Vila do Bispo is a municipality located in the Algarve region of Portugal. This municipality occupies the south western tip of Portugal and is home to about 5,500 people. This municipality contains five different parishes including Barгo de Sгo Miguel, Budens, Raposeira, Vila do Bispo and Sagres.

The municipality of Vila do Bispo encompasses some of the most rugged and breathtaking coastline in all of Portugal. Mile after mile of jagged cliffs are pounded relentlessly by the ocean, and the lonely lighthouse perched on top of the ruins of a Franciscan convent stands lonely vigil in Cabo Sao Vincente.

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Vila do Bispo also includes the Parque Natural da Costa Vicentina. This area is protected to ensure the continuation of its pristine beauty. Within the park one can find quiet beaches and the groundcover is home to a multitude of animals. This is a popular area for bird watching.
Tourism is the main source of economy for this area, but unlike some of the more populated areas of the Algarve, this municipality remains quiet in the off-season and while it can swell with surfers and families during the summer months, most of the non-native residents are retired or near retirement age. This is a popular area for purchasing land and building to suit, as there is much land available in this relatively low density municipality.
There are a variety of beaches in the area, and those on the north western coast enjoy waves that are very appealing to surfers. As a result, during the summer months the beaches are filled with wave seekers while in the off season the beaches can be deserted.
Vila do Bispo is home of much historical significance, and in addition to a variety of ruins, churches and forts, there are also many menhirs in this area which date back thousands of years. These menhirs speak of a time long gone by and while their true nature remains shrouded in mystery, that they still stand at all is remarkable.

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The municipality of Vila do Bispo is perhaps one of the last portions of Portugal to be fully appreciated. The beauty of the rugged coastline and windswept plateaus is home to some of the most quaint and traditional villages in the country. People are beginning to catch on however, and while accommodations are still fairly inexpensive in this area, they won’t remain so forever.

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LocationSituated between Albufeira and Alvor on the southern coast of Portugal, Carvoeiro is an easy five kilometers south of Lagoa. This centrally located village is popular for those who wish to partake of all that is offered by the surrounding areas while still enjoying the relative peace of Carvoeiro.

Beaches
Like much of the Algarve, Carvoeiro has its share of stunning beaches. There is a difference with those in Carvoeiro compared to some of the others. The beaches in this area tend to be more natural looking with jagged cliffs looming above, or carved out of tiny coves and thus are smaller in nature.

Buying to let
Buying to let is an attractive option for those looking for property as an investment. There are a variety of management companies who excel at maintaining properties, and the area remains in high demand for families and the elderly who are looking for a vacation destination that has all that southern Portugal has to offer without being in one of the primary tourist hot-spots.

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Quiet
With its origins as another sleepy fishing village, Carvoeiro has grown to encompass some of the spill-over tourism industry from Albufeira and other cities in the Algarve region. This influx of tourist dollars has bolstered the economy and while the inevitable restaurants and bars did move in they did so quietly. Carvoeiro has retained much of the quiet atmosphere that it once had, and this is a big draw for people wishing to purchase property in a less frenetic atmosphere.

Golf & Tennis
Carvoeiro has within easy driving distance of town, three golf centers which offer both nine and eighteen hole courses which appeal to golfers of all levels. The avid golf player will appreciate having courses in his backyard, but if a larger challenge ensues then Carvoeiro is just a short distance from a multitude of other courses. The Carvoeiro Clube de Tйnis is a fairly new facility which offers both tennis and other fitness related activities. It is also a social hub for people to socialize, relax, take lessons or watch or participate in one of its many competitions. They claim to be the most active tennis club in Portugal.

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Variety
Unlike many other towns and cities in the Algarve region that have lost some of their traditional uniqueness to the tourist’s demand of the modern, Carvoeiro has managed to merge these two types of architecture into one town. As a result there are a variety of both newly built properties on the outskirts of town while the more traditional variety of Portuguese home can be found tucked alongside one of the town’s narrow roads. This kind of variety is attractive to people who wish to compare options or who like the dichotomy between old and new.

Climate
The climate of Carvoeiro is a major draw for people who live outside of Portugal, and many choose to uproot from their home countries to live in this sunny climate. Long days of sunshine are neither too hot nor cold, and there is always a lively breeze blowing in from off the ocean. The Algarve region boasts three thousand hours of sunshine per year, and the temperature rarely tops twenty five degrees centigrade.

Reasonable Prices
Even though property prices in Carvoeiro are going to be more pricy than in some interior areas of Portugal, they are still considered a good deal compared to properties in neighboring Albufeira or Lagoa. While prices are slowly recovering from the global housing slump, there are still good deals to be found for those interested in mid to long term investments.

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Future Growth
Aware of the impact of mass tourism on cities like Albufeira, the village of Carvoeiro has implemented a variety of planning and expansion restrictions that will allow for slow and measured growth with construction that adheres to the established tenets. As such, ugly high-rises or other high-density housing is not to be found in Carvoeiro, rather new construction consists of well planned and elegant homes and villas that embrace nature rather than hide it.

Economy
Once entirely reliant on the fishing industry, Carvoeiro has now become dependent on the tourism industry. Fishing is still an important and celebrated industry but the arrival of tourists enabled the town to expand and now the majority of people native to Carvoeiro are working in a tourism related job. Tourism is an excellent and very dependable industry in the area, and all evidence suggests continued growth in towns like Carvoeiro that have managed to maintain their original charm.

Regardless the reason, people have and continue to purchase property in Carvoeiro. There is a steady supply of available properties which manage to keep the prices in line, and demand continues to be there as more and more people see the advantages of purchasing a second or investment home in the area.

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Location
Alvor is in the district of Faro in the Algarve region. Located between Lagos and Portimгo, it rests on a quiet lagoon on Portugal’s southern coast. This once sleepy fishing village is now home to many who work in the larger nearby cities, or who want to live in the Algarve without being in the heart of over-commercialization.
Economy
Primarily established as a fishing village, Alvor’s economy is now supported by the tourism industry of the Algarve region, and by the variety of water sport competitions which are held on the lagoon. A variety of nearby resorts offer employment for those who live in the area, and visitors are continually drawn to Alvor for the luxurious yet moderately priced accommodation. Alvor is growing at a measured place, and great deals on property are available to those who are interested in mid to long term investment opportunities.

PicturesqueAlvor has retained much of the picturesque charm that is native to a coastal fishing village. Narrow cobblestone streets wind through the lazy town, and the brightly colored fishing boats can be seen bobbing on the lagoon. This hilly town offers panoramic views of the lagoon and countryside, and Portuguese charm and history is etched onto much of the architecture and hospitality of the people.

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DemandThe demand for quality rental accommodations in Alvor is steadily rising as more and more tourists realize that Alvor is a great destination for a relaxing vacation. This desire for quality accommodations is spurred by the lack of quality in resorts that are built too quickly to capitalize on the sudden tourism growth. In addition, visitors to Alvor are often looking for a more genuine experience outside of the ultra modern hotel facilities. As such, Alvor remains a viable location for purchasing property with the intent to rent.

Climate
With a short rainy season, Alvor benefits from the same sunny and moderate temperature climate that the rest of the Algarve shares. Light sea breezes keep the hot days of summer to an enjoyable temperature, and the relatively mild winters make this area a great option for those who are looking to purchase property in an area with an amenable climate.

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Beaches
Alvor is home to a huge sandy beach called Praia de Alvor, which is just a short walk from town. This is a long beach with dunes, and large rock cliffs at the end of the beach provide much needed shade. This beach is an ideal choice for sun-seekers as even in the peak season there is still plenty of room.

Family Friendly
Alvor is an ideal place for families to either live or visit. There are a variety of supermarkets in the area to support the residents, and the area offers a variety of activities for those with kids. The Slide and Splash Water Park is nearby, as well as canoeing on the Alvor River, fishing and boat rentals, or tours to go dolphin watching. The Zoomarine marine park is also nearby for family outings.

Riverfront
Alvor’s riverfront is a powerful lure to those who are looking to purchase property in the Algarve. With a unique charm and updated look, the riverfront area is one of the main attractions of the area. It is a fully paved, palm tree lined avenue which is lined with bars and restaurants with outside seating for lazing over coffee or a meal while watching the harbor. The aromas of grilled fish waft over the area and you know everything is fresh because the fishing boats come and go all day long delivering fresh catch.

Food and Drink
Bars and restaurants abound in Alvor, and while those that are on the riverfront or the beaches tend to be slightly more expensive, the secluded spots on the narrow winding roads inside Alvor offer both tourist and resident a bargain for freshly cooked quality meals. Wine is a staple and is very reasonably priced both in the local supermarket and at restaurants. There are a variety of bars which cater to the English speaking crowd, although the local Portuguese establishments are quaint and charming.

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Variety From modern condominiums and apartments to luxuriously appointed villas, there is a wide variety of properties available in and around Alvor. New or resale, there are deals to be found in the area for those wishing to purchase a first or second home, or to use it as an investment property.

Alvor has managed to retain much of its sleepy fishing village atmosphere while still offering modern amenities and a variety of accommodations. People are drawn to this quaint village which is centrally located in the Algarve, with easy access to the larger nearby cities. Alvor is an attractive option for those looking to purchase property as it is an upcoming area which is drawing more and more attention away from the other traditional hot-spots in the Algarve region.

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Economy
Initially, Cascais existed as a fishing hamlet whose sole economy was built around providing Lisbon with fresh fish. Today, the fishing economy has been replaced by tourism as Cascais has become a popular destination for the wealthy. This regular influx of affluent visitors supports the local economy and it is an ideal place to purchase property as a medium to long term investment or to start a new business.

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LocationLocated on the Costa do Sol, Cascais is an easy commute from Lisbon. At a distance of only 25 kilometers from Lisbon, Cascais is an attractive place to live for those who work in the city but choose not to live there.

Golf
Like many other areas in Portugal, golf has become an essential form of recreation. Cascais has a variety of both nine and eighteen hole golf courses from which to choose with varying difficulties, and this appeals to a broad range players with various skill levels. Golf aficionados often consider Cascais when choosing to purchase property because of the stellar courses in the area.

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Beaches
Some of the best beaches in Portugal are located in Cascais. One in particular, the world famous Guincho beach, is accredited with having the best waves in Europe. Due to this, surfers and windsurfers alike flock to the area to take advantage of the great waves. The beaches near Cascais all have calm waters and fine sand, and many of the beaches have added features like loungers, shades, changing rooms and nearby restaurants.

Climate
The Mediterranean climate of Cascais is delightful; mild winters and comfortable summers have temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold. Spring and fall are equally splendid and the warm fresh breezes that blow in off the Atlantic keep the days feeling fresh. People from all over the world choose to purchase property in Cascais to take advantage of the stunning climate.

Accessibility
Within an easy drive of Lisbon, Cascais is just off the A5 highway. In addition, there are a variety of commuter train routes that pass through Cascias connecting it to Lisbon and the rest of Portugal. The Aeroporto Municipal de Cascais is capable of handling small and commuter airlines, and for those travelling by sea, the harbor and marina are also well equipped. Ease of access to both the ocean and Lisbon are attractive features to Cascais that many potential property buyers are pleased with.

CoastlineWhile much of the coastline of Portugal is rugged cliffs followed by soft sandy beaches, the coastline of Cascais is particularly breathtaking. Carved from the cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean has chiseled away at the coastline creating an almost alien landscape of jagged rock formations. A short distance outside of Cascais is Boca do Inferno and this popular sightseeing attraction typifies Mother Nature’s aggression. Here the cliffs are pounded by the ocean and at certain times of the day the chasms turn into impressive blowholes. The rugged beauty of the area is a main feature for those who wish the amenities of city life without being landlocked.

Harbor and MarinaThe luxurious marina in Cascais caters to both the jet-set and local marine traffic. It is a modern and well equipped facility with sufficient mooring for 630 vessels and another 120 berths for boats passing through. In 2007 Cascais hosted the ISAF World Championship Sailing for yachts and dinghies. For the tourist the marina offers rentals and tours of the stunning coastline. This world class facility is a draw for those who wish to live near their boats and for this reason many choose to purchase property in Cascais.

Resort Atmosphere
Cascais has a vibrant nightlife which draws many young people while at the same time the relaxed atmosphere and sunny days make it seem like Cascais is not a thriving city but rather a vacation resort. This way of life of days filled with beaches and the sound of the surf and nights at fantastic restaurants followed by the disco, is what lures a lot of people to Cascais.

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Recreation
Another reason that people choose to purchase property in Cascais is due to the wide variety of recreational activities. There is a plethora of restaurants, multiple nightlife venues including bars and clubs, castle ruins, museums, parks, a small zoo as well as a variety of local sites. In addition, Cascais hosts multiple festivals which are always a popular diversion.

No matter the reason, Cascais is an attractive place to live and continues to be luring to those who wish to purchase property in the area. This vibrant and cosmopolitan city has unique charm and an old world feel that entices many to call Cascais home.

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Easy hop on-hop off city tours

An easy way to see this beautiful city is to take a hop on-hop off tour.

You can choose from 1-day or 2-day passes – these give you unlimited number of rides on selected buses and canal buses, and you can make as many stops as you wish along the way. Buses come equipped with multi-language audio systems – just ask for your language of choice - and you’ll be treated to informative commentaries of the tourist attractions.

Buses usually make pit stops at Amsterdam’s most visited tourist destinations: the historic city centre, the old port, the flea market, the Amstel river, the Magere Brug (the 16th century Dutch-style ‘skinny’ bridge), Amsterdam’s major museums and the Red Light District.

Fascinating walking tours

Amsterdam’s city centre is fairly small and flat, and its main tourist attractions are centrally located – so walking tours are a good way to see the city.

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Try the historical walking tours that take tourists to the resplendent Royal Palace, elegant public squares and flea markets, historical churches, the old city gates and museums such as the Anne Frank Museum and the Rembrandt House Museum. Amsterdam is also home to Begijnhof, a medieval courtyard where women lived in a semi-religious community, and the Spinhuis, the 16th century women’s prison located on part of an old convent.

For those curious about the seedier part of Amsterdam, take a walk on the wild side with the ‘after dark’ tours.

The Red Light District tours bring you through the beautiful narrow cobbled streets of the Rossebuurt neighbourhood. You’ll pass by shop windows displaying women (and men) plying their trade, live sex shows and peep shows. There will also be scores of brothels, sex shops, theatres, bars, pubs and clubs. Pop by the Prostitute Information Centre and chat with former prostitutes.

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On the cannabis tours, you’ll be visiting Amsterdam’s infamous coffeeshops - these aren’t cafes, but shops where cannabis is sold and smoked. Tour guides will give you an insight into the cannabis industry, culture and politics, and bring you to the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum. Some guides even recommend their favourite coffeeshops and hash retail shops.

Check out Amsterdam’s party scene with the club and pub crawls – you’ll get to dance and drink the night away at the city’s top clubs and pubs.

Enchanting canal cruises

Amsterdam offers a host of interesting cruises down its canals and waterways.

There are the ever popular breakfast and lunch cruises where you’ll discover the historical city centre with its charming canals, bridges, medieval houses and squares.

With the canal bus hop on-hop off cruises, you can get off at any of the bus stops located near the main tourist attractions, museums, shopping areas and restaurants.

Why not join one of the specialty cruises – take you pick from romantic candlelight cruises, music and theatre cruises, wine and cheese tasting cruises, luxury vodka and caviar cruises, and pub cruises.

Exhilarating bike tours

If you prefer a little sun and a good workout, the bike tours might be the thing for you. Amsterdam is a bicycle-friendly city, so cycling within the city is extremely enjoyable. But do watch out as bicycle-theft is common.

Cycling is also ideal for exploring beyond the historic city centre. Amsterdam has several parks in town such as Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark, and at the edge of the city lies the forest-like park, Amsterdamse Bos.

Travel north and take the ferry across the IJ bay, and you’ll arrive at rustic Waterland – imagine reeds rustling in the cool breeze, cows, sheep, farms and villages. Cycle half an hour south along the Amstel River and you’ll find yourself in the beautiful village of Ouderkerk. Head southeast along the Amsterdam-Rhine canal and the medieval towns of Muiden and Weesp await your arrival.

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Relaxing bus tours

Another fantastic way to see the city and countryside is to go on a bus tour.

Tours going north from Amsterdam take you to villages with picturesque windmills and ditches, traditional fishing villages, and wooden shoe factories.

Visit medieval Alkmaar, home to a centuries-old cheese market - you’ll see how cheese-carriers dressed in traditional wear selling cheese the old-fashioned way.

A colourful trip to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, will bedazzle you with beautiful tulips, hyacinths, orchids, daffodils, lilies and crocuses. You’ll also see the world famous flower auction at Aalsmeer.

With all the choices available, you’d have trouble deciding which tour to take!

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Tavira is located in the eastern half of the Algarve, and has a population of around 25,000. This city has recently benefitted from the tourism boom affecting most of the Algarve, and as a result the spotlight has begun to shine on this once sleepy city. With its own section of beachfront, Tavira is presenting itself as a viable option for property buyers to the over commercialized and populated tourist areas of the Algarve.

Architecture
The rich Moorish and Roman history of the area has left its stamp on the architecture of Tavira. With the traditional whitewashed walls and tiled roofs, Moorish doors and a plethora of ancient churches, this area is resplendent with history. People who are looking to purchase a truly unique property are often drawn to Tavira for the architecture.

Kid FriendlyIn a newly revised edition of their famous book on traveling with children, Lonely Planet recently announced that the beach at Tavira is one of the world’s top ten best beaches for families. Part of the reason for that accolade is the Sand Construction competition which is held yearly on Tavira Island Beach. Specifically for children, this is a highly anticipated event.

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Cultural Events
Tavira has a whole host of cultural festivals that run all year around. From the Oyster Festival and the Sea Gastronomy Festival to the traditional Tavira Carnival, there is always something going on in Tavira. In addition, there are a variety of museums open to the public including the Museum of Tuna Fishing and the Museum of Wine.
Tavira Island
A popular destination, this island is unique to Tavira and is incentive for many who choose to purchase property in the area. This island is accessible only by boat or ferry, which depart from the center of the city as well as a couple other places. The best beach in the Algarve is on Tavira Island, and the entire island is a part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and as such is a delight for bird watchers and lovers. In addition, there is an area for camping as well as several restaurants to service the tourists. While there are some privately owned homes on the island, a ban on construction ensures that no more are built and the current ones aren’t allowed to be sold.

Buy to LetPurchasing property in Tavira with the intent to use it as a second property and claim rental income from it is a popular choice. As attention shifts away from the populated and commercialized areas like Albufeira and Vilamoura, tourists and long term renters are looking for more traditional and less frenetic areas like Tavira.

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EconomyLike much of the Algarve, Tavira has benefitted from the tourist industry boom and to feed the need of tourists looking to branch out from Albufeira, Tavira has risen to the occasion by providing golf courses and resort accommodation for vacationers. As a result, this has provided an additional layer of economic stability to the area which has had a positive affect on home values and the demand for housing. Therefore, purchasing property in Tavira can be a wise investment with likely returns on your purchase once attention fully shifts toward this area as a viable alternative to some of the Algarve’s more populated areas.

GolfGolf is taken very seriously in Tavira. With a variety of courses to choose from, these relatively new courses cater to both resident and tourist. These courses offer stunning views of mountain or ocean, or both, and are a relief to the ever present construction which has plagued much of the area. Their endless rolling green fairways and challenging holes make a day of golf a pleasure indeed.

Climate
As part of Portugal’s sunny southern coast, Tavira is blessed with the kind of weather that those from northern and western Europe can only dream of. With more than three thousand hours of sunshine per year, and a climate which stays warm and not too humid, the climate is in itself incentive for many who choose to buy property in Tavira.

Accessibility
Located just off the IP1 Tollway, Tavira is easily accessible from Faro International Airport to the west, as well as to various other cities in Portugal by the variety of motorways which pass through or nearby to the city. In addition, Tavira is divided by a river and each half of the city is accessible by crossing the bridge.

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Way of LifeAttractive to many potential property buyers is Tavira’s relaxed way of life. Having yet escaped the full force of the tourism industry, Tavira is still a slow paced small city with emphasis on enjoyment of life and personal fulfillment. Taking time to chat with a neighbor or to linger over dinner is essential to the new buyer, and be sure to leave behind all your worries as you walk in the evening hours along the cobblestone streets through this ancient city.

Tavira is considered by many to be the hidden gem of the Algarve. It has managed to benefit from the tourism industry without being overwhelmed by it. By maintaining the traditional architecture the city has created a visual identity that is so appealing to many who choose to purchase property in this area and belong to a quaint and culturally rooted community.

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People from all across the Roman Empire as well as those from Africa travelled through Ossonoba on their way in and out of southwest Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. They were attracted by the wealth and culture of Osonoba; artifacts have been recovered which support the hypothesis that the area was quite cultured and wealthy.
The Moors came to rule Ossonoba in the eighth century and the town retained its wealth and importance to the Iberian Peninsula. In the ninth century Ossonoba was renamed as Santa Maria and came to be known as the capital city of the princedom and a defensive wall was built to protect the town. The Moors ruled for five hundred years and in this time the town became known as Harun, and then Faro.

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Faro was captured by the Christian King Alfonso III in 1249 and the Moors were expelled. The King appointed Faro as the administrative center of the Algarve region, but allowed a small Muslim community continued to live in Faro, but they were forced to live outside the defensive wall.
Over the ensuing few hundred years, Faro continued to grow and expand with the mariners being responsible for the continued wealth and growth of the town. There is historical evidence that a great number of knights were attracted to the area and these knights brought with them their squires and retinues. By 1499 King D. Manual I understood the town’s importance and strategic location and ordered the construction of buildings like a hospital, shrine and butcher shop all to support the local infrastructure.

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In 1540 Faro earned the rank of city, and in 1577 the Bishop’s Palace was relocated to the ever-growing city. Convents and more churches were built to accommodate the swelling population.
In 1596 Faro was sacked by the Earl of Essex and his men who set fire to many areas and damaged as many buildings as possible before being pushed out.
By the eighteenth century Faro was again considered the most important city in the area, as well as the largest and most prosperous. It continued to grown and thrive based on the continuing importance of the sea trade as well as salt and other exports which were still in high demand throughout the area.

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With the destructive earthquake and tsunami of 1755 many of the other towns and cities of the region were heavily damaged but Faro escaped from harm due to the naturally protective formation of the Ria Formosa lagoon. Since that time, Faro has been the recognized capital of the region.

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Archeological evidence confirms man’s presence in this area since around 4,000 BC and throughout the Bronze Age. There is also evidence of Roman occupation, as well as historical evidence from the other occupying forces. Receiving the town’s first charter in 1280 during the reign of King Dinis, the town prospered from that point onward, with agriculture being the main economy. Produce was shipped by way of the port on the Aljezur creek until silt buildups in the creek forced the produce to go by road to market.

The earthquake of 1755 caused so much damage to Aljezur that a new settlement was built in order to convince the people to stay in Aljezur and not move out of the area.

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Not much changed for the newly rebuilt Aljezur until the tourism boom of 1960 struck and the town is now enjoying a surge in economic activity.

Aljezur is an ancient settlement famous for being the last Arab fortress to be conquered by the Portuguese in the 13th century. Complete with a Moorish castle dating back to the 10th century, this municipality has a variety of museums celebrating its history.

The castle, the site of the Carrapateira fishing village (12th century), the Arrifana Fortress and the Ribat of Atalaia Point (12th century) are all historical points of interest which are currently undergoing excavation with the artifacts and historical data to be displayed in a museum which is currently under construction.

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Today, much of the coastline of Aljezur is under government protection and is classified as a Nature Park. Called the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, this natural park stretches from the parish of Odeceixe in the north to the parish of Burgau in the south; about 80 kilometers of coastline. Due to this protection, the shoreline is untouched and visitors can enjoy the natural splendor, unlike other coastal areas in Algrave which have been commercialized for tourism.

The parish of Aljezur is divided by the Aljezur River. The older settlement on one side of the river and the one built after the earthquake on the other side. The oldest part of the town contains a wealth of historical points of interest from museums to the castle which overshadows all.

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The economy of the area is driven by tourism. Tourists who are curious about the natural beauty of the area flock to Aljezur to fish, surf and partake in many other ocean sports. There are also a variety of non-water based sports such as climbing, cycling and hiking which are favorites in this area. With a variety of accommodations available from rustic guest houses and bed and breakfasts to hotels with modern amenities, there is something for everyone in Aljezur.

The municipality of Aljezur has maintained its rustic charm, refusing to give sway to the ultra modern that is so often presented to tourists. In Aljezur you’ll find pastoral charm and a native friendliness as the people of this municipality are proud of their heritage, their way of life, and their protected coastline.

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The area is rich with deposits of iron, manganese and copper which attracted settlers as early as 2500 BC until the Roman occupation, and many mines were dug in order to efficiently extract the ores. The ores were smelted in the area, and then shipped down the Guadiana River which emptied into the Mediterranean. From the sea, the ores were distributed throughout the empire.
The location of Alcoutim on the Guadiana River is an important one. It is located at the point in the river where it becomes tidal. Vessels which carried the ores down the river were forced to wait for hours until the tide changed and allowed them to carry on. As a result, there was a need for structures to not only support these vessels, but also to defend them should the need arise.

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With a strategic location and a wealth of ores, the town of Alcoutim changed hands many times until the 14th century when King Fernando I and King Henrique signed a peace treaty in the middle of the river across from Alcoutim. Thereafter several centuries of peace ensued until the War of the Restoration in 1640-1668. Afterwards, in the 19th century the guerrilla leader named Remexido hid from the defenders of the monarchy in the hills of Alcoutim.
Today Alcoutim is slowly emerging from a period of economic decline brought on by the area’s poor soils, the town’s distance from the coast, the Guadiana River’s lack of importance as a shipping route and the diminishing ores from the mines.
There are five parishes within the municipality of Alcoutim: Pereiro, Giхes, Martim Longo, Vacqueiros, and Alcoutim.

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The church in the parish of Pereiro still stands intact from the 16th century and contains a collection of statues and retables. The houses in the area are in the traditional style of the Algarve uplands.
The parish of Giхes also has a church which dates back to the 16th century and is particularly stunning with a painted ceiling and another stunning collection of statues and retables. In addition, the area is also home to the ruins of the St. Dominic medieval hermitage.
The main church of Martim Longo was originally a mosque, and many of the original Moorish decorations still exist. This parish has several places of cultural interest including the hermitages of the Holy Spirit and St. Sebastian both which were erected in the 16th century, and the hermitage of St. Just which dates back to the late Middle Ages.

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Vaqueiros’ church is small and white, and the houses nearest to it mimic the architectural style of white limestone walls.
The parish of Alcoutim is also home to Alcoutim Castle, which stands atop a hill at the confluence of the San Marcos and Guadiana Rivers. It was built in the 13th century, and today is home to a museum which showcases the history of the area and the collection of artifacts found after nearby excavations. Nearby the River Museum offers insight into the history of life on the river, including the tumultuous period of time where the town changed hands many times.
The municipality of Alcoutim is small and sleepy, but the residents are proud of their heritage and preserve their culture in many ways including the production of handicrafts such as making lace, linens and baskets among other things.

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Alcoutim is a town in Portugal on the border with Spain. It has population of about 4000 residents and is the least populated municipality in the country. The town of Alcoutim is near the Guadiana River and just across from the Spanish town of Sanlucar de Guadiana. 

The Algarve is a rich, verdant area with pleasant hills and valleys which roll right up to the craggy cliffs that mark the beginning of its many beaches. The region also includes several islands and islets, and is also the home of a nature reserve called the Ria Formosa Lagoon which is a connecting chain of barrier islands which are a resting ground for migrating birds.
Perhaps the Algarve’s most striking geographical feature is the coastline which stretches for miles throughout which are scattered grottoes and limestone caves, especially around Lagos. Many of these are only accessible by boat, and there are tours available in the nearby towns for tourists who wish to see the coastline up close.
After tourism, horticulture and aquaculture are essential parts of the economy of the region. Products include almonds, figs, oranges and carob beans many of which are grown in large plastic greenhouses which cover immense tracts of land. Fishing provides sole, sardines, gilt-head bream and other seafood for export and local consumption.
The Algarve is also renowned for wine production, with four wines having achieved the elite Protected Designation of Origin status. Winery tours are a popular tourist activity, but many of the area’s wineries are also open to the public for individual visits.
Tourism has only been a major part of the economy since the 1960’s. Prior to that Algarve’s main industries had been food processing, construction and cement and to an extent they still are very important.
The region is a popular destination for the British as well as the Dutch, German and Irish. There are English newspapers and publications specifically for the tourists, and in addition to the wealth of beaches, the region also invested in the construction of world-class golf courses to help attract more visitors. Spa vacations are also very popular, with Caldas de Monchique being one of the more popular spa towns.

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The Algarve region is blessed with a temperate climate and a plethora of sunny days. The location, the culture and certainly the weather have all been factors in attracting Northern Europeans who purchase holiday or permanent homes in the area. The real estate market is booming in the region. Portugal is a part of the European Union, and any other EU citizen has the ability to purchase property with little fuss. As such, a recent wave of British, German, Dutch and Scandinavian expatriates have moved into the area.

In the last fifty years the Algarve has experienced a boom in property development to meet the demand of both buyers and tourists. In addition to the traditional resorts and hotels of every level, there are many of the more traditional Portuguese guest houses which are run by both natives and expatriates.

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The capital city of Faro has an international airport which services the region and is also home to the University of the Algarve. This is a public university offering degree programs in a wide range of fields. There is also a variety of private education facilities for all ages, as well as state-run and international schools to cater to the diverse student population.

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The regions largest stadium, the Estбdio Algarve, is also located in Faro. This 30,000 seat facility was built for the 2004 European Football Championship, and has since been used for many sporting and cultural events.
With an average temperature that ranges between 15 and 31 degrees centigrade in the summer, and rarely falling below zero in the winter, the Algarve is a popular destination for those seeking a place to live where they can have a better quality of life, and those who are just looking for a short getaway.

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