Page 26 - Guest Manual 2021

Villa Vermonte – Guest Information

Places to Visit / Things to Do

The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Swabians, Visigoths, Romans and Moors have all settled
here in the Algarve from time to time. The Moors left a considerable legacy, which is still
to be seen today in the many medinas, fortresses and mosques, found throughout the
region.

Faro is the capital of the Algarve. Its origins pre-date the
Romans but it came to prominence during the time of the
Moors. Although much of the centre was destroyed by the
earthquakes of 1722 and 1755, it is still worth a visit.
There is a walled old city in which the cathedral stands, a
pedestrian shopping area and a small harbour. Boat trips
around the Ria Formosa can be picked up from here.

Tavira, to the west is a pretty town, worth a visit. There
is plenty of evidence of the Roman and Moorish
th
th
occupation and 37 churches dating from the 17 and 18 centuries. Tavira beach, which
is a ferry ride away, is great for body surfing.

If you go to Tavira, take a trip about 10km further west to Cacelha Velha, a very old
village high above the Ria Formosa.

Meaning "Moorish Town", Vilamoura was ruled by the Romans and others. Visit the
excavated ruins of Cerro da Vila or if you prefer, the busy marina.

Estoi is about 10km inland from Faro. Apart from the
th
impressive church and small lanes, there is an 18
century palace with gardens, a rare example of country
architecture, unique in the Algarve. Close by are the
roman ruins of Milreu.

A popular day out with visitors to the Algarve is to drive
and visit some of the inland towns. Starting in Loule,
with its castle walls and old town, drive inland to Querenca, back to Salir where there
are the ruins of a Moorish castle and then across to Alte, a quaint old town famous for its
springs.

To the east, the cities of Silves and Lagos and the mountain range of Monchique merit a
visit if you can face the traffic. Set in very hilly country, Silves has an interesting castle
and cathedral. Lagos has plenty of history including the remains of a slave market. If you
do drive out this way, take the opportunity to stop in Portimao and visit the old harbour
and sample some sardines.

If you are keen to explore further afield, the west coasts of the Algarve and the lower
Alentejo are breathtaking and great for surfers. You can go sightseeing at Sagres and
Cape St Vincent, or visit any number of the beaches as
you drive up the west coast.

Using the motorway, a trip to Seville is only 1hr and 30
minutes away but there are tolls on the Portuguese
section. This is a very impressive city which boasts the
largest gothic cathedral in Europe and a beautiful Moorish
palace -The Real Alcazar. There is terrific shopping and
wonderful tapas bars.

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