European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 21, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse A amps John Taylor Waves Roll around and through weathered rocks at Ponte Dapiedade a Promontory near Lagos where the coastal formations Are at their most alga reshaped by nature and the Moor by John Taylor Slaff writer the Algarme is Portugal a vocal Inland a a land of Sandy beaches Small resort towns fresh seafood and Laid Back living. It s a place that should t be seen in a hurry a even if it were possible a and one that is Best explored on foot or through a series of leisurely drives. The Algarme is a strip of land some 95 Miles Long and up to 50 Miles wide along the southernmost part of Portugal. It takes its name from the arabic word for Quot the West because it was at the Western end of the moors european Empire. The moors 500-year reign is evident in Portugal s Hist Ryart and architecture and in its people s faces but it is nature that shaped its most striking features. Where the land meets the Atlantic bold Rock formations chiselled by the constant wind and crashing surf Rise dramatically from Sandy beaches. These great outcroppings stretch along much of the coast from West of Faro the Region s capital toward Sagres where Prince f Lenry the navigator established his school for sailors. Some of them create Well sheltered hear Hes tilled with Sunha hers form the resort towns no mule Ira Ami Praia a Koi 11,1, tiers Are in virtually empty St re it Hes when1 linkers t an lol luvs a dirt path Tor a Long was w it limit Ern i Luis eng Are tiling other than loot Frallic. I Vel Oppenl around some of these areas is intense w Atli lots of new construction going on. Hut still the Shore is less developed than Many coastal areas in Spain and one local businessman told us Al tools ire being made to limit the Sie of new hotels to prevent Desin it ing the atmosphere of the old fishing v villages. Many of these villages have already Given themselves Over to the tourist Trade but not necessarily with bad results Albufeira for example remains an attractive town with sleep narrow streets and Small whitewashed houses silting on a Rise overlooking the Bay anti a Busy Beach below. Lagos is an old fishing town that was once a Busy port and the launching Point for some of Prince Henry s great expeditions. The town is Best explored on foot for even the great navigator would find it difficult to steer a vehicle through its Maze of one Way Back streets it is also far easier to peer into the town s crafts shops and Many Small chapels once the car is left behind. Just outside of Lagos is the Ponta Dapiedade where the Rock formations Are at their most breathtaking. The crashing Waves forced through sea caves Send water and foam High into air drenching those Brave or foolish enough to follow the wooden Steps All the Way Down to the Shore. Away from the coast the land gradually rises to the Serra de Monchique a Mountain Range formed from volcanic Rock. Although beaches Are the Region s greatest draw a Day trip or two into the Hills is not a had idea. A Good Stop in the too Hills is lie Small town of Sikes. I his was the capital of the Algarme under the moors and is said to have rivalled the great City it Granada Spain in splendor and cultural important e. Today the walk around the Walls of its restorer moorish Castle gives an excellent View of the Valley below and of the Arade River running toward the town of por Timao on the coast. Inside the Walls is a Little Park with lots of Shady Trees and nearby is a Small 15th-Century Cathedral with the tombs of several crusaders who died freeing the town in 1 pm a farther into the mountains is the spa of Caldas a Monchique a pleasant place built around a natural hot Spring. The walk leading to the Spring is Well shaded and is a Good place to seek respite when the heat of the sunny coast becomes too much. Higher in the mountains is the town of Monchique. Mere the difference Between the Rocky coast and the wooded Hills is even More striking and the views Back toward the lowlands More impressive. It is also a Good place to shop for souvenirs and local crafts including Potter Woodwork baskets needlework and items made of bark from the Cork Oak tree. The Algarme s beaches Are dotted with a mix of restaurants some sitting High on Cliffs peering Down at the sea others informal structures of Wood and Metal resting right on the Beach. Regardless of their setting most specialize in fresh seafood. The Algarme has an abundance of seafood. Prawns lobsters crayfish and clams Are All popular and delicious when served with Rice in a dish called Arroz de Marisco or when prepared a Catalana cooked in a Metal casserole dish. Also plentiful Are cod sole tuna in redfish monkfish and sardines the National dish served uncleaned and with the head. Grilled or baked in the Salty air and washed Down with Beer or a smooth portuguese wine they make a meal that is impossible to hurry through. To hurry anywhere in the Algarme would be a mistake. The main Road through the Region n-125, is for the most part two lanes. When traffic a which includes trucks i Arm equipment Little scooters and a Large dose of rental cars a gets heavy it is almost impossible to make anything resembling Good time. Fortunately the main Road is equipped with wide shoulders which Slovy 10 stripes Magazine May 21, 799.2
