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Even though Lisbon is the main tourist attraction, the Algarve is also considered to be the biggest and most important Portuguese tourist region.
Let's explore the area and the main landmarks. Click and navigate through the places, such as this incredible view in Sagres.
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Faro
The Algarve region is actually the same area as the Faro district.
The coastline of the city, part of the Nature Park of Ria Forma, is considered one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. During the winter, the region is a nest of flamingos running from the cold from the North.
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In one village of the municipality, it is possible to visit the Estói Palace, a beautiful garden and building in the middle of the rural landscape.
The palace, built in the 19th century, has a rococo style and is also renowned for its azulejos.
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Portimão
It is the second most populous city in the region (besides Faro) and its main attraction are the beaches.
Praia da Rocha, as you can see, has a beautiful landscape and, together with Praia da Santa Catarina, are the desired destinations by tourists from all regions.
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The incredible views can also be seen from the Fort of Santa Catarina, constructed to defend the peninsula from pirates, privateers and military invasions.
The increasing tourism in the region forced some changes in its architecture to accommodate a restaurant.
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Sagres
The city located in the extreme South of the country, it hosts two important divisions for the world: the Cape St. Vincent and Sagres Point, which establish a transition between the eastern coastal and meridional zones.
Here the nautical school was first developed by Prince Henry the Navigator.
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Some Mediterranean peoples venerated their divinities from here and some believed it was the gathering place for their gods.
King Sebastian was known to have spent time in the city, listening to music along the cliffs and the sea.
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Loulé
The largest municipality in the Algarve, Loulé includes famous towns near the sea and hidden villages in the mountains.
The Bicas Velhas were fountains of water to drink and do laundry during the 19th century.
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The Mercado Municipal de Loulé opened in June 1908. It is one of the finest examples of revivalist architecture in the Algarve. Designed by Lisbon architect Alfredo Costa Campos, it is neo-Arab in style, with four sections and four doorways.
You are all set!
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