Facts and data
The Algarve in Portugal is the most southwestern part of the European continent. It comprises a surface area of 4.989 km² and around 400.000 inhabitants. Administrative seat and capital is Faro.
The south coast measures 155 km and the west coast 55 km. In the East, along the river Rio Guadiana, runs the frontier to Spain.
North of the coast line and then western is the Serra de Monchique and eastern the Serra do Caldeirão the latter being limestone mountains which prevent cold weather currents from the North from reaching the Algarve. The highest peak of the Algarve is the Pico da Foia near the village Monchique. North of the mountains runs the border to the Alentejo region.
The Rocky Algarve, also called Barlavento (face to the wind), is situated between Faro and the southwesternmost point of Europe, the Cabo de São Vicente. In this area large beaches and pittoresque rock bays are alternating with beautiful sand beaches.
The Sandy Algarve, also called Sotavento (face off the wind), is situated east of Faro, offering many lagoons and sand beaches.
