| Even for those visitors based in Lisbon, the Algarve is an easy 300�kilometer (183mile) drive south, and it provides an interesting con�trast to the rest of the country.�Along with the region's popularity has come progress, and during the past two decades, the Algarve has been heavily developed, with parts of the once pristine, 240kilometer (l46mile) coastline now seriously overbuilt. In certain areas apartment complexes, hotels, discos, and bars sprout from every bay and cliff top. Just 60 years ago, though, the Algarve was rarely visited by tour�ists, and for centuries before that it remained isolated from the rest of Europe. Phoenicians, Romans, and Visigoths established fishing and trading communities here, but it wasn't until the arrival of the Moors in the 8th century that the region became an important stra�tegic settlement. The Moorish capital of EI Gharb (the land beyond), established at the inland town of Silvis (in those days called Chelb), had direct access to the sea and at its peak was a grand city with a population of more than 30,000. Although Silvis fell to the Chris�tians in 1189, the Moors weren't completely out of the region until the middle of the 13th century, leaving from their 500year rule many tangible reminders: the Arabic place names; the white, cube like houses in the coastal fishing villages; the popular fruits and sweets of the region; and the physical features of many of the people. In the 15th century Prince Henry the Navigator established a town and a pioneering navigational school at Sagres, where the principle!! were developed that would enable Portuguese mariners of the 16th century to explore much of the world. After this flurry of activity, though, the Algarve once again settled into obscurity. The region, a mere 40 kilometers (25 miles) long, is bordered in the north by the Serra de Monchique (Monchique Mountains) and the Serra de Caldeirao (Caldeirao Mountains) and in the east by the Rio Guadiana, a river that isolated the Algarve from contact with neigh�boring Spain. Over the centuries the region's geography has ena�bled the inhabitants to keep to themselves, and the area has many natural advantages: Being in the southern part of Portugal and pro�tected by hills makes the Algarve much warmer than any other place in the country; the vegetation is far more luxuriant; the land, origi�nally irrigated by the Moors, supports a profusion of fruits, nuts, and vegetables; and the fishing industry has always flourished. Despite the development the region still makes a fine coastal vaca�tion spot: There are small fishing villages and secluded beaches (par�ticularly in the west) that so far have escaped attention; an abundance of extraordinary rock formations and idyllic grottoes, also in the west; and (to the east) a series of isolated sandbar islands and sweeping beaches that balance the crowded excesses of the mid�dle. Even where tourist development is at its heaviest, new con�struction means landscaped villa and apartment complexes of local materials, which not only fit in well with the surroundings, but keep money� circulating within the community.But the Algarve is often seen at its best by visitors who are prepared to abandon the popular beaches for a drive inland. Here, rural Portugal still survives in hill villages, market towns, and agricultural landscapes which, though only a few mJies from the coast, seem a world away in attitude. Year-round the Algarve's weather is welcoming: Winters are mild and spring is positively delightful, with blossoms covering the hill Sides. Summer is, of our, high season, when lodgings are at a premium, prices at their highest, and crowds at their thickest. But you'll also find ':Varm seas, piercing blue skies, and golden sands at the foot of glowing, ocher red cliffs. The Algarve is one of Europe's most popular sites for holiday or re�tirement homes. If J:ou didn't know that before you arrived, you'll soon get the inside towns such as Albufeira and Praia da Rocha, where an entire industry exists to persuade visitors to tour apart�ment developments and proposed sites, in hopes that they'll sign on the dotted line. You may be approached by agents offering all sorts of inducement. (such as free gifts and meals and drinks) to encour�age you to Visit timeshare properties and villa complexes. Even if you d? agree to go on a tour never sign anything, regardless of the promises made. |