra deMonchique. There is plenty of good accommodation
available and lots of
outdoor activities on offer. Explore the surrounding area and climb the
Foia peak, only 902 metres high, but providing some impressive views
of large parts of the Algarve.
Day 6
Leaving Monchique, take a leisurely drive on the N266 as far as Porto de
Lagos and turn onto the N269 and make for the quiet town of Silves.
En route, explore the charming
little village of Caldas de Monchique at the head of a wonderful
valley full of aromatic eucalyptus trees. There is much to do and
see in Silves. Its imposing red sandstone castle towers above the
town, sheltering Roman and Moorish remains and providing stunning
views over the surrounding area. Accommodation is plentiful in the
town or in the nearby village of Sao Bartolomeu, and there are
several good restaurants and cafes.
Day 7
Take the N269 out of Silves and head back towards Faro,
either on the motorway, which you can join about 15
kilometres away, or take the quieter N125 for a more
peaceful drive. If you take the motorway, take the time
to see the lovely little village of Estoi, only
10 kms north of Faro. Here you can see the famous ruins
of Milreu dating from the 1st century AD.
The 18th-century Palacio do Visconde de Estoi, with its
intimate gardens full of busts of poets is delightful.
From Estoi, get onto the N2, which will lead you back to
Faro.
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