Great Things to Do Near Vista Azul
Learn about the traditions of the area
visit the 'Museu do Traje' museum in Sao Bras de Alportel which houses a collection of traditional Algarve clothing throughout history, showcases local traditions and also provides an exhibition on the local cork producing industry.
Faro is the regional capital
and has a delightful old town, which is well worth spending an afternoon or early evening having a wander around. Stop for a drink and ‘people watch’ along the Rua de Santo Antonio, which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
For a day out with a difference, visit the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
which stretches along 37 miles of coastline east of Faro from Olhao to Tavira. It was created to protect the ecosystem of the area and is an important breeding area for wetland birds.
The village of Estoi..
is famous for its Roman ruins at Milreu dating from the 2nd Century. They are about a 10 minute walk out of the village. The 19th Century Estoi Palace and Gardens (now a five star hotel), are also well known and attract visitors to see the ornamental fountains and the fine examples of traditional blue and white Portuguese tiled terraces.
Visit the Museu dos Frutos Secos in Loulé
an unusual museum, which focuses on early harvesting methods for figs, carob and almond fruit. Indulge yourself afterwards at one of the many petisseries (pastelaria) along the main thoroughfare.
Explore the town of Olhao
one of the most important fishing ports along this coast. The town once had close trade links with North Africa which is reflected in the many of the towns's cube-shaped houses with flat roofs and external staircases. Reward yourself with a fantastic lunch of the day’s catch at one of the many seafront fish restaurants.
It is worth taking a trip to the border with Spain at Vila Real de Santo Antonio
on the banks of the river Guadiana, which forms the border with Spain. Explore the twin castles of Castro Marim which were strategically placed to protect the settlement for many centuries.
The delightful town of Tavira is well worth exploring
as it is considered by some to be the most charming town in the region. It is sited on two sides of the River Gilão and spanned by an elegant Roman bridge. As you wander around the narrow streets, take note of the portas de reixa, which are Moorish style lattice panelled doors.
Capture the atmosphere of Faro, steeped in history, by taking a walk around the old town,
which is encircled by medieval walls. Evidence of the rich history of the town can be found in the Museu Arqueologico including a Roman floor mosaic and a collection of Moorish oil lamps. A visit to the Cathedral is a ‘must’.
Explore the very local town of Loulé
and witness craftsmen at work in many traditions such as copper, tin, brass and wrought iron mainly in the streets around where the market is held. Other items manufactured locally are shoes, cane furniture, pottery, wax candles and harnesses. Many a fascinating hour can be spent watching the craftsmen plying their trade.
Learn about the traditions of the area
visit the 'Museu do Traje' museum in Sao Bras de Alportel which houses a collection of traditional Algarve clothing throughout history, showcases local traditions and also provides an exhibition on the local cork producing industry.
The delightful town of Tavira is well worth exploring
as it is considered by some to be the most charming town in the region. It is sited on two sides of the River Gilão and spanned by an elegant Roman bridge. As you wander around the narrow streets, take note of the portas de reixa, which are Moorish style lattice panelled doors.
The village of Estoi..
is famous for its Roman ruins at Milreu dating from the 2nd Century. They are about a 10 minute walk out of the village. The 19th Century Estoi Palace and Gardens (now a five star hotel), are also well known and attract visitors to see the ornamental fountains and the fine examples of traditional blue and white Portuguese tiled terraces.
Faro is the regional capital
and has a delightful old town, which is well worth spending an afternoon or early evening having a wander around. Stop for a drink and ‘people watch’ along the Rua de Santo Antonio, which is lined with shops, bars and restaurants.
For a day out with a difference, visit the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
which stretches along 37 miles of coastline east of Faro from Olhao to Tavira. It was created to protect the ecosystem of the area and is an important breeding area for wetland birds.
Visit the Museu dos Frutos Secos in Loulé
an unusual museum, which focuses on early harvesting methods for figs, carob and almond fruit. Indulge yourself afterwards at one of the many petisseries (pastelaria) along the main thoroughfare.
Explore the town of Olhao
one of the most important fishing ports along this coast. The town once had close trade links with North Africa which is reflected in the many of the towns's cube-shaped houses with flat roofs and external staircases. Reward yourself with a fantastic lunch of the day’s catch at one of the many seafront fish restaurants.
It is worth taking a trip to the border with Spain at Vila Real de Santo Antonio
on the banks of the river Guadiana, which forms the border with Spain. Explore the twin castles of Castro Marim which were strategically placed to protect the settlement for many centuries.
Capture the atmosphere of Faro, steeped in history, by taking a walk around the old town,
which is encircled by medieval walls. Evidence of the rich history of the town can be found in the Museu Arqueologico including a Roman floor mosaic and a collection of Moorish oil lamps. A visit to the Cathedral is a ‘must’.
Explore the very local town of Loulé
and witness craftsmen at work in many traditions such as copper, tin, brass and wrought iron mainly in the streets around where the market is held. Other items manufactured locally are shoes, cane furniture, pottery, wax candles and harnesses. Many a fascinating hour can be spent watching the craftsmen plying their trade.
