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You will find plenty of historical tours that operate around the Algarve.  Portugal has a long history, much of it filled with influences from other cultures, either through exploration or invasion.  Many of the towns and villages of the Algarve show evidence of all of the different cultural and ancient influences that allowed them to develop and grow.  Below are some of the best historical sites to see in the Algarve.

Silves

Image via Wikipedia

Everywhere you cast your eye in Silves you will see traces of its history.  The town was once the main entry to inland areas via the river during the times of the Moors.  Silves is home to the best preserved castle in the Algarve and along with the cathedral they dominate the local landscape.  The cathedral is rich in gothic architecture and ancient tombs.  Ancient cobbled streets will lead you down into the town itself.  As you enter the town you will see the three metre tall limestone cross that dates to somewhere between the 15th and 16th century.  Everything here is relaxed giving you plenty of time to discover its hidden secrets.

Lagos

Image via Wikipedia

The settlement of Lagos dates back to 2000BC.  The town has always has a strong connection to the sea and during the 15th century this was where the ‘Voyages of Discoveries’ embarked from.  The town grew wealthy on the trade with Africa and developed rapidly.  The 16th century walls can still be seen.  The cobbled streets here take you around the town to the ‘Golden Church’ of St Anthony’.  The entrance is through the small museum attached to the church and both are well worth a visit.  Opposite the church is the 15th century ‘Slave Market’ where African slaves were bought and sold.  St Sebastian church dates back to the 14th century and is also worth a look.  History can be found around every corner in this ancient town.

Sagres

Believed by the Romans to be the most western point of the known world (as the sun set it was believed it made the sea boil), this is where the ‘School of Navigation’ was built by Henry the Navigator during the great age of discoveries.  Henry’s fortress is also here at Sagres and dates back to the 15th century.  A 14th century chapel and 16th century monastery are contained within the fortress.  Time moves slowly in Sagres, if it moves at all, and you will have as much time as you need to get a feel for its history.

Monchique

Monchique from the Convent Ruins (Photo credit: Choconancy1)

Narrow winding cobbled streets interspersed with cafes and restaurants add interest to Monchique.  It was originally the site of a 17th century convent which is now just a ruin but you can walk around it to your heart’s content.  The Romans built a bath house in Monchique to make the most of the natural thermal springs.  They were originally believed to offer healing to the afflicted but are now part of a modern thermal therapy centre.  The area around Monchique is heavily wooded and unbelievably beautiful making it well worth the trip.  If you carry on past Monchique you will make it up to the highest point in the Algarve: 902 metres above sea level.  Take some warm clothes with you though as the temperature at the top can be a good ten degrees lower than at the coast.  The view is very impressive and something to be remembered.

To make sure your historical tour of the Algarve is truly fantastic you’ll need some great accommodation.  Villas in Vale do Lobo make the perfect choice!