The southernmost coast of Portugal includes a shoreline over 150km in length. More than 70% of the coast is protected nature preserves, harbouring wildlife during its transitory stages. Driving west you will watch the sand dunes slowly give way to unique rock formations and cliffs overlooking the beach side caves.
The coastal cities and inland towns vary greatly; while the majority of the population inhabits coastal areas, driving inland reveals a landscape still rural and largely untouched by modern man. This is a great boon for those seeking an Algarve property.
Albufeira offers something a little bit different from all the other towns, it has a fishing village feel but with full tourist facilities, in addition it has some quite stunning rock formations. Faro opens directly onto the sea and has an international airport, to bring in the several million visitors that the Algarve receives each year. Loule is an abstractive inland town very popular with tourists. Another amazing village is Monchique with beautiful countryside and national park. Lagos and Lagoa both offer unique insights into the past of these unique ports.
The Algarve region is derived from Arabic for “the West”. The Moors inhabited the area in the 8th century and the influence can still be felt today. This southernmost region of Portugal is home to about half a million inhabitants. Tourism, seafood, and fruit make up the bulk of the economy. Fruit includes oranges, carob beans, figs and almonds, are other important products in the region. The Algarve region ranks as one of the richest in Portugal, which is great for Algarve Property searchers. The University of the Algarve is located here.
The Algarve region was ruled by Islamic Moors for over 400 years. This is evidenced by architecture, language, and customs still around today. What we have learned is that this area hosted several amazing civilizations including: Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Celts, and Visigoths. It was the Moors that brought mass agriculture to the region.
The Algarve will continue to attract property investors as it is by far ther most popular and the most valuable property in Portugal.