Location Algarve
Southern Iberian Peninsular
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Location Algarve |
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Southern Iberian Peninsular |
Iberia means Spain and Portugal, and by the Southern Iberian peninsular we're talking the Atlantic coast . . . the Cadiz province of Andalucia in Spain . . . and the Algarve in Portugal. Here's a little about the area to wet your appetite:
We all know that the South of Spain is famous for it's sun and beaches . . . but most people tend to think of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean coast . . . now becoming increasingly over developed . . . and some think over-rated and often TOO hot. Welcome instead to the Portuguese Algarve and the Spanish Costa de la Luz . . . also blessed by year round sun. But with many advantages:
Far less spoilt by development and with many National Parks designed to prevent inappropriate development
On the Atlantic coast and thus cooled by sea breezes. It's not so cold in winter nor hot in summer as the Costa del Sol . . . so very pleasant to be in all year round.
Luz means LIGHT. This whole corner of Europe has a wonderful feel to it with a quality of light that's ideal for artists, photographers or those on a spiritual journey.
It still has miles of unspoiled, sandy, beaches:
- a typical West coast beach
The Algarve (red box on map below) is the most south province of Portugal. . . opposite the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. This proximity to Morocco explains many and extensive Moorish features in our local architecture and culture.
The region is served by the friendly and effecient Airport at Faro which have regular, cheap, flights to Gatwick and many English regional airports. See, for example, the following airlines' websites:
Not just countryside
Besides seaside and mountains we're also blessed with some lovely towns and villages. These range from the previous Algarve capital - Silves, with it's amazing Moorish castle:
to the region's capital, Faro, with it's harbour:
Painting by
Liz Allen
or the typical smaller town or Lagoa:
. .. plenty for historians and shoppers alike!
Or perhaps you're interested in chimneys!? - an Algarve specialty:
or complete with stork:
Events and attractions
The Algarve plays hosts to many cultural and sporting events and attracttions for a day out - some unique and rather spectacular. Ones we're drawn to include:
Vida
Nova
Sir Cliff Richard's vineyard (near Guia) - tours available
Fiesa
Amazing sand scupltures (near Pera). This is from the 2005 festival:
These are just a sample of the many sights of the Algarve for you to explore whilst staying here and working with Keith.