Casa Alegre's guidebook
Sightseeing
Just down the road from Casa Alegre, is the historic and enchanting town of Silves. It was the former Moorish capital of the Algarve and sits on the banks of the Arade River ("Rio Arade"). The most prominent monument is Castelo de Silves, which is now the best preserved castle in the Algarve. The castle is open to visitors and offers spectacular views from the battlements. Next to the castle is the Cathedral, one of the Algarves few remaining gothic monuments with ancient tombs. Silves also offers shops, restaurants and a fruit, vegetable and fish market.
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Silves
Just down the road from Casa Alegre, is the historic and enchanting town of Silves. It was the former Moorish capital of the Algarve and sits on the banks of the Arade River ("Rio Arade"). The most prominent monument is Castelo de Silves, which is now the best preserved castle in the Algarve. The castle is open to visitors and offers spectacular views from the battlements. Next to the castle is the Cathedral, one of the Algarves few remaining gothic monuments with ancient tombs. Silves also offers shops, restaurants and a fruit, vegetable and fish market.
At Sagres in the south-west of the Algarve, visitors can see the place where Prince Henry the Navigator, son of King João I, built his famous school of navigation. The school earned Sagres a significant place in history because it was where Henry bought together great mariners, astronomers, ship-builders and cartographers to build and navigate great ships in the period of the Age of Discoveries.
Sagres is also home to Henrys fortress, Fortaleza de Sagres, which was originally built in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1793 after it was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587. Inside the fortress is a former monastery founded in the 16th century and a 14th century chapel.
Further along from the fort, is the headland, Cabo de São Vincente (Cape St. Vincent) which has a lovely lighthouse (claimed to be one of Europes most powerful lighthouses) and which offers spectacular views.
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Sagres
At Sagres in the south-west of the Algarve, visitors can see the place where Prince Henry the Navigator, son of King João I, built his famous school of navigation. The school earned Sagres a significant place in history because it was where Henry bought together great mariners, astronomers, ship-builders and cartographers to build and navigate great ships in the period of the Age of Discoveries.
Sagres is also home to Henrys fortress, Fortaleza de Sagres, which was originally built in the 15th century and rebuilt in 1793 after it was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587. Inside the fortress is a former monastery founded in the 16th century and a 14th century chapel.
Further along from the fort, is the headland, Cabo de São Vincente (Cape St. Vincent) which has a lovely lighthouse (claimed to be one of Europes most powerful lighthouses) and which offers spectacular views.
Monchique is a market town up in the Serra de Monchique, which is a thickly wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from Alentejo. The journey to Monchique offers spectacular views and the chance to stop at one of the many restaurants, famous for serving chicken piri-piri. Stop at the spa of Caldas de Monchique to see where the Romans built baths to use the natural spring waters. The springs are still in use today with a thermal treatment centre, and can also be tasted.
The centre of Monchique is characterised by lots of narrow cobbled streets criss-crossing up the hillside. There is a nice central square with shops, restaurants and a lovely water feature, including an example of a Moorish water wheel. Monchique is a very quiet and relaxed place, offering a totally different experience to the coast.
On a clear day carry on your journey to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia, which is 902 metres high. There are great views to Cape St. Vincent in the west, to Faro in the east and to the Serra da Arrabida, near Lisbon, to the north.
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Monchique
Monchique is a market town up in the Serra de Monchique, which is a thickly wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from Alentejo. The journey to Monchique offers spectacular views and the chance to stop at one of the many restaurants, famous for serving chicken piri-piri. Stop at the spa of Caldas de Monchique to see where the Romans built baths to use the natural spring waters. The springs are still in use today with a thermal treatment centre, and can also be tasted.
The centre of Monchique is characterised by lots of narrow cobbled streets criss-crossing up the hillside. There is a nice central square with shops, restaurants and a lovely water feature, including an example of a Moorish water wheel. Monchique is a very quiet and relaxed place, offering a totally different experience to the coast.
On a clear day carry on your journey to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia, which is 902 metres high. There are great views to Cape St. Vincent in the west, to Faro in the east and to the Serra da Arrabida, near Lisbon, to the north.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful towns of the Algarve, you will find a unique mix of traditional architecture with Moorish influences. It is sometimes also called the Venice of the Algarve. Tavira is built on both sides of the Gilão River.
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Tavira
Regarded as one of the most beautiful towns of the Algarve, you will find a unique mix of traditional architecture with Moorish influences. It is sometimes also called the Venice of the Algarve. Tavira is built on both sides of the Gilão River.
Quaint, traditional market town originally founded as a Roman fort. The historic centre and the sites of interest to tourists are all quite compact and close together. The castle was built on the site of the Roman fort in the 13th and 14th Centuries. The town's market - a flamboyant pink-domed building - is where one of the main attractions take place every Saturday; the gypsy market , with family stalls selling herbs, spices, cheeses, fresh fish, flowers, crafts, and even modern fast food.
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Loulé
Quaint, traditional market town originally founded as a Roman fort. The historic centre and the sites of interest to tourists are all quite compact and close together. The castle was built on the site of the Roman fort in the 13th and 14th Centuries. The town's market - a flamboyant pink-domed building - is where one of the main attractions take place every Saturday; the gypsy market , with family stalls selling herbs, spices, cheeses, fresh fish, flowers, crafts, and even modern fast food.
My favourite beaches
This is one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches of Portugal. In 1998 it was awarded the distinguished "Golden Beach" award by the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment due to its outstanding natural qualities. Here you can experience the quintessential Algarve beach cove a lick of sand nestled below stunning orange limestone cliffs, and calm waters interspersed by rocky outcrops.
Its location, together with the set of steps required to reach it, means the whole world doesnt flock there. The tranquil waters are perfect for snorkelling and, you can always head out to sea in a boat trip to explore the nearby caves. A small bar-restaurant is near the steps and operates in high season.
Best for: Photographers and snorkellers
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Praia da Marinha
This is one of the most beautiful and emblematic beaches of Portugal. In 1998 it was awarded the distinguished "Golden Beach" award by the Portuguese Ministry of the Environment due to its outstanding natural qualities. Here you can experience the quintessential Algarve beach cove a lick of sand nestled below stunning orange limestone cliffs, and calm waters interspersed by rocky outcrops.
Its location, together with the set of steps required to reach it, means the whole world doesnt flock there. The tranquil waters are perfect for snorkelling and, you can always head out to sea in a boat trip to explore the nearby caves. A small bar-restaurant is near the steps and operates in high season.
Best for: Photographers and snorkellers
At the front of the town of Armação de Pêra is the Fishermans beach. As well as access to a beach with plenty of sunbeds/parasols and the town with all its restaurants and shops, you can also get a feel for the life of the Portuguese fisherman. There is an array of fishermen's huts with brightly painted fishing boats and usually some of the fishermen going about their daily tasks.
Best for: Easy access to town and restaurants. A slice of the fishermans life!
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Beach Armacao de Pera Fishermen
11 R. da PraiaAt the front of the town of Armação de Pêra is the Fishermans beach. As well as access to a beach with plenty of sunbeds/parasols and the town with all its restaurants and shops, you can also get a feel for the life of the Portuguese fisherman. There is an array of fishermen's huts with brightly painted fishing boats and usually some of the fishermen going about their daily tasks.
Best for: Easy access to town and restaurants. A slice of the fishermans life!
Just down the coast from Armação de Pêra is Praia Grande, a vast stretch of sand that runs all the way to Albufeira. In the summer there are a few sun loungers and parasols for hire, but most of the beach is unoccupied. There are two beach bar/restaurants along this stretch, and it is a good location for wind and kite surfers.
Nestled behind the beach are the Pêra salt marches which offer a lovely board walk and the opportunity to spot a range of bird life including flamingoes. You can also see the sand dunes up close with their interesting flora and fauna.
Best for: Walkers and nature lovers
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Praia Grande de Pêra beach
Just down the coast from Armação de Pêra is Praia Grande, a vast stretch of sand that runs all the way to Albufeira. In the summer there are a few sun loungers and parasols for hire, but most of the beach is unoccupied. There are two beach bar/restaurants along this stretch, and it is a good location for wind and kite surfers.
Nestled behind the beach are the Pêra salt marches which offer a lovely board walk and the opportunity to spot a range of bird life including flamingoes. You can also see the sand dunes up close with their interesting flora and fauna.
Best for: Walkers and nature lovers
Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Our Lady of the Rocks) is a small cove beach flanked by cliffs which is particularly popular with young families. It is notable for the very small chapel on the cliffs (probably dating from 15th/16th centuries) above the beach. From here you get excellent views of Armação de Pêra and along the coast to Albufeira.
A tunnel has been excavated to link the beach with Praia Nova on the other side. There is a beach bar/restaurant serving good freshly caught fish, and some sun beds/parasols for hire in season.
Best for: Young families who want a sheltered cove, with some shade provided by the cliffs.
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Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha
Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Our Lady of the Rocks) is a small cove beach flanked by cliffs which is particularly popular with young families. It is notable for the very small chapel on the cliffs (probably dating from 15th/16th centuries) above the beach. From here you get excellent views of Armação de Pêra and along the coast to Albufeira.
A tunnel has been excavated to link the beach with Praia Nova on the other side. There is a beach bar/restaurant serving good freshly caught fish, and some sun beds/parasols for hire in season.
Best for: Young families who want a sheltered cove, with some shade provided by the cliffs.
For Kids
Formerly called The Big One, Aqualand is family water park a few minutes drive from Casa Alegre. There are some exciting rides and a safer area for younger kids.
Aqualand station
Formerly called The Big One, Aqualand is family water park a few minutes drive from Casa Alegre. There are some exciting rides and a safer area for younger kids.
Also close by is Zoomarine is one of the most popular theme parks in the Algarve. It is a mixture of a marine centre, zoo and amusement park. The main attractions of the park are the spectacular aquatic displays of dolphins and sea lions, and the fun fair for children.
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Zoo marine beach
Also close by is Zoomarine is one of the most popular theme parks in the Algarve. It is a mixture of a marine centre, zoo and amusement park. The main attractions of the park are the spectacular aquatic displays of dolphins and sea lions, and the fun fair for children.
Krazy World is a childrens' theme park and zoo in nearby Algoz. As well as the theme park, you can find mini-golf, a petting farm, pony rides, bouncy castles, go carts and a fairground. The zoo is home to reptiles, snakes and offers a fun day-out for the family.
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Krazy World Zoo
Krazy World is a childrens' theme park and zoo in nearby Algoz. As well as the theme park, you can find mini-golf, a petting farm, pony rides, bouncy castles, go carts and a fairground. The zoo is home to reptiles, snakes and offers a fun day-out for the family.
City/town information
It’s known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. The nearby cliffs of Ponta de Piedade offer sweeping headland views and a lighthouse. Igreja de Santo António, an ornate 18th-century church, sits across from the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade and watchtowers.
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Lagos
It’s known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Steep wooden steps lead to the sandy cove of Praia do Camilo. The nearby cliffs of Ponta de Piedade offer sweeping headland views and a lighthouse. Igreja de Santo António, an ornate 18th-century church, sits across from the Castelo dos Governadores, a castle with a baroque facade and watchtowers.
Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. The city’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall. The monumental archway leads to the old town, with its cobbled streets. Nearby is Faro Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The Municipal Museum, in a 16th-century convent, displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts, plus religious art.
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Faro
Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region. The city’s neoclassical Arco da Vila is on the site of a gate that was part of the original Moorish wall. The monumental archway leads to the old town, with its cobbled streets. Nearby is Faro Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The Municipal Museum, in a 16th-century convent, displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts, plus religious art.
Portimão is a port city and the largest in the western Algarve region. It’s known for its old quarter, busy marina and proximity to many beaches
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Portimão
Portimão is a port city and the largest in the western Algarve region. It’s known for its old quarter, busy marina and proximity to many beaches
Nature/Outdoors Activities
Wildwatch
73 R. Infante SantoDolphin watching and sailing adventures led by marine biologists.
Guided buggy safaris, which offer a great way to get a tour of the Algarve countryside and places off the beaten track.
Bulldog Buggies
Guided buggy safaris, which offer a great way to get a tour of the Algarve countryside and places off the beaten track.