| Algarve or as it was baptized by the Arabs as Al | | | | fifteenth centuries. Lagos, Portimao and Tavira |
| Gharb meaning 'to the west', is the most southern | | | | are the principal wine producers. The Algar Dry |
| province of the eleven provinces that Portugal has | | | | from Lagos is a dry wine, served really cold with |
| been split into. Its variety in terrain which starts at | | | | appetizers. The dry and sweet moscatel wines |
| the little city of Odeceixe on the west coast is | | | | are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 7 years |
| nicely tucked into the Espinhaco do Cao mountain | | | | and have about 18% alcohol content. Alfonso III is |
| range which neighbors the coast and the Atlantic | | | | another dry wine from Lagos and also served |
| Sea to the west. Its coast runs down through | | | | really cold. Cruz de Portugal is a smooth red wine |
| Aljezur, which is symbolical in Portuguese history | | | | which should be served at 70 degrees for |
| thanks to its castle which is one of the 7 that | | | | pudding. |
| appears on the flag of Portugal. | | | | From Tavira you have Licoroso de Tavira which is |
| To the most western tip is the Cape of Saint | | | | an extraordinarily sweet wine and dark in color, |
| Vincent and the city of Sagres where Henry the | | | | served at 70 degrees. Medronho is a variety of |
| Navigator initially began his navigation college. At | | | | liqueur which is very well known all over the |
| about that point, you have probably also come | | | | Algarve area and sometimes found in the |
| into contact with the most interesting Algarve | | | | common 'tascas' or pubs and served in glasses |
| beaches. Long soft sandy stretches which enclose | | | | from Oporto. There are some lovable places to |
| secret coves at the start where the outline of | | | | see around Portugal between Tavira and Castro |
| the coast is intensely flat around the cities of | | | | Marim and one can simply manage a pleasant |
| Lagos, but after the town of Albufeira it turns | | | | beach day in Monte Gordo and take a leisurely |
| into cliffs. | | | | stroll through the Natural Reserve to understand |
| Not leaving the hypnotizing views of the Atlantic, | | | | the wonderful view of pink flamingos and |
| we continue on to Faro, the capital of this area | | | | long-legged storks exploding in and out of sight. |
| after having taken this title away from the town | | | | For golf lovers, near Albufeira and concealed |
| of Silves in 1577. Here in Faro you have got the | | | | among pine trees and the shore you may find |
| main gateway into this southern region when | | | | Villamoura with its green fields for playing a |
| arriving at this well-prepared world airfield for your | | | | calming game of golf. Wherever you go in this |
| holiday. | | | | area, be it on the coast or deep into the forest, |
| Algarve wine has quite a selection. The exporting | | | | there are all sorts of hotels with great facilities for |
| of wine from this area started under the Muslim | | | | your stay in Algarve or the capital of Portugal |
| ruling and reached its climax in the 14 th and | | | | which is Lisbon. |