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The Algarve is composed of 5.411 square kilometres with approx. 420,000
(Year 2004) permanent inhabitants. This figure can swell to over a million
people at the height of the summer. Its administrative centre is Faro
controlling 16 Municipalities, who in turn govern a total of 77 Parishes.
The length of the south-facing coastline is approx. 155 kilometres and
stretches about 52 kilometres to the north on the west. At the widest point
to the north, it is approximately 36 kilometres deep. Communication is
mainly by road but there is single-track railway line running from Lagos
to Vila Real do Santo António that also links to the line running to
Lisbon and further north. The old "EN125" main road
runs along the whole coast and has now been greatly replaced by the new
almost parallel motorway "A22" (also known as the Via do
Infante). Starting at the border of Spain and stretching west to Lagos.
Close to Albufeira it joins with the main motorway to Lisbon.
This motorway will take the visitor from the Spanish boarder at Vila Real
de Santo António in the east to the historic town of Lagos in the
west in a little over one hour of driving, thus now making the whole Algarve
very easily accessible. There is one international airport located close to
Faro and this conveniently lies in the middle of the Algarve coastline.
There are about 100 sandy attractive beaches washed by the Atlantic Ocean
and due to the maritime shelf and water currents the sea temperature can be
often be surprisingly warm even in some winter months. Located on the tip of
Europe with the vast ocean of the Atlantic as its southern and western border,
this enviable position gives this region possibly the most unpolluted climate
in the European continent.
The interior from the coast greatly
varies in its picturesque appeal due to its variety of fauna, soil
and contours. In January and February the coast is painted white
with almond blossom shading the many varieties of wild orchids.
In March, the heady perfume of orange blossom mixes with the bloom
of acacias. During the month of April the bountiful wild flowers
give cause to the delightful music of the many colourful birds. May
and June is the time to see the raw beauty of the striking bare
barks of stripped cork trees in contrast to the palette purple of
the jacaranda. July is the time of cherries, strawberries and melons.
August and September provide the picking of grapes, figs and almonds.
November is for the gathering of chestnuts for the national festival
of São Martinho. Whilst, in December it is time to start
picking the famous sweet juicy Algarve oranges which continue through
to March.
Away from the immediate coastal
plain are the foothills leading up to the highest point Foia
(902 mts.) above the un-spoilt village of Monchique. This
mountain area is well known for the layers of Roman terraces with
granite stone walls that provide the stream of local vegetables
that can be found on sale in the local market. Also, from this region
comes the local brewed drink "Medronho" that is best drunk
in one of the many local taverns.
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