Breathe deep. In the Algarve, all your worries will just vanish into thin air.

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1 breathe nature

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3 Breathe deep. In the Algarve, all your worries will just vanish into thin air. Breathtaking landscapes, never-ending beaches and a great diversity of protected environments make the Algarve an inviting and relaxing, but above all natural, place to be. Besides its famous beaches, there s a whole new world waiting to be discovered. By the coast are some important nature reserves, whilst inland are villages lost in time, a landscape filled with fruits and flowers and many other reasons for coming to the Algarve. All year round.

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5 nature at its best The Algarve landscape is composed of extensive areas of coastline, hills and fertile plains, in an area that is particularly rich in contrasts. The south coast and south-west coast display their differences between steep cliffs and vast expanses of sand. As you make your way inland, the blue of the sea gives way to the green and orange tones of the Barrocal region, the Algarve s orchard. Its fertile land is home to orange-trees, carobtrees, fig-trees and almond-trees, which at the beginning of each year cover the countryside with a blanket of white flowers. Further north, the hills of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão, the largest range of hills in the region, are essential places for a visit, with their magnificent cork-trees surrounded by flowers and shrubs. 3

6 Country walks and safaris allow you to discover the natural riches of the Algarve landscape. All over the region, there are vast unspoilt areas sheltering interesting species of plants and wildlife.

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8 The Algarve s natural parks and nature reserves are the ideal places for observing plants and animals, for you can get up very close to them on a relaxing country walk. Surrounded by the vivid green of the vegetation, these protected habitats provide shelter to migratory birds, flamingos, storks, herons, exotic purple gallinules and other rare species. 6 Stretching from Odeceixe to Burgau, the South-West Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park has a rich geological and archaeological heritage. This craggy coastal area, filled with footpaths, trails and cliffs, provides the ideal environment for the survival of countless species and has become one of the spots preferred by migratory birds. The headland of Ponta de Sagres, one of the last pieces of unspoilt coastline left in Southern Europe, benefits from its sparse population and low level of human intervention. The different characteristics of its marine ecosystem favour the development of a unique plant life.

9 In the East Algarve, the Ria Formosa Natural Park stretches over 60 kilometres of marshland, islets and canals, between Ancão and Manta Rota, offering visitors a magnificent landscape peppered with the pink of the flamingos and the many and varied colours of the purple gallinules, lizards and buzzards. At the park s headquarters, at Quinta do Marim, in Olhão, there is an interesting 3-kilometre walk, a special observatory for watching birds in the wild, a centre for the breeding and rearing of the Algarve water dog and a tidal mill. Also well worth a visit are the Cacela peninsula and the islands of Barreta, Deserta, Farol- Culatra (where you will find the Santa Maria lighthouse and the small fishing village of Culatra), Armona-Fuzeta, Tavira and Cabanas. Close to the mouth of the River Guadiana, the Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve is one of the country s main wetlands and the natural habitat of flamingos, black-winged stilts, herons and marsh harriers, who find the perfect conditions here for nesting. 7

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11 In the Algarve s fertile Barrocal region, the Fonte da Benémola is another protected conservation area, containing ecosystems of great interest, because of its geology, landscape and the fascinating plants and animals to be found there. Upstream, the dams and irrigation channels are amongst the most interesting points on the special nature trail that has been created along the banks of the stream. The Rocha da Pena, also classified as a protected environment, is one of the best viewing points in the Algarve s Barrocal region. Located between Benafim and Salir, this rocky outcrop covering an area of more than 600 hectares at an altitude of 479 metres forms a beautiful plateau stretching over more than 2 kilometres. The Monchique Biopark, Vilamoura Environmental Park, Barão de São João National Forest and Sagres Biogenetic Reserve are just a few more special places for discovering the native species and admiring the inspirational Algarve landscape. 9

12 10 caves and viewing points Everywhere from the depths of the caves to the giddy heights of the region s natural and historical viewing points, the beauty of the Algarve is revealed to you in all its splendour. Underground, in areas that are not easily reached, you can discover new colours, fantastic formations and unusual animals. Moncarapacho and Loulé are the areas with the greatest density of caves, providing an exciting challenge for all speleologists. If you prefer another perspective, then go up to one of countless viewing points to be found all over the Algarve and discover some of its other delights. The viewing points of Miradouro da Arrifana and Miradouro do Castelejo are excellent places for observing the force of nature along the Costa Vicentina. Miradouro da Atalaia, Fortaleza de Santa Catarina and Cerro de São Miguel are other ideal viewing points for admiring the landscape of the south coast. In the Barrocal region, some of the best viewing points are to be found at Miradouro do Malhão, Rocha dos Soídos and Rocha da Pena, which is also classified as a protected environment area. Not to be missed are the hills of Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão, giant viewing points covered in lush vegetation with houses dotted here and there.

13 cool water Whether in the form of freshwater or saltwater, there is no doubt that water is a constant feature of the Algarve. The Atlantic Ocean laps the Algarve s beaches and is fed by the calm waters of the Guadiana and Arade rivers. Along their courses, these two rivers are in turn fed by countless tributaries and streams until they finally reach the ocean in estuaries filled with their important reserves of different fish and exotic birds. Here there is the chance to enjoy some interesting river cruises and boat rides. The reservoirs formed by the dams in the rivers are other places where water brings its cooling influence to the natural beauty of the landscape. At the Barragem da Bravura, close to the village of Bensafrim, and the Barragem do Beliche, the singing of the birds blends with the rhythmic sound of the waterfalls set against the green backdrop of the surrounding hills. The natural springs in this region are famous for their healing properties and are well worth a visit. Particularly impressive are the beautiful springs of Fonte Grande and Fonte Pequena in Alte, Fonte Benémola and Fonte Filipe in Querença (Loulé), Fonte Férrea in São Brás de Alportel and Cachopo and Sítio das Fontes at Estombar, close to Lagoa. Nor should you miss Pego do Inferno in Tavira, a lofty waterfall that contrasts with the low-lying vegetation all around. 11

14 12 rural world On any trip through the fertile land of the Barrocal region or the hills of Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão, you will find countless villages and towns seemingly lost in time. The worn cobblestones of the streets, the white limewashed walls of the houses, the lacework patterns of the chimneys, the patios and the famous roof terraces where the fruits are dried, all these features bear witness to the lifestyle of an Algarve that dates back to the olden days and can still be seen today. Anyone visiting the area cannot miss the chance to observe the skilful handiwork of the local craftsmen and women and taste the magnificent locally-made cheeses, wines, brandies and sausages that bring so much flavour to the Algarve cuisine.

15 a r i n a Ribeira da Foupana Ribeira de Vascão Barragem de Alcoutim Alcoutim l d o t e S u d o e s A l e n t e j i c e n t ano e C o s t a V Aljezur Bioparque de Monchique Serra de Espinhaço de Cão Barragem da Bravura Serra de Monchique Monchique A L G A R V E Silves Barragem do Funcho Barragem do Arade Rio Arade Serra do Caldeirão Sítio Classificado da Rocha da Pena Ribeira de Alte Sítio Classificado da Fonte Benémola Barranco do Velho São Brás de Alportel Ribeira de Odeleite Barragem de Odeleite Barragem de Beliche Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António Rio Gua diana Castro Marim Vila Real de Santo António N a Vila do Bispo P a r q u e t u Lagos Ria de Alvor Portimão Lagoa Albufeira Loulé Ribeira da Asseca Tavira Rio Gilão Ilha de Faro FARO Olhão Ria Formosa Parque Natural da Ria Formosa Ilha da Barreta Ilha da Barreta Ilha da Armona useful contacts Forest protection helpline 117 S.O.S. Environment Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (South-West Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park) Rua Serpa Pinto, Odemira Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) [email protected] Reserva Natural do Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo António (Sapal de Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Nature Reserve) Sapal de Venta Moinhos, Apartado Castro Marim Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) [email protected] Parque Natural da Ria Formosa (Ria Formosa Natural Park) Centro de Educação Ambiental de Marim - Quelfes Olhão Tel.: (+351) /5 Fax: (+351) [email protected] 13

16 c Associação Turismo do Algarve ASSOCIAÇÃO TURISMO DO ALGARVE ALGARVE PROMOTION BUREAU Av. 5 de Outubro, Faro - PORTUGAL Tel.: (+351) Fax: (+351) [email protected] EN