The Algarve, a region in southern Portugal known for its stunning beaches, is often overlooked as a destination beyond the coast. However, those who venture inland will discover a diverse landscape that boasts mountains, dense woodlands, and even ancient standing stones.
Joana Almeida, our guide, took us on a winding path through the national forest of Barão de São João, pointing out the beauty in the small things. We saw star of Bethlehem flowers sprouting up overnight, their white petals shining like tiny stars. These resilient blooms are just one example of how quickly nature can regenerate in this hilly region.
But the Algarve is not all about natural beauty; it's also a place rich in history and culture. Francisco Simões, our guide the following day, showed us the importance of preserving local traditions. We visited his mother's ceramic studio, where she taught us to paint azulejos, traditional tiles that adorn many buildings throughout Portugal.
Francisco's passion for ecotourism is evident in every step we took. He led us through a cork forest, explaining how these trees are not only fire-resistant but also provide an income for local communities. As we walked, he pointed out the need to preserve this industry, which is struggling due to changes in consumer behavior and the decline of traditional skills.
Our day ended with a visit to a wall covered in meticulously detailed azulejos, showcasing elements of traditional local life. But it was the annual festival of magusto, where chestnuts are roasted on fires and shared by the community, that truly brought home the authentic spirit of the Algarve. As we danced and laughed with the locals, surrounded by the smell of smoke and wine, it was clear that there is so much more to this region than meets the eye.
For those looking to explore beyond the beach, the Algarve offers a wealth of experiences, from birdwatching to hiking and cycling. The Algarve Walking Season festivals provide a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their talents, while also promoting the region's unique culture and history.
As we left Monchique and headed back towards the coast, we couldn't help but feel that we had only scratched the surface of this enchanting region. The Algarve is more than just a pretty face; it's a place with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Joana Almeida, our guide, took us on a winding path through the national forest of Barão de São João, pointing out the beauty in the small things. We saw star of Bethlehem flowers sprouting up overnight, their white petals shining like tiny stars. These resilient blooms are just one example of how quickly nature can regenerate in this hilly region.
But the Algarve is not all about natural beauty; it's also a place rich in history and culture. Francisco Simões, our guide the following day, showed us the importance of preserving local traditions. We visited his mother's ceramic studio, where she taught us to paint azulejos, traditional tiles that adorn many buildings throughout Portugal.
Francisco's passion for ecotourism is evident in every step we took. He led us through a cork forest, explaining how these trees are not only fire-resistant but also provide an income for local communities. As we walked, he pointed out the need to preserve this industry, which is struggling due to changes in consumer behavior and the decline of traditional skills.
Our day ended with a visit to a wall covered in meticulously detailed azulejos, showcasing elements of traditional local life. But it was the annual festival of magusto, where chestnuts are roasted on fires and shared by the community, that truly brought home the authentic spirit of the Algarve. As we danced and laughed with the locals, surrounded by the smell of smoke and wine, it was clear that there is so much more to this region than meets the eye.
For those looking to explore beyond the beach, the Algarve offers a wealth of experiences, from birdwatching to hiking and cycling. The Algarve Walking Season festivals provide a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their talents, while also promoting the region's unique culture and history.
As we left Monchique and headed back towards the coast, we couldn't help but feel that we had only scratched the surface of this enchanting region. The Algarve is more than just a pretty face; it's a place with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty waiting to be explored.
. I mean, yes, the beaches are gorgeous, no doubt about it, but the mountains, forests, and ancient standing stones? Who knew?! 
It's all so underrated. And have you ever been to a ceramics studio where they teach you how to make azulejos? It's like stepping into a time capsule! 
I love how Francisco Simões is passionate about ecotourism and preserving local traditions. It's a great reminder that there's more to travel than just taking selfies by the sea 
. And the annual festival of magusto? That sounds like so much fun! Can't wait to experience it for myself one day 
u gotta visit the Algarve in southern Portugal ASAP!!! 
It's like, totally underrated as a destination beyond the beach, but trust me, it's got SO much more to offer! 
it's like magic!
So, if u haven't been yet, what r u waiting for? Go and discover this hidden gem! 
it seems like such a cool place to experience all the different vibes - from beachy relaxation to tradin' in history & culture 
plus, who wouldn't wanna learn about azulejos & paint some tiles themselves? 
gotta give props to francisco for his passion for ecotourism too, it's rad that he's helpin' preserve the local industries and skills 
Also, I'm curious, have any scientific studies been done to prove that these cork trees are fire-resistant?
, I need a tutorial ASAP on how to make those tiles! 
Monchique is like, totally off my bucket list now 
. I'm all about discovering new destinations that go beyond just beaches, you know? 
The Algarve is proof that there's so much more to a region than meets the eye 
.
they got all these beautiful mountains and forests but nobody knows about it 
plus the cork industry is struggling 
gotta do something about that 
"]
and did u know these trees r fireproof? lowkey impressed
️ the community came 2gthr & shared chestnuts n wine, what's not 2 love? 
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. and the azulejos in portugal are so stunning too 
. let's make sure we support local artisans and traditions when we travel, it makes all the difference 
The region's interior boasts an incredible array of landscapes, from mountains to ancient standing stones. 
It's clear that locals are working hard to preserve their traditions and industries.
The average tourist spends around €900 per person during their stay, with the majority of that spent on accommodation and food.
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. It's interesting that the Algarve Walking Season festivals promote local art and culture, but we need more initiatives like that here to support our own artisans and small businesses 
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. And let's not forget about ecotourism - it's clear that Francisco is passionate about promoting sustainable practices and supporting local communities.
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. People always think it's just about the beaches 
, but nope! 
There's so much more to explore 
Mind blown, right? 
And then there's the history and culture 
... I mean, who knew there was this whole world of azulejos 
. I wanna go back to Monchique ASAP 
also, how do we know these guides aren't just making stuff up for a laugh or a publicity stunt? Francisco Simões sounds like a pretty reliable source, but can we trust him completely? 
the algarve seems like such an underrated destination - I mean who needs beaches when you have mountains & ancient standing stones?! 
. Can't wait to plan my own trip to Monchique and experience all that the Algarve has to offer! 
I mean, who needs all that "natural beauty" and "history" when you can have crowded beaches and tacky tourist traps? The only thing that's "traditional" about the Azulejos tiles they're always going on about is how quickly they get faded in the sun. And don't even get me started on the cork industry - who needs some old guy explaining the benefits of fire-resistant trees when you could be learning about something actually interesting, like... I dunno, sustainable tech or something? 
The azulejos, the cork forests, the festivals... it's like they're trying to show us that there's more to life than just, you know, existing 
... or should I say, 
. And honestly, it made me feel so tiny and insignificant in the best possible way 
... dont get me wrong its nice and all but i bet the whole region's gonna lose its charm in a few years when all these people come pouring in 
the star of bethlehem flowers blooming overnight was insane 