Local history

Faro – it’s the district capital holding a medieval wall and a great number of monuments: the Cathedral (of Roman origin in Gothic style), the "Nossa Senhora de Assunção" convent (Renaissance style), the Church of "São Francisco" (XVI and XVIII centuries). Museums to be visited: "Infante Dão Henrique" Museum, Etnográfico Museum, "Ramalho Ortigão e Antoniano" Museum (nearby of "Ermida de Santo António do Alto"). Also worth’s to make a visit to the pretty churches of "São Pedro da Misericórdia" and "Nossa Senhora do Carmo". Outside Faro there also are many Romans ruins like for example the Romans ruins of Milreu.

Lagos - Situated inside of V century walls with its king´s Manuel stylish windows you will find the magnificent churches of "São Sebastião" (with Renaissance vestibules and XVII/XVIII centuries tiles), of "Santa Maria da Misericórdia" (XVI - XIX centuries), of "Santo António" (Baroque style) and the old "Ermida of São João". Other points of interest are: the Regional Museum, the Governor Palace, the Fort of "Pau da Bandeira" and the Old Market of Slaves as well as the fascinating marina.

Monchique – It´s situated in the south side high declivity of Monchique mountain and among the pretty houses you will be able to visit the (main) Mother Church in ancient king´s Manuel style, the "Misericórdia" Church (Baroque style) and the "Ermida do Senhor do Pé da Cruz" (XVII century). In the neighborhoods, you will also have the famous SPAS of Monchique and Fóia (902 meters of height), situated above the mountains and the ocean.

Olhão – The square shaped houses of plain roofs with its terraces in Moorish style makes this fishing city a very typical and enjoyable city to be visited. Behind the local Mother church (main church from XVII century) you will find "Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos" chapel.

Portimão - In this fishing city, we propose you to visit its Mother Church (XIV century and reconstructed during the XVIII century), the "Igreja do Colégio" church (XVII century) and the City council. In the outskirts, you will find the international well known "Praia da Rocha" Beach (with its fortress of "Santa Catarina de Ribamar") and the Romans ruins of Abicada.

Sagres – Five centuries ago Prince Henrique established in Sagres village a navigation school that had a crucial paper in the Portuguese Discoveries. You will be able to visit "Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Graça" and the mighty fortress (originally constructed in XIV century and modified later) as well as the famous "Rosa dos Ventos" (a rose compass form with 43 meters of diameter). At the most southwest point of the European continent is situated "São Vicente" cape, which opens a vast horizon of sea and sky.

Silves - In this city you will find different layers of rocks belonging to different times and cultures: the ancient Arab origin castle with its walls and its famous watering holes (still full of water); the Cathedral (Ghotic style - to be restored) constructed in the place of an ancient mosque; the bridge of XI century constructed in the place where earlier existed a Roman bridge . The Portuguese Cross also deserves special mention (religious sculpture of XVI century) as well as the following examples of king Manuel works: the "Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires" and the "Igreja da Misericórdia" church.

Tavira - This colorful city holds an astonisnhing number of ancient churches that surely deserves to be discovered and visited. Its roofs and typical Algarve chimneys as well as "Gilão" River and its Roman Bridge provide plenty opportunities to get splendid photographs and moments to share. Nearby and accessible by boat directly from Tavira center you will find long and calm sandy beaches and its dunes endemic vegetation. Churches to visit: "Santa Maria do Castelo" (XIII - XVIII centuries), "Misericórdia" (Renaissance), "Nossa Senhora das Ondas" (XVII century), "São José" (with ghotics and king Manuel stylish works), "São Paulo e Carmo" (XVII - XVIII centuries). A walk throughout "Dona Brites" Street will allow you to see the medieval pretty houses and its Gothic stylish windows and vestibules. In the outskirts small Luz village exist a renascence church that was during many centuries a peregrination place.