Tidbits About the Algarve

Fun Facts About the Algarve

• The Algarve was once seen as separate from Portugal and was known as “Portugal and the Kingdom of the Algarve”.
• The Moors ruled the Algarve (Al-Gharb “The West” in Arabic) for over 500 years, inspiring many place names starting with “Al”.
• The region’s chimneys and unusual architecture were influenced by the Moors.
• The Algarve is renowned for having the freshest fish in Portugal.
  
  

Let’s Start with Food

What is an Açorda?

Have you ever seen “bread soup” on a menu? If you did, would you order it? Luci didn’t, not for a good while, but it turns out Açorda is so much more than that. A typical dish from the Alentejo, this “soup” isn’t boiled as you may expect.

Olive oil and vinegar are added to crushed salt, coriander, and garlic, and the water used to boil cod or poach eggs is poured over the mixture, while it’s still boiling. This is all poured over bread, sometimes with stock added at the very end. Describing it as “bread soup” doesn’t do it justice!

Now for Landmarks!

What are Casas dos Cantoneiros?

These tile road signs, notable for their traditional blue (azulejo) tiles, are all over the Algarve. Once housing road conservation workers, these houses feature the names of the closest cities on the side, as well as the distance to them. They’re certainly worth looking out for!

Why So Many Hand-Shaped Door Knockers?

A lesser-known Moorish symbol is the “Hand of Fatima” door knockers, seen on many doors across the Algarve. The hand symbolizes protection for those inside the house and displays the faith of its inhabitants.

Loulé Rocksalt Mine

An incredible hidden gem lies within the city of Loulé. Below a strange white triangular structure is a rocksalt mine that’s been there for over 230 million years!

The mine has a fascinating history, including a proposal to use it as a storage facility due to its lack of humidity and earthquake-proof nature. Today, it’s a tourist attraction providing visitors with the chance to explore the depths of the earth.

For a complete description of a trip down to the mine, read Sara Alves’ account here.

Other Favourite Places in Loulé

• The Saturday morning fresh fruit and veg street market, now well-spaced for social distancing.

  

• The year-round events organized by Loulé town hall, including the country’s oldest carnival, Noite Branca, the MED festival, and Christmas markets.

  

• The surrounding nature, including streams, waterfalls, and lakes in the Serra do Caldeirão hills. The new Ombria Resort highlights the beauty of the “heart of the Algarve.

  

Got Questions?

Got a burning question about an Algarve tradition you don’t understand or want to share your favourite places in the Algarve with us? Drop us a line at info@translasaurus.com.