The Area

Parque da Floresta is in the unspoiled Western Algarve, midway between the historic walled town of Lagos and Cape St. Vincent. The magnificent and challenging golf course - without doubt one of Europe's most spectacular and beautiful - is set amongst gently rolling hills above the fishing village of Salema with superb views over 20 miles of lovely Algarve coastline and the dramatic Monchique mountains.

Generally agreed to be the most beautiful in the Algarve and in one of Portugal's important conservation areas taking in the West coasts of the Algarve, the Alentejo and Cape St. Vincent.

Situated in the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve, the hillsides are richly endowed with wild flowers, birds and rare butterflies and provide a wealth of walks through eucalyptus, fig and almond groves.

There are four excellent beaches in the Sagres - Cape St Vincent area: Martinhal, Mareta, Tonel and Beliche. Your choice may depend on which way the wind is blowing. Martinhal and Mareta are open to southeasterly winds. Tonel and Beliche are more exposed to south-westerlies. A popular visitor excursion is to the fortress at Sagres.

At the most southerly point in Portugal and the most south-westerly in continental Europe is Sagres, overlooking the Bay of Sagres, which is itself flanked by two headlands: Atalaia Point and Sagres Point (Ponta de Sagres) where the fortress dates back to the 15th Century and church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, are located.

In the heart of the "Costa Vicentina" Nature Conservancy Area - beyond the village of Hortas do Tabual - lies beautiful Praia da Ingrina - ideal for swimming. Although there is very little commercialisation, the beach restaurant offers traditional quality Portuguese fare, including excellent fish dishes.

Vila do Bispo is home to the most southwesterly community of mainland Europe. Going along the coast from Burgau in the east, at Salema you meet the beginning of the protected coastal zone which continues almost to Lisbon. During the years of exploration many important voyages began from and headed west around Cape St Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente).

Salema, with its superb sandy beach, is a small, typical, whitewashed fishing village. The fishermen land and sell their catch on the beach where their colourful boats are moored. There are many other deserted coves within easy reach.

Top

Monchique in the Serra de Monchique range of hills is usually approached from the south on the EN266, a particularly lovely drive in late February and early March when roadside mimosa bushes are in brilliant yellow bloom.

On the way up, stop at the village of Caldas De Monchique, which has been a spa for at least 2,000 years. It sits in a well-wooded little ravine which resounds in early summer to the song of nightingales. The Romans appreciated the curative powers of the waters here in the days of Augustus Caesar. In medieval times, King João II sought a cure for dropsy. In recent years, many visitors to the local clinic have benefited from various water therapy treatments for rheumatism, back pains and respiratory and muscular complaints. There is a residential block for visiting patients, but it only operates during the summer months.

At the top end of the village is a tree-shaded walk and picnic area, a square and cafés with outside tables, and a pavilion where you can slake your thirst free on natural spring water straight out of the ground. Unfortunately, it tastes rather like rotten eggs. At the lower end of the village is a commercial bottling plant producing water which tastes a lot better. The whole of Caldas is undergoing a process of improvement and renovation, but hopefully its quiet, old-fashioned charm will be retained.

Monchique is a market town for the products grown or handmade in the surrounding hills, especially timber, cork, smoked ham, honey, basketwork, leather goods and woollen sweaters. The town is also well known for "brandymel" - a honey-tasting brandy liqueur. Take a wander around the narrow, cobbled streets in the vicinity of the parish church with its Manueline doorway and polychromatic tiles.

At the square, on arrival at Monchique, the main road bears right and heads on up over the scenic hills towards the province of Alentejo in the direction of Lisbon. Curve left around the square and follow the FÓIA sign to reach the Algarve's highest point at 900 metres. The road runs all the way up beyond the tree-line to the rocky summit which, unfortunately, is not itself a beauty spot due to a forest of telecommunications towers and aerials and a no-go military installation.

The many restaurants on the right-hand side of the road from Caldas to Monchique and from Monchique to Fóia are renowned for their chicken piri-piri lunches. Price and service in all are about the same. On Sundays they are all crowded with Portuguese families.

Top

Lagos with it's harbour, old slave market, shops, restaurants and nightlife offers something a little different. The latest major addition is the big yacht marina (see photograph) at the most sheltered end of the harbour. Lagos, with its relaxed atmosphere and quiet charm, make it one of the most appealing locations in the Algarve to visitors from abroad.

It is the most historically interesting coastal town in the Algarve and it's fame derives from it's association with Portugal's 14th & 15th century Age of Discovery. It was here that Henry the Navigator had his vessels built for his voyages of exploration down the coast of West Africa via the Cape of Good Hope to India. Henry's statue presides over the Praça da República - one of the best places to sit and watch people go by and conveniently next to the tourist information office.

You will find a wide selection of restaurants concentrated in the pedestrianised Rua 25 de Abril. On the outskirts of Lagos, Dona Ana is the most popular family beach, but there are smaller sandy coves to be explored both closer and farther away from the town centre. The headland of Ponta da Piedada with its lighthouse is best viewed from the sea on a short boat trip. The clifftop is a good place to take a stroll with your camera and marvel at cliff erosion.

Top