Routes

TERRITORY

Beach, sea, mild climate and plenty of sunshine. Algarve is a tourist destination for excellence. The region occupies the southern tip of Mainland Portugal and to the blue sea and golden beaches and cliffs, are added the green hills of Monchique and Caldeirão. The Guadiana River separates Algarve from Andalusia (Spain) and Arade flows in Portimão. Protected area because of its importance as water fauna habitat, Ria Formosa is considered one of the most beautiful natural parks in Algarve. But it is not just sun, beach and nature that Algarve has to show. The cultivation of the vine dates back to the Arab presence in the region, so the wine is part of life of Algarve. Several scripts make known the wine farms and wineries, but also military fortifications and lighthouses or buildings of Moorish influence.

WINES

The proximity of the sea and the climate of Mediterranean influence give distinguishing characteristics to the Algarve’s wines. The reds are presented full-bodied, velvety and slightly acidic. The whites are delicate and smooth. They are the result of vinification of traditional varieties such as the reds Castelão and Negra Mole, and whites Arinto and Syria, but also of other varieties introduced more recently, such as Touriga Nacional and Syrah. In Algarve the white and pink can be a good suggestion, and in this region the production of these wines is booming. The demarcated region devotes four Designations of Origin: Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão and Tavira.

EXPERIENCES

Drinking quietly a glass of wine on a terrace overlooking the sea is certainly a tempting proposal. But Algarve has much more to offer than wine and beach. Monuments, churches and museums contain many centuries of history. The built heritage in these lands of Algarve deserve a local visit to the Fortress of Sagres, the castles of Aljezur, Faro and Loulé, the Cellar Museum of Odeceixe or the Museum of Portimão, the Cathedral of Faro, the Historical Jewish Center of Faro or the Ribeira Market in Tavira. Do not leave this area without first tasting the dishes with fresh fish and seafood and the almond sweets.