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The Algarve has had a colourful history, filled with tales of exploration and discovery marked by many invading countries claiming the land as their own.  A variety of world cultures have at some point in the long history of this land provided immense influence on the way this area has developed; the results of these cultural injections can be seen reflected in the food of the Algarve, the architecture of some of the villages and in the people themselves.  Fabulous town museums and galleries are spread across the different regions of the Algarve, all offering many different artefacts and information to chart the history and development of this amazing and interesting part of Portugal, from the time when the region was home to the Moors to the present day.

Museu Arqueologico, Faro

The former convent of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao holds this incredible museum within its tranquil, enclosed cloisters.  It is perhaps because of its location that it has earned the reputation of being the most beautiful museum in the whole of the Algarve.  Highlights of the exhibits include a huge and colourful Roman mosaic floor and an entire gallery given over to Italian paintings from the 16th century.  The museum is also home to Moorish artefacts from the Algarve’s early history.

Museo Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura

This unique museum in Vilamoura offers visitors the chance to explore what remains of an original Roman villa and contemporary museum all rolled into one.  Sunken Roman baths and brilliantly coloured and intricately designed mosaics are here to be viewed as are plenty of Roman and Moorish artefacts on display in the museum attached to the side of the villa.

Museu Arqueologico , Silves

This museum has one of the most unusual and rare artefacts in the whole of the Algarve.  In 1980, just by chance, a 12th century Arab well cistern was unearthed and is now the star exhibit in the museum.  In fact the entire museum was designed and built specifically to house it.  The original staircase that descends down into the well is also still visible although far too fragile to use.  It is well worth a visit during your stay.

Museu Municipal, Loule

Loule has an unbelievable historical heritage and this museum offers visitors exhibits from the Stone Age and the Bronze Age as well as from the days of the Roman occupation.  As you move upstairs in the museum you also move forwards in time, until you get to the reproduction of a 19th century traditional kitchen complete with all of the crockery and equipment of the age.  This is a really awesome site and definitely shouldn’t be missed.

Museu Maritimo, Faro

The naval history of the Algarve is a huge part of the regions cultural heritage.  From the small village fishing fleets to the golden days of the ‘Voyages of Discovery’ the sea has always been an important part of life here.  This museum contains incredibly detailed scale reproductions of caravels, steam boats and galleons.  Anyone with an interest in ships and sailing will really appreciate the exhibits here.

Practically every town in the Algarve will hold a museum of some description, even in some of the villages, the ancient churches hold on to their on historical artefacts, displaying them for visitors, proud of their long heritage and influence of the surroundings.

After all of your historical sightseeing you will surely want somewhere to relax for a few days.  Head to the Monte da Quinta suites and relax in peace and quiet.