Silves. The dark red of the mighty castle walls loom over the city is the most beautiful military monument to the Islamic period in Portugal. Streets of white houses in the old 'almedina'. From the castle there are spectacular views of the town and surrounding countryside. The Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) was built out of the region's fine red sandstone in the 13th century. In Silves you find the handicraft of the nearby Porches.
Portimao, with its narrow streets of the old fishermen and tradesmen quarter, old of many centuries. A degree of port atmosphere pervades the area near the numerous simple eating-places, small family businesses, where one can enjoy excellent fresh fish.
Next is Lagos. Its fame derives from its association with Portugal's 14th-and 15th-century Age of Discovery and it offers a balance of the charm and history of the Portuguese culture. The beaches around Lagos are some of the most beautiful of the Algarve. However, it is the promontory named Ponta da Piedade and sheltering the bay of Lagos which is most admired by visitors, with its caves, rocks and wonderfully transparent waters. There is a delicious array of fabulous dishes to try and when visiting definitely don’t miss the fresh fish!
We’ll proceed to Sagres, to visit the old fortress of the Portuguese school of navigators "who brought new worlds to the World".
Both Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente lie on a rocky plateau which terminates abruptly at the coast to form steep cliffs. Saint Vincent cape is the most south western point of Europe and known as 'Fim do Mundo' - the end of the world. The cliffs rise nearly vertically from the Atlantic to a height of 150m/500feet and it´s one of the most scenic places in Portugal.
