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About the Surrounding Area
Aljezur, Sagres, Odeceixe & Lagos
Aljezur
This quiet, peaceful and quintessentially Portuguese town
is a real delight. On first impression it can be easily overlooked
but look a little closer and you will see the real Portugal. Untainted
by tourism and seemingly locked away in time. One can still see farmers
plowing their fields with an ox and cart and it is not unusual to
have traffic come to a complete standstill while an old farmer and
his wife transport hay or vegetables on their horse or donkey drawn
buggy. Life is to be savored and led with passion here in this part
of the Algarve.
Above the town of Aljezur, an old Moorish Fort (dated 12th century)
dominates the hilltop and serves as an historical reminder of Portugal’s
colorful history and the cross migration of Arabic cultures into Europe.
Their influence can still be felt in the Algarve even today.
The people in Aljezur, whilst on first impression appear to be reserved,
are in fact friendly and courteous. The town hosts 3 supermarkets,
two banks, a post office, internet cafes, and superb restaurants offering
excellent seafood and simple Portuguese cuisine. Many great coffee shops
and pastry shops line the streets and a happy cheerful vibe can always
be felt during a trip into town.
Life is slow in this part of the Algarve and the
true essence of the region is a laid back and a very relaxing atmosphere.
Sagres
This most western tip of the Algarve, Portugal
was once considered to be the end of the world as the Europeans
knew it at the time. Dramatic cliffs, isolated coves and beaches
and numerous visible reminders of Portugal’s grand era of exploration and discovery. There
is some great surfing to be had as well in this area and it is only
a short 40 minute drive from the Algarve Surf & Yoga Retreat.
Odeceixe
15 minutes north from our retreat is the delightful
little town of Odeceixe (pronounced O-de-shaish). Here you’ll
find charming restaurants, quaint Portuguese pensions and a lovely
holiday feel, making this little village a great half day excursion
from Aljezur. The river dividing the Algarve from the Alentejo runs
below the town and opens out to a spectacular beach and to the Atlantic
beyond.
Lagos
The historical town of Lagos was once the capital of the Algarve
before an earthquake destroyed much of it. It is now a very popular
tourist destination with strong international acclaim. The ' Old Town ' is built within the walls of a large fort and the clandestine
roads and paths have every shop, bar and restaurant the vacationer
could possibly want. Although our closest large town and by far more
busy and lively than Aljezur, Lagos still maintains its charm and
character without the mass tourism and package deal holidays of other
Algarvian vacation destinations.
There are loads of great water sport activities, many calm protected
beaches and a modern cosmopolitan feel throughout this cheerful town.
Lagos is only a 20 minute car ride from the Algarve Surf & Yoga
Camp and buses run frequently between both towns taking just under
an hour.
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5 Day Package
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