It appears that a similar project is underway for regional tourism as well, because what better place to start promoting one’s touristic capabilities than in one’s own country.

The project is called ‘Rediscovering the Algarve’s Secrets’ and is part of the tourism authority’s push to show both journalists and tour operators alike some of the region’s hidden gems. Focusing on the ‘hidden’ part might just be one of the things needed to boost the region’s tourism, since the major gems are quite popular by now.

The first of these ‘familiarization trips’ will be held in Alcoutim on April 18 and the twenty participants will be exploring the region as well as its tourism potential as well as partake in a number of special activities prepared for their enjoyment.

A statement from Desiderio Silva – the president of the Algarve Tourism Board – said that journalists are needed to be made aware of the Algarve from a different perspective, so that they can then in turn help to ‘sell’ the destination much better through their own experiences. The idea behind  this initiative being that the Algarve has many more points of interest with high tourist potential that are not known to the wider holiday-making public, and this will definitely help.

Other familiarization trips are planned to take place until the end of the year, with the next one taking place in Albufeira in May.

A great idea, and quite an innovative one, showing that the Algarve Tourism Board is seriously looking into all sorts of solutions to their overall problems; the effects of this project won’t be very large and most likely won’t be seen for a couple of months at least, but they project is definitely a step in the right direction.

Historical and religious architecture and sites

Aljezur Castle – Castelo de Aljezur

This is a Moorish castle built in the 10^th century to protect the ancient river port that used to provide direct access to the sea – it was one of the last Moorish strongholds in the Algarve to be captured during the re-conquest in the 13^th century. There are two towers that are still standing, as well as the ramparts and a cistern, once you reach up there you’ll get to see a wonderful panoramic view of the surroundings and understand why the fortress was built there.

Church of Our Lady of Mercy – Igreja da Misericordia

This one will be rather hard to miss seeing as how it’s located in the historic town center – which you should be visiting anyway. The initial church was built in the 16^th century but it needed to be rebuilt in the 18^th century following the 1755 earthquake – the only feature from the old church is its Renaissance doorway.

Church of Our Lady of Dawn – Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Alva

This is called the New Church, even though it was built in the 18^th century as well. it features some rather noteworthy features are the 18^th century statue of the patron saint of Aljezur, Our Lady of Dawn, and behind the main altar, there’s a 16^th century Manueline font and two 17^th century statues.

Don’t forget our Aljezur car rental services while on your trip to this wonderful Algarve destination.

Estoi

This small town is located at only about ten kilometers from Faro, so easily reachable on any day of your holiday, and it is filled with many examples of traditional Algarvean country architecture.

This is a great place for those who are interested in historical sites and Estoi will not disappoint in this regard. You’ll find an old palace with an amazing façade which also features some very picturesque old-style gardens.

Nearby you will find some Roman ruins dating from the first century, a very interesting place however make sure you don’t go there on a public holiday because it will be closed.

Sao Bras de Alportel

This is the definition of a market town, very well to do, located at about ten kilometers from Estoi, set in a wonderful almond growing area. In order to enjoy the area to its maximum you should try to visit from December to early March because that’s when the trees blossom.

The town has a very quaint 15^th century parish Church, featuring a wonderful façade and a great bell tower – featuring some great carving on their inside. The panoramic view from the terrace is quite stunning indeed. The building near the church used to be the bishops’ palace and it features a domed pavilion and a rather elaborate fountain.

Loule

Yet another market town – you’ll find quite a few of these while exploring the Algarve – this is a quite busy place, especially on Saturday mornings. However don’t be mislead by the town’s outskirts, which are very modern, you need to head into the centre to see the old town.

One of the main points of interest should be the picturesque cobbled street of Rua 9 de Abril where you will find crafts workshops where traditional artisans make all sorts of useful things.

You should also check out the Rua Garcia de Horta and if you’re visiting on a hot day, the Jardim dos Amuados.

These are just three of the several lesser known Algarve destinations which you can reach with something as simple as our Algarve car rental services.