Algarve Curiosities

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Legend of Almond Blossom

When the Algarve was a part of a great Muslim kingdom that existed in the 7th century, a Muslim king married a beautiful, blond, blue-eyed Nordic princess.

The princess was very fond of her Muslim prince, but she started to get sadder and sadder, and cried… and cried… and the Arab prince also didn’t know what was wrong with his beloved, he was also sad and didn’t know what he was going to do it to her, he even thought that maybe she didn’t like him, that she didn’t like being in the Algarve.

He decided to ask her what was wrong with her… and she said she missed her, she missed her home, she missed seeing the snow.

The prince thought, though… and he had an idea, he had an idea that resulted in the following:

He planted a number of almond trees and when those almond trees bloomed (as almond blossoms look like snowflakes) all the fields turned white.

So he prepared a surprise for his princess, planted the almond trees in a series of fields (which he tried to keep hidden from the princess for a while) and then when the flowers fully opened he called the princess to the window… and she was so happy to see the trees covered in white who really thought his prince had managed to make snow in the Algarve.

And that’s how the almond trees came about, that’s why the Algarve has so many almond trees, and that’s why the almond blossom is one of the symbols of the Algarve.

Archaeology in Vila do Bispo

Vila do Bispo is known for its beaches, but the presence of man in this municipality is quite ancient — 33 thousand years ago, to be more precise — and the archaeological records stand out in this town.

There are hundreds of menhirs, some considered the oldest in Europe, including the Padrão Menhir, in Raposeira, or the megalithic trail of Monte dos Amantes, in Vila do Bispo.

The archaeological paths at Boca do Rio beach, in Budens, and at Martinhal beach, in Sagres, are also worth the detour from the EN125.

Medronho (arbutus)

Medronho brandy, or medronho as it is traditionally known, was initially produced in the 10th century by the Arabs, in the Monchique area. Production remains artisanal, using slow fire and copper stills with their thin serpentine tubes. The genuine arbutus of the Algarve – Protected Geographical Indication, appears as a quality product, with certified distilleries and its brands on the market, in addition to other by-products such as melosa, a delicious mixture of arbutus and honey. In Monchique, the “Rota das Destilarias” and the “Casa do Medronho de Marmelete” allow you to visit and learn more about this spirit drink, an icon of Algarve flavours.

Silves the Islamic capital of the Algarve

It was the Arabs who made Silves the Islamic capital of the Algarve. Precisely because of its importance, Silves was the first city in the Algarve to be conquered by the Christians in 1189, led by King Sancho I, having only been definitively conquered by the Arabs in 1249. The ideal place to learn a little bit of history. The Silves Castle is located on the top of a hill. If you’re adventurous, take the tour that includes three turrets and seven quads. It is today one of the best examples of Arab military architecture in Portugal. Be sure to go to the Archeology Museum, which is close to the castle. Several archaeological finds from the region are exposed, ranging from the Paleolithic period to the medieval period, that is, eight thousand years of history. And since you’re going to walk around the county, know that the best oranges in the Algarve are from this area. So, take advantage and buy a kilo of this fruit on the roadside from local merchants. It’s usually good and cheap. Enjoy and go at the time of the medieval fair in August.

Loulé, the capital of World Music

The Arab presence in the county lasted five centuries and was decisive for this city to become a large urban centre, called Al-Ulya. After the 70s, it became one of the most important municipalities in the Algarve, which includes the luxurious Vilamoura and Almancil area. It is worth visiting the Castle of Loulé, a military construction of Arab origin, from the 13th century. From the old castle, only three towers and a part of the wall that surrounded the city remain. Inside is located the municipal museum and the tourist office.

Another place of great interest is the Municipal Market, considered the most outstanding architectural work of the first decade of the 20th century, in the municipality of Loulé. It has a neo-Arab style inserted in the artistic current, called Art Nouveau. It’s worth visiting the local producers and visiting a completely renovated market. Enjoy the trip at the time of the Chocolate Fair. And now book a trip in June because that’s when the MED festival takes place, one of the most famous music festivals in the world.

For this year, the event will be a little different, so “interMEDio” is the name for this year’s event. Tickets will go on sale from next Thursday, August 12th, at www.bol.pt and Cineteatro Louletano. The daily ticket costs 7 euros. A limited number of weekly tickets will also be available, with a cost of 40 euros. The enclosure’s doors open at 8:30 pm and concerts take place at 9:30 pm and 11:30 pm, respectively, only on Palco Cerca. The Festival is governed by compliance with the rules and recommendations issued by the Directorate-General for Health regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the mandatory use of masks and social distance, with all seats being seated. Capacity is limited.

Chicken from Guia, Albufeira

Quite possibly he knows Guia for being the home of Zoomarine, one of the most popular water parks in the Algarve. But the small parish in the municipality of Albufeira offers much more.

Between beautiful beaches, such as Galé and Salgados, or golf courses, Guia is also the chicken capital.

A gastronomic heritage from Mozambique that can be found in several local restaurants.

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