AL-GHARB

Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal and is mostly known for its sunny climate, yellow sand beaches and green golf courses. But it was also here, that in the 15th century the Portuguese set off to the unknow and began to discover the world.

Five centuries of Moorish occupation, left a strong influence in this region, which is easily noticed in the names of villages, monuments, and local architecture. In fact, most of the portuguese words that starts with "al" have an arabic origin - eg: Algarve (al-gharb - the west), Azulejo (al-zuleij - tile) or Azeite (az-zayt - olive oil).

This rich historical inheritance is still very much alive in the local culture. You can visit museums, churches, forts and castles in places like Aljezur, Lagos, Silves, Faro, Tavira, Castro Marim and Alcoutim, and witness the magnificence of Portuguese history, its people and their traditions.

MOST PHOTOGRAPHED SITES IN PORTUGAL #5 - SÍTIO, NAZARÉ

 

According to the website sightsmap.com, Portugal is one of the most photographed areas of the world. 

We wondered if some of the photos are yours? 

At 110 meters of altitude, on the small promontory of Monte Sítio, you can have one of the most amazing views over the picturesque little fishing town of Nazaré.
 

At the top sits the Ermida da Memória chapel, built by D. Fuas Roupinho after the miracle performed by Our Lady. Accordingly to legend, on a foggy day in 1182, local nobleman D. Fuas Roupinho was in pursuit of a deer when the animal disappeared off the edge of the Sítio precipice. He cried out to the Virgin for help, and his horse miraculously stopped right at cliff's edge. Believed it or not, the fact is that nowadays, the mark of one of its horseshoes is still visible.