City: Algarve
Top Things to do in Algarve
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10 Churches & Cathedrals in Algarve That You Shouldn't Miss
The Algarve's sunny shores offer perfect escapes for all types, from those seeking the hot nightlife of flashy, energetic Lagos to those desiring secluded stays in rambling Sagres. Portugal's most southerly region offers historical attractions in former Moorish capital Silves and fascinating Tavira, great golf, fabulous beaches from Praia da Luz to Armacao de Pera, thermal springs at Caldas de Monchique, and miles of limestone caves and grottoes, cliffs and bays along its rugged coastline.
Restaurants in Algarve
1. Carmo Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Reviewed By JohnBishop3 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Going into the church it was very opulent and ornate and quite the contrast when you go out the back of the church to the Bone Chapel. The Bone Chapel was quite chilling to see, but definitely worth the look.
2. Igreja de Sao Lourenco de Almancil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Reviewed By Sylviajf55 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Beautiful, tiny, stunning church. We missed this church on many visits but when we got there I was lost for words.
3. Capela De Sao Luis
4. Albufeira's Igreja Matriz
5. Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosario
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Olhão's Main Church is the seat of the parish of Our Lady of the Rosary and the main monument in Olhão. Construction begun in 1698. The Church was opened for worship in 1715 and completed only in 1783. Open every day except Monday. On Saturday afternoon and Sunday it opens only for the Eucharist. The Chapel of Our Lord of the Afflicted is at the Church rear and can be observed at any time of day or night. Free entry. To climb the tower and have the most magnificent view of our city, admission fee of € 1.00 (request visits at the Parish Notary).
6. Igreja da Misericordia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
One thing Tavira is not short of, is churches. There are over 20, mostly within walking distance of each other. If you’re only going to see one or two, then this is the one to see. It is almost entirely covered inside with blue and white tiles azulejos tiles with detailed scenes. This church is linked with 2 others (Santiago and Santa Maria do Castelo) and for €7 you can get a single pass into all three, the Santiago bell tower and the Artgilao museum. They are all within 5 minutes of each other and you can do them in any order. Just ask for the pass at the first church. They will give you a pass to hang around your necking an information booklet at each church. Kids can collect a new stamp on their pass at each church which makes it a bit more fun for them. Misericordia is deceptively simple from the front with a plain white walls that are only broken by the central stone-carved portal with a statue of Our Lady of Mercy, supported by angels and flanked by statues of Saints Peter and Paul. Inside, it’s anything but plain. The showpiece is the ornate tiling on the walls, dating from the 1760’s. The overall effect is striking but it’s also worth walking around each of the detailed scenes. Each one tells illustrates one of the works of mercy. Traditionally these are the Jesus’ lessons for how people should should treat others. There are 7 corporal acts which when you think about it are all pretty practical no-nonsense acts of kindness – the basically just random acts of kindness. They include feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering travellers, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead. The other 7 are spiritual acts which include forgiveness, prayer and comforting others. You can take photos inside and there is a small gift shop selling simple cards and bookmarks (they made a great gift for Book Club back home). HOURS: It is closed on Mondays and Sundays and on the other days, it closes for a chunk of time in the middle of the day, between 12:30 – 2. (3pm in summer).
7. Church of Divino Salvador
8. Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Hermitage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By pweyman - Estoi, Portugal
I always light a candle for my parents when I visit. Amazing little church. A must see if you are in Loule.
9. Church of Misericordia of Alvor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By 762urbanl - Portimao, Portugal
If you are visiting Alvor you must visit the old church. If you walk up walking-/Restaurantstreet you'll arrive at a small Square were many old portuguese men meet. Take a left turn, walk up the street to the old street. Enter the church and look at the beatiful altar, paintings etc. DO NOT FORGET - leaving a coin or bill in the collection box!!
10. Municipio de Silves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
The SILVES MEDIEVAL FAIR takes place in August, in the historic centre of this Algarve city. Ten days of historical re-enactment of the medieval era of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve. Silves Municipal Council, the fair's organiser, continues its support of this nationally renowned event, which promises to be one of the most exciting events on the region's summer calendar.
Reviewed By xxluvleaxx - Chester, United Kingdom
(Actually visited with my sister and adult daughter but for some reason trip advisor doesn't give just a 'family' option ????♀️) Silves was really one of the highlights of our recent trip to the Algarve. We first visited on a coach trip historical tour but had less than an hour there, we decided there was much more we wanted to see/do/photograph so we made a decision to visit again by local bus from Albufeira. Lots of nice shops selling things you don't see in the more popular towns, beautiful buildings and nice historical places to visit that cost a couple of €'s We visited the castle, archeology museum and cathedral as well as the roman bridge and walked to the cross of Portugal on the outskirts of town. We had lovely Bifanas in a cafe for just €1.75 and the absolute best thing about it all was the Storks nesting everywhere! Such a beautiful place. would be an absolute dream to live in such a place.
