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the western algarve
Passing westward from Portimão
along the glorious 4 km long beach of Meia Praia that comprises
about half of Lagos Bay, the beautiful walled historic city
of Lagos, marks the beginning of the western Algarve which
includes the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve. With a lively
cosmopolitan atmosphere and within walking distance of several
splendid beaches, Lagos possesses a busy marina, a choice
of attractive bars and restaurants, and a delightful palm-tree
lined promenade that comes into its own on those long hot
summer evenings.
Ocean Country is located only about 6 km west of Lagos, at
Praia da Luz - an hour’s drive from Faro International
Airport - conveniently located at the western end of the A22
motorway. Sloping down to a superb sandy beach, the village
is set within a gorgeous bay of safe clear blue water. At
Praia da Luz you will find a broad range of water-sports and
will be spoilt for choice with the many charming beachside
bars and restaurants. The cliff pathways above the beach afford
excellent walks.
The pleasant fishing port of Sagres in the Algarve’s
southwest corner, comes to life during the summer months as
a centre for ‘serious’ surfing, diving and fishing.
Close by are the dramatic and historic rocky headlands of
Cape St Vincent and Cape Sagres, on the horns of the windy
crescent of the Bay of Beliche. Cape St Vincent is Europe’s
most southwesterly point and, up to the end of the 15th century,
was considered, literally, the “End of The World.”
All west-coast beaches are excellently suited to all types
of surfing, body-boarding, kite-surfing or wind-surfing. Spectacular
west-coast beaches include, Martinhal, Amado, Bordeira, Arrifana
and Odeceixe.
Moving inland you will find the Monchique mountains, and the
small highland town of the same name lies some 2000 m above
sea level in the midst of rich green forest. With spectacular
views of the surrounding mountains and the coastline, Monchique
provides an often-welcome break from beaches, holiday resorts
and the general hubbub of the coast. Here you can breath in
the clean air with its delicate perfumes of wild thyme, arbutus,
eucalyptus, bougainvillea and mimosa.
Just south of Monchique, hidden away in a leafy hollow, is
the tiny spa town of Caldas de Monchique whose waters, famous
for the past 2000 years, are said to cure a variety of ills,
including rheumatism, backache and asthma.
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