Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Attractions & Activities
As the capital of the region, Faro is heaving with tourists during the summer season,
however, there are some quiet spots to be found. The Ilha Desserta in the Parque Natural da
Ria Formosa is less crowded than many of the beaches and just outside the town lies Estói
Palace, with its wonderful gardens. The small town of Tavira contains over 30 churches
including the Igreja da Misericórdia with its fantastic Renaissance doorway and a ruined
castle which dominates the town. Lagos has a more laid-back vibe than Faro with some of
the most stunning beaches in the region and the Municipal Museum containing fascinating
archaeological finds. Once the capital of Moorish Algarve, Silves is worth the visit for its
fairy-tale castle perched on the hilltop. Historical Sagres is tucked away in the south-west-
ern corner and is home to a fort which presents a slide show on the history of the area in-
cluding Henry the Navigator's navigation school where explorers were prepared for future
voyages.
