EN feel the energy INSTITUTO DE TURISMO DE PORTUGAL

Transcrição

1 feel the energy

2 2 go for a dip 8 take a deep breath 16 taste the flavours 22 get out and about 28 enjoy success 30 feel good 32 find your way

3 feel the energy Sunlight, heat and the vibrant colours of the landscape. Everything in the Algarve is a source of energy. Offering you the chance to recharge your batteries. All year round, the region's beaches, nature reserves, picturesque villages, golf courses, castles and fortresses can be enjoyed in all their splendour. Day or night, you can do almost anything, or, if you prefer, do absolutely nothing. History, culture, and the popular local cuisine are readily available to all those who are interested. The people of the Algarve have mixed freely with other cultures for many centuries and have long been used to welcoming visitors. Perhaps this is why people always have fond memories of the Algarve. Come back whenever you want.

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5 go for a dip feel the energy

6 Spread out your towel on the sand and race towards the first wave to hit the coast. A dip in the Atlantic Ocean is all you need to cleanse your mind of its worries and begin to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. Enjoy a stroll along the shore, treat yourself to an ice cream or (why not?) build a sandcastle. When you feel your body temperature rising, it's once again time for a refreshing swim in the sea. 4

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8 Famed for its quality, the Algarve coast has beaches for every taste. The sunshine and the temperatures both in and out of the water will make you want to come and discover these natural treasures all year round. From Odeceixe to Vila Real de Santo António there runs a 200-kilometrelong coastline of cliffs, coves, caves and vast expanses of sand. Looking like genuine picture postcards, the Algarve beaches are famous for their clear blue water and golden sand, but there's also a lot more waiting to be discovered. 6 go for a dip

9 Because of its rougher sea, the Costa Vicentina is perfect for such extreme sports as surfing and bodyboarding. With its magnificent caves carved out of the rocks, the Barlavento (West Algarve), is the ideal spot for a relaxing boat trip. As you continue along the coastline, you'll soon come to the long sandy beaches of the Sotavento (East Algarve), popular places for windsurfing, jet skiing and swimming, with the beautiful islands of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve as your backdrop. The marinas and small craft harbours offer you other possibilities for catching a little sun and savouring the sea breezes. At these popular meeting places for experienced yachtsmen and fans of nautical sports, you can stroll amidst the fluttering sails or rent a boat and sail round the coast to appreciate its surprisingly beautiful jagged coves and inlets. go for a dip 7

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11 take a deep breath feel the energy

12 Take a deep breath and fill your lungs with all the energy you need to set off and discover an entirely new world in different shades of green. The landscape is truly breathtaking, but the air is so pure that it won't literally take your breath away. Drive up into the mountains and take a country walk, go horseriding or play a relaxing round of golf. When you see the peaceful golf courses, you won't be able to resist the temptation to break the silence with a well-struck putt. 10

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14 The Algarve's abundant sunshine and mild temperatures make it the ideal habitat for countless species of plants and animals. Close to the coast, the Ria Formosa Natural Park welcomes you with a splendid natural spectacle, further embellished by the shapes and colours of the native bird population. The Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Salt Marsh Nature Reserve and the South-West Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park are other natural settings that offer you the chance to enjoy some interesting walks along well-marked footpaths. 12 take a deep breath

15 As you head deep into the heart of the Algarve, you will discover a whole range of other delights. Different shades of green and brown blend together to form the distinctive colours of the region of the Algarve known as Barrocal. Here, you will find villages and towns exuding the atmosphere of more ancient times, displaying their treasures in the midst of orange-trees, carob-trees and fig-trees, as well as the beautiful almond-trees whose blossom covers the Algarve with a white blanket at the beginning of each year. Further north, the mountains of the Serra de Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirão also conceal many naturally wild treasures amidst their gullies and ravines. In this peaceful setting, your adrenaline level will sometimes be raised by the spectacular safaris, rock-climbing, rafting and other extreme sports that are available here. take a deep breath 13

16 Just like the golden sandy beaches, the greens and fairways of the Algarve's golf courses seemingly stretch all the way to the horizon. The region's Mediterranean climate, its natural beauty and the quality of its golf courses make it one of the best and most popular golfing destinations in Europe.

17 Currently, the Algarve has roughly 30 courses, all of them offering excellent conditions for playing golf all year round. This investment in quality has been rewarded with the chance to host such prestigious international events as the Portuguese Open, the Ladies Open, the Seniors Open and the World Cup. But there is always room on the course for those who just want to play a relaxing round of golf after spending some time at the beach. The clubhouses are equipped with shops, restaurants and leisure areas where you can prolong the extraordinary pleasure of being surrounded by greenery on every side. take a deep breath 15

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19 taste the flavours feel the energy

20 Shake the sand off your body and choose another place in the sun. Somewhere there is a table waiting for you on a restaurant terrace, where you can enjoy a magnificent charcoal-grilled fish brought in fresh from the sea, or, if you prefer, a most tasty cataplana de marisco. Take with you one of the almond cakes known as Dom Rodrigos as you stroll around the walls and castles, or visit the churches decorated with beautiful blue and white tiles and carved and gilded woodwork. Amidst the white of the limewashed houses and the blue of the sea, stop for a while and admire the bright colours of the local handicraft and the folk dancers. 18

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22 Al-Gharb, which means "The West, was the name chosen by the Arabs for a beautiful piece of land that had long been coveted by many. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans all left their mark on the language, customs and lifestyle of the Algarve people. The castles, fortresses, narrow streets, fascias, roof terraces and lacework-patterned chimneys are just some of the valuable legacies from these times. It was from Lagos and Sagres that the caravels set sail under the command of Prince Henry the Navigator to discover new worlds. The headland known as the Ponta de Sagres still reminds us of the Portuguese Discoveries and the great courage of many navigators from the Algarve, such as Gil Eanes. On their return from this great adventure, they brought with them rare commodities and the inspiration that was to further enrich the customs and traditions of the Algarve. The articles made of linen and jute, pottery, basket-weaving and the cataplanas are just some of the treasures that are still produced today by local craftsmen. 20 taste the flavours

23 The skilled hands of the Algarve people also produce genuine culinary masterpieces that are greatly appreciated. Fishstews, the typical grilled sardines, cataplanas de marisco (shellfish cooked in a special copper pan) and the meat-stews of the mountains can be enjoyed with some of the best locally produced wines, which are also a good accompaniment for the tasty cheeses and hand-made sausages. As far as cakes and desserts are concerned, there are the Dom Rodrigo cakes, morgado de figo (a cake made of figs, almonds and chocolate) and the various almond sweets, which in themselves would be an excellent reason, if there weren't already so many others, for visiting the Algarve. taste the flavours 21

24 get out and about feel the energy

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26 At the Marina, you can refresh your thinking with an ice cream while you decide what to do next. A visit to the fair or a shopping spree? A trip to the zoo or a horse ride? There are so many choices. The freshness of the different scents and perfumes mixes with the smell of the sea. Breathe in and enjoy the experience. It's true that the stars provide a spectacular show just by themselves, but you can also enjoy a flutter at the casino, take in a disco, or spend your dream time awake. Tomorrow is another day. 24

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28 The Algarve provides non-stop entertainment all year round. In the streets, concert halls, discos, bars or casinos, there are programmes to suit every taste. The zoos, theme parks and water parks hold out the promise of whole days packed full of pure fun. Equipped with all the latest safety features, these are very popular places with families who are looking for a few days of carefree leisure. Because of all the conditions it provides, the Algarve is one of the most sought after destinations for family holidays. 26 get out and about

29 Other programmes, such as concerts, exhibitions, theatre and cinema, are held in completely renovated concert halls, museums and art galleries, hosting various events with an international flavour each year. Handicraft fairs and folklore and gastronomy festivals are held in their own special precincts. It is also worth visiting the small towns and villages and taking part in the lively fairs and popular religious festivals. At night, the Algarve becomes even livelier, and all you have to do is come out into the street to get caught up in its contagious atmosphere. By the coast, the squares, streets and avenues positively teem with life, with crowds of people all the way down to the beach. Each night at the seaside bars and outdoor cafés and restaurants, you can listen to live music as you sip your aperitif, or you can enjoy a flutter at the Casino, or even dance through the night at one of the many discos. Night time in the Algarve offers you yet another set of picture postcards. get out and about 27

30 enjoy success feel the energy The Algarve's beaches, Mediterranean-like climate, cuisine and golf courses are just some of the attractions that make this region such a privileged destination for holidaymakers. If you add to these ingredients its high-quality business centres, conference facilities, modern equipment and a vast range of support services for the organisation of meetings, you will also find it's the ideal destination for work. In the Algarve, doing business is a real pleasure.

31 This paradise-like atmosphere and the region's mild temperatures offer the perfect conditions for lively business initiatives. Conference and exhibition centres are open all year round for international seminars, incentive programmes and business meetings. In the intervals, you can take advantage of your stay to enjoy some of the best dishes from the traditional regional cuisine, play a round of golf or pop down to the beach. Only a few hours from the main European capitals, the Algarve has a modern international airport and a vast network of hotel accommodation with the capacity to host and organise a wide variety of events. All excellent reasons for coming to the Algarve and enjoying the sun while you seal a good business deal. enjoy success 29

32 feel good feel the energy The sun and heat produce their well-known soothing effect on all those who come to the Algarve for a well-deserved holiday. Feel the warm sand under your feet, spend hours gazing at the sea, close your eyes and let yourself be lulled by the sound and smell of the sea. Moments of pure pleasure that you will feel like prolonging well after you have left this oasis of golden sand.

33 In the mountains of the Serra de Monchique, 250 metres above sea level, is the famous Spa of Monchique. Amidst the luxuriant vegetation and the spring waters with their healing powers, you will find the ideal conditions for curing your body's ills and refreshing your mind. The spas are also genuine monuments to well-being. With invigorating health and beauty programmes that range from a simple massage to other more complete treatments, the Algarve spas offer freshwater and saltwater facilities for relaxing therapeutic baths. At the meditation centres and health farms dotted around the region, you'll find the ideal atmosphere for experimenting alternative therapies and replenishing your energies for the rest of the year. Late afternoons sipping a drink on the café terrace, strolls by the seaside and evenings spent star-gazing, these are other simple pleasures you can enjoy. The traditional markets and busy shopping streets are other places where you can escape from stress, whilst choosing the best souvenirs to take home with you. feel good 31

34 find your way Easily reached from anywhere in Europe, the Algarve has a good road network. Look on the map for the A22 motorway connecting Vila Real de Santo António to Lagos and choose one of the many roads that branch off it leading to the coastal cities and inland towns. If you're coming from Lisbon, the most direct route is along the A2, the motorway linking the Portuguese capital to the Algarve. Arriving by train is just as simple. Portugal is part of the European rail network and has modern and efficient infrastructures. Lisbon and the Algarve are linked by the Alfa Pendular and Intercidades (intercity) trains, and there are also regional connections from Vila Real de Santo António to Lagos. You can find out about timetables either directly from the Portuguese rail service (CP) or at Tourist Information Offices.. There is also an extensive bus network, with both nationwide and regional services. As far as air transport is concerned, the large number of international airlines using Faro International Airport have turned it into a major port of call, with regular arrivals and departures from all over the world. The journey between the airport and the city of Faro can be made by bus or taxi. Flying times and distances in kilometres between Faro and European capitals Amsterdam > 02h km Athens > 03h km Berlin > 03h km Berne > 02h km Brussels > 02h km Copenhagen > 03h km Dublin > 03h km Helsinki > 04h km London > 02h km Luxembourg > 02h km Madrid > 01h km Oslo > 03h km Paris > 02h km Rome > 02h km Stockholm > 04h km Vienna > 03h km

35 useful information climate The Algarve enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate all year round, with a lot of sunshine and rare periods of cloudy weather or rain. In summer, air temperatures vary between 24ºC and 29ºC, whilst water temperatures range from 21ºC to 24ºC. In winters, air temperatures vary between 15ºC and 18ºC and water temperatures between 15ºC and 19ºC. currency The Portuguese currency is the Euro. If you're not from the Euro zone, you can change money at any bank, provided you have some means of identification with you. ATMs accept most international credit cards. accommodation The Algarve has a vast supply of different kinds of accommodation. Hotels, Aparthotels, Inns (Estalagens), Motels, Tourist Villages and Apartments, Boarding Houses (Pensões Residenciais), Tourism in the Country (Turismo no Espaço Rural - TER), State-owned Hotels in Special Settings (Pousadas de Portugal), Youth Hostels (Pousadas de Juventude) and Campsites can be easily found all around the Algarve, even in the most remote places. Most of these accept reservations made over the Internet, offering special discounts for children and OAPs. emergencies If you find yourself in an emergency situation, dial 112, the number of the national emergency services. The call is free and can be answered in three languages: Portuguese, English and French. If you require medical attention, you should go to the local Centro de Saúde (Health Centre), whilst the emergency services at the hospitals should only be used in serious cases. driving In Portugal, cars drive on the right. Safety belts must be worn at all times in both passenger and heavy good vehicles, whilst motorcyclists must always wear helmets. Specific legislation is in force banning the use of mobile phones while driving, except when using hands-free equipment. Speed limits range from 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas to 90 kilometres per hour outside towns and 120 kilometres per hour on motorways. Specially adapted children's seats must be used for children up to 12 years of age. car rental There are many car rental companies at Faro International Airport and in the main towns and cities of the Algarve. telephones Public telephones are either coin-operated or require the use of cards which can be bought at tobacconists, stationers and newspaper stalls. If you wish to make a call abroad, dial 00 before the country code. post offices Post offices are open from Monday to Friday from to You will find many post-boxes in the street which also function as automatic stamp machines.

36 useful contacts ASSOCIAÇÃO TURISMO DO ALGARVE ALGARVE PROMOTION BUREAU Av. 5 de Outubro, Faro - PORTUGAL Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) ata@atalgarve.pt REGIÃO DE TURISMO DO ALGARVE ALGARVE TOURISM BOARD Av. 5 de Outubro, Faro - PORTUGAL Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) rtalgarve@rtalgarve.pt Consulates Austria Clube Borda d Água Rua Ramalho Ortigão Praia da Oura Albufeira Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) consulaustria@hotmail.com Belgium Rua de Santo António, 68 2º dto Faro Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) seamag@mail.telepac.pt Brazil Edifício Banco Português Atlântico Apartado 1084 Vilamoura 8125 Quarteira Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) Canada Rua Frei Lourenço Santa Maria, 1 1º esq Apartado Faro Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) consul.faro.canada@mail.telepac.pt Cape Vert Rua Portas da Serra, 37 1º esq Portimão Tel. : (+351) Fax: (+351) Denmark Rua Conselheiro Bívar, 10 1º dto Faro Tel.: (+351) / Fax: (+351) jgarciaecosta@mail.telepac.pt Finland E.N. 125, Edifício Cor-de-Rosa, 4 Estradas Apartado Quarteira Tel.: (+351) / Fax: (+351) gisela.farias@netc.pt Germany Urb. Infante D. Henrique, Lote 11 r/c dto Apartado Faro Tel.: (+351) / Fax: (+351) Great Britain Largo Francisco A. Maurício, 7 1º Apartado Portimão Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) britcon.portimão@mail.telepac.pt Iceland Rua Júdice Biker, 11 3º C Apartado Portimão Tel.: (+351) Italy Rua 25 de Abril, Vila Real de Santo António Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) Mexico Gaveto das Ruas Pedro Nunes e José de Matos, 5 - r/c Faro Tel.: (+351) / Fax: (+351) consulmexico@mail.telepac.pt Morocco Vila Lageado, 19 Apartado Albufeira Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) alegria@mail.telepac.pt Netherlands Largo Francisco Sá Carneiro, Faro Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) nlgovfaro@netc.pt Norway Rua Júdice Biker, 11 4º C Portimão Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) Panama Castelo Paraíso Corotelo 8150 São Brás de Alportel Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) consulado.panama@netc.pt Peru Hotel Atlantis Suite Vilamoura Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) hav.director@graopara.pt Romenia Rua de Santo António, 68 3 º dto Faro Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) faro@consulatul.com Spain Av. Ministro Duarte Pacheco Vila Real de Santo António Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) Sweden Av. 5 de Outubro Edifício Coral Sala V Almancil Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351)

37 tourist information Help Line for Tourists free Site Algarve Tourist Offices Albufeira Rua 5 de Outubro Albufeira Tel.: (+351) turismo.albufeira@rtalgarve.pt Alcoutim Rua 1º de Maio Alcoutim Tel.: (+351) Aljezur Largo do Mercado Aljezur Tel.: (+351) Alvor Rua Dr. Afonso Costa, Alvor Tel.: (+351) Armação de Pêra Av. Marginal Armação de Pêra Tel.: (+351) turismo.armacaodepera@rtalgarve.pt Carvoeiro Praia do Carvoeiro Lagoa Tel.: (+351) turismo.carvoeiro@rtalgarve.pt Castro Marim Rua José Alves Moreira, Castro Marim Tel.: (+351) Faro Rua da Misericórdia, Faro Tel.: (+351) Faro International Airport Aeroporto Internacional de Faro Faro Tel.: (+351) Lagos Rua Vasco da Gama (S. João) Lagos Tel.: (+351) turismo.lagos@rtalgarve.pt Loulé Av. 25 de Abril, Loulé Tel.: (+351) Monchique Largo de S. Sebastião Monchique Tel.: (+351) Monte Gordo Av. Marginal Monte Gordo Tel.: (+351) Olhão Largo Sebastião Martins Mestre, 8A Olhão Tel.: (+351) Ponte Internacional do Guadiana Monte Francisco Castro Marim Tel.: (+351) Portimão Cais do Comércio e Turismo Portimão Tel.: (+351) Praia da Rocha Av. Tomás Cabreira Portimão Tel.: (+351) Quarteira Praça do Mar Quarteira Tel.: (+351) Sagres Rua Comandante Matoso Sagres Tel.: (+351) São Brás de Alportel Largo S. Sebastião, São Brás de Alportel Tel.: (+351) turismo.saobras@rtalgarve.pt Silves Rua 25 de Abril Silves Tel.: (+351) Tavira Rua da Galeria, Tavira Tel.: (+351) Vila Real de Santo António Rua Teófilo Braga (Torreão Sul) 8900 Vila Real de Santo António Tel.: (+351)

38 c Associação Turismo do Algarve 2005 Publication Associação Turismo do Algarve Algarve Promotion Bureau Design you_mix Photography and Post-Production Frederico van Zeller Rogério Serrasqueiro Archives of the Algarve Tourism Board Translation John Elliott Pre-Printing you_mix Printing Heska Portuguesa

39 Fuzeta Giões Luz de Tavira Mértola Beja Lisbon Ribeira da Foupana Ribeira de Odeleite Portela da Corcha Tavira Barril Santa Luzia Rio Gilão Pereiro Conceição Cacela Velha Barragem de Alcoutim Barragem de Odeleite Quebradas Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António Santa Luzia Ilha de Tavira Cabanas Barragem de Beliche Azinhal Cacela Alcoutim Manta Rota Odeleite Monte Gordo Praia Verde Alagoa/Altura R io Guadia na Location: Westernmost part of Europe, in the south of Portugal Total area: 4,989 km2 Length of coastline: 200 km Population: 391,819 inhabitants Praia Fluvial Pêgo Fundo Monte Gordo S p a i n Seville Madrid Castro Marim Vila Real de Santo António Santo António N Cabo de S. Vicente Ponta de Sagres Arrifana Canal Penedo Vale Figueiras Bordeira Amado Murração Mouranitos Barriga Castelejo Águia Beliche Bordeira Carrapateira Vila do Bispo P a r q u e N Sagres d o a t u l r a s t e S u d o e Raposeira Odeceixe Quebrada Samouqueira Vale dos Homens Amoreira Monte Clérigo t e j ano e C o s t a A l e n V i Rogil Bensafrim Barão de S. João Barão de S. Miguel Figueira a c e n t i n Aljezur Barranca da Vaca Budens Odeceixe Barragem da Bravura Lagos Odemira Sines Lisbon A T Bioparque de Monchique Luz Serra de Monchique Marmelete Serra de Espinhaço de Cão Odiáxere Mexilhoeira Grande Ria de Alvor Foia Caldas de Monchique Porto de Lagos L A Alferce Monchique Portimão Aljustrel Lisbon Estombar Silves Lagoa Barragem do Funcho Barragem do Arade Porches Ourique Lisbon São Marcos da Serra S.Bartolomeu de Messines Alcantarilha Guia Pêra Algoz Tunes Rio Arade Portela de Messines Albufeira Paderne Lisbon Santa Margarida Alte Boliqueime Serra do Caldeirão Sítio Classificado da Rocha da Pena Sítio Classificado da Rocha da Pena Ribeira de Alte Ferreiras Fonte de Boliqueime Vilamoura Quarteira Sítio Classificado da Fonte Benémola Montenegro Ilha de Faro Ilha da Barreta N T I C O C E A N Benafim Salir Sítio Classificado da Fonte Benémola Tôr Loulé Almancil Castro Verde Lisbon Quintã Querença Ameixial A L G A R V E Santa Bárbara de Nexe FARO Barranco do Velho São Brás de Alportel Conceição Ria Formosa Cachopo Santa Catarina Ribeira da Asseca Quelfes Ilha da BarretaIlha da Armona Vaqueiros Estói Milreu Moncarapacho Pechão Olhão Parque Natural da Ria Formosa Farol Pereiro Culatra Baleeira Ingrina Zavial Ribeira de Vascão Martinlongo Armona Figueira Salema Boca do Rio Burgau D. Maria Luz Porto de Mós Ponta da Piedade D. Ana Meia Praia Alvor Três Irmãos Vau Praia da Rocha Carvoeiro Algar Seco Carvalho Benagil Marinha Sra. da Rocha Armação de Pêra Salgados Galé Castelo São Rafael Albufeira Oura Sta. Eulália Maria Luisa Olhos d Água Falésia Vilamoura Quarteira Vale do Lobo Ancão Quinta do Lago Praia de Faro Ferragudo Santo Estêvão Fuzeta legend Beach Airfield Main Roads Golf courses Rail Road Marina Secondary Roads Highway Natural reserves

40 ASSOCIAÇÃO TURISMO DO ALGARVE ALGARVE PROMOTION BUREAU Av. 5 de Outubro, Faro - PORTUGAL Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) ata@atalgarve.pt EN