A brief guide to the ALGARVE

The Algarve is Portugal's southernmost province, bounded by the Atlantic ocean, the mountains of Caldeirao and Monchique and by the River Guadiana, it possesses a character distinct from the rest of Portugal. Dominated for 500 years by the Moors, they named the land Al Gharb - the western land. In search of fertile land they found an area warmed by the Gulf Stream with 3,000 hour of sunshine a year - more than the Costa Brava, Mallorca of the French Riviera - ideal for their orange groves, vineyards, almond and olive orchards.
Much of the Moorish influence can still be seen today in the region's architecture, music and language. There are more than 100 miles of rugged coastline with magnificent tide washed golden sand beaches or tiny hidden coves.
For the more energetic, the sporting facilities are excellent, in particular golf and tennis. Indeed whatever resort you have chosen you are never far from a golf course or tennis court, while the waters of the Atlantic are ideal for the many watersports available.
The Algarve has been most successful in retaining its particular character, you will find Portuguese fishermen working unconcerned on the beach alongside holidaymakers, or venture inland and you will be surprised to find this is still an undiscovered, unspoilt part of the world where old traditions still survive. In addition to excellent entertainment the Algarvian cuisine is delightful with plentiful supplies of fresh meat and sea food and year round availability of superb fruit and vegetables all washed down with local wine.

HELPFUL/HANDY TIPS MONEY/BANKS
The Portuguese unit of currency, the Euro (abbreviated EU) is recognized by the € sign. Although exchange rates do vary, as a quick reference guide is best to use € 1.00 = $1.6 Canadian Dollars or about $1.10 US Dollars. Haggling is not common, prices are as marked. Banks are usually open 08:30-11:45 and 13:00-15:00, Monday to Friday. When changing your money don't forget your passport. Hotels and bureau de changes will also change money for you and they have the advantage of opening later and at weekends but will offer a less favorable rate of exchange. Banks will normally charge a fee for exchange services. Credit cards are widely accepted at gas stations, shops and restaurants and in many banks for cash advances.
TIPPING - A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills. Tipping is not compulsory but you can add up to 10% if you appreciated the service.

TELEPHONES
Public telephones are widely available and are either cash phones for local calls accepting 20, 50 and 100 escudo coins, or credifones for long distance calls. Credifone cards are available in units of 50 or 120 and can be bought in post offices or shops displaying the credifone sign. You should avoid using telephones in restaurants or bars which are metered and they are charged per unit and not only are expensive but also you cannot keep a record of how much you are spending. The cheapest way to telephone from is the post office or by using a Credifone card. To call Canada - dial 00 1 followed by the area code and then the number. Dial 098 for the intercontinental operator.

MEDICAL CARE CHEMISTS
The "farmacias" (pharmacies) are open during normal business hours, there is one pharmacy in every town that is on duty through the night, it's address is posted in the window of every other chemist and in local newspapers.

HOSPITALS
There are hospitals at Faro, Loule, Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos, all of which have some English speaking staff.

DOCTORS
There are doctors and medical centers at most resorts usually manned by English speaking doctors.

DENTISTS
Portuguese dentists are available in all major towns. English dentists can only be found in Almancil and Faro.

CHURCHES
Portugal is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic and its people are very religious. Masses are held every morning in the Parish churches. There are services in English in most principal tourist areas.

POST OFFICE
The Post Office, Correios, Telegrafos e Telefones - C.T.T. found in the center of most resorts can be used for telephone calls and stamps. It is open from 0900-1900 but is closed at weekends and bank holidays. To avoid long queues it is worth noting that stamps can be bought from news stands and tobacconists.

SHOPPING
Shops are open 0900-1300 and 1500-1900, Monday to Friday, closing lunchtime Saturday. The siesta, so much a part of life in nearby Spain is not observed here, but two hours for lunch is the norm. Supermarkets may open 0800-2000 weekdays.
Your representative will be pleased to advise which supermarkets open on Sundays. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be purchased at markets held daily in the market buildings of Lagos, Albufeira, Loule, Portimao and Armacao de Pera. Larger markets where you can buy clothes, shoes and handicrafts are held the following days: Lagos - first Saturday of the month Quarteira - every Wednesday morning Portimao - first Monday of the month Loule - every Saturday morning Silves - third Monday of the month Albufeira - every Tuesday morning

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS/FESTIVALS
Listed are the National Holidays of the Algarve, when many shops and banks may be closed. There are also regional festivals which affect different villages. For more detailed information ask your local representative.
National Holidays:
April 25 - Liberty Day
May 1 - Trabalho/Labour Day
June 10 - National Day
August 15 -Assumption (Religious)
October 5 - Republic Day

FESTIVALS
May-June - The Algarve music festival with concerts held in churches and theaters in Lagos, Faro and Portimao.
On May 1 there is a lively feast and open air market in the picturesque village of Alte.
Silves is the home of the June beer festival, a chance to sample all the types of beer produced in Portugal to the accompaniment of folkdancing groups and musicians
July-August - Summer festival in Silves where you will find music, ballet and theater in the ancient capital town. The ideal time to eat sardines, most villages and towns hold their annual sardine festival. The most famous is Portimao where sardines are grilled on open fires along the quayside, folkdancing and music are also enjoyed.
September - National Folklore Festival. Traditional dances, music and songs in venues throughout the region.

LOCAL TRANSPORT
Buses - The most convenient and cheapest way of travelling in the Algarve is by bus. The R N (orange and white buses) provide services to all major towns and resorts along the coast. Bus stops are identified by a sign reading "Paragem".
Trains - The railway system links Faro with Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east and Portimao and Lagos in the west. There is also a link from Faro to Lisbon, which is about a three hour journey. In general the trains are slow and do not connect the main coastal resorts.
Taxis - Taxis are painted beige. Taxi ranks can be found in the center of most towns and villages. The taxis have no meters but follow a standard fare table based on mileage. It is usually worthwhile to pre-book taxis especially in peak season.

WATER/ELECTRICITY
There are occasionally problems with tap water and although it is generally safe to drink, you would be advised to use bottled water available from shops and supermarkets. The Algarve's own source of mineral water is in Monchique, which is bottled with or without gas. The standard electricity current is 220 volts. Travel plugs or adapters are required for electrical appliances

GETTING A HEALTHY SUN TAN
There are three golden rules to sensible suntanning: *Build up your time *Know your skin type and use the correct protection *Avoid dehydration The sun is beautiful but be careful - even when it's behind the clouds. Build up your suntan gradually over the first few days so that your skin acclimatizes to the powerful rays. This way as well as avoiding painful sunburn you'll find your tan will last much longer.

DRIVING IN THE ALGARVE
For freedom and flexibility car hire is of tremendous benefit. If you would like to hire a car you will need a full drivers licence held for over a year and be at least 21 years of age. Most car hire companies also require a deposit for the petrol, which is refunded when the car is returned with the same amount of petrol. Driving can be hazardous especially in the countryside where obstacles range from potholes to stray goats.
The main road in the Algarve is the EN125 which runs parallel to the coast and is well maintained but not all the roads are as good. Driving is on the right and traffic from the right has priority, this is especially important on runabouts. The official speed limit is 90 km/h (57 m.p.h.) on the EN125 and 60 km/h (37 m.p.h.) on normal roads.
Be warned that the police operate "on the spot fines"; this also applies driving under the influence and seat belts which must be worn at all times. It is important to carry the rental agreement and your driving licence at all times. In case of emergency there are SOS telephones along the highways (usually every 3 kms) and also normal telephones (dial 115 for the police). The address and telephone number of the rental company is on the agreement, all other emergency phone numbers can be found on the last page of this booklet.
There are garages in most major resorts and along the highways but please note that they are few and far between in the countryside. Petrol is sold in liters and is available in super (4 star) and normal (2 star).

DISTANCES
This is an indication of the distances in kilometers between Faro and the various destinations:
Albufeira 38 km;
Sagres 110 km;
Lagos 80 km;
Silves 55 km;
Lisbon 300 km;
Tavira 30 km;
Portimao 60 km;
Vilamoura 22 km;
Porto 570 km;
Vila Real Santo Antonio 55 km

FOOD AND DRINK
Everywhere in the Algarve you will find good value restaurants.
The Algarve is particularly famous for its fresh fish and seafood (which unfortunately is no longer cheap). Generally eating out is not only a pleasurable experience but also inexpensive. Most resorts boast restaurants serving international cuisine with Indian, Chinese and even Mexican to choose from. Portuguese food is fresh and wholesome. There are many regional specialities that are derived from local traditions and ingredients.
For example some of the dishes to look out for are:
"Caldo Verde" - cream of potato soup with sausage and shredded cabbage
"Sardinha Assada" - fresh sardines grilled over charcoal
"Caldeirada de Peixe" - fish, shellfish, potatoes, tomatoes and onions stewed together
"Bacalhau" - salted cod steak with onions, potatoes and parsley
"Coelho Assado" - roasted rabbit with onions, white wine and spices
"Frango no Churrasco Piri-Piri" - grilled chicken in a hot spicy sauce
"Saloio e Queijo Fresco" - white and creamy fresh cheese
"Pudim Molotov" - a rich cocktail of meringue and caramel
"Arroz Doce" - rice pudding with cinnamon and cream
"Uma bica" - small black coffee (expresso coffe).
"Um garoto" - small white coffee

TO HELP YOU ORDER
I'd like a/an/some Queria Waiter!/Waitress! Faz Favor!
beer uma cerveja
mineral water agua mineral
bill a conta
napkin um guardanapo
bread pão
pepper pimenta
butter manteiga
potatoes batatas
coffee um café
rice arroz
dessert uma sobremesa
salad uma salada
fish peixe
salt sal
fruit fruta
sandwich uma sanduiche
ice-cream um gelado
soup uma sopa
meat carne
sugar açucar
menu a ementa
tea chá
milk leite
wine vinho

WINE AND BEVERAGES
Perhaps the most famous Portuguese drink is Port. At one time it was drunk almost exclusively in England, but nowadays more than three times as much goes to France as to Britain. The Portuguese have developed a taste for it themselves although they prefer white port rather than sweet red as an aperitif.
By far the most popular drink in Portugal is wine; not satisfied with the three normal shades, the Portuguese added a fourth - green "verde", which describes its immaturity not its color.
The Algarve has a reputation for producing excellent grapes along with good local wines, particularly those from Lagoa and Lagos. The local liqueurs, "medronho" - made from the arbutus berry and bitter almonds ("amendoa amarga") are worth trying.
WINES
Vinho Branco White wine
Vinho da casa House wine
Vinho clarete Light red wine
Vinho doce Sweet wine
Vinho espumante Sparkling wine
Vinho do Porto Port wine
Vinho da região Local wine
Vinho seco Dry wine
Vinho verde "Green" wine* *(semi-sparkling acidic wine)

LANGUAGE
Portuguese ranks the fifth most spoken language in the world, being spoken as far afield as Brazil.
Some would be led to believe that due to the close proximity to Spain a great deal of similarity in the language would exist. This is not strictly true and although most Portuguese do understand Spanish they will not reply in the language. Knowledge of Spanish will help you in understanding signs and menus but as Portugal has an association with Britain dating back hundreds of years, English is widely spoken.

SOME USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
Do you speak English? Fala Inglês?
I don't understand Não compreendo
yes sim
no não
good morning bom dia
good afternoon boa tarde
goodnight boa noite
goodbye adeus
please faz favor
thank you obrigado (masculine) thank you obrigada (feminine)
yesterday ontem
today hoje
tomorrow amanhã
day dia
week semana
month mês
year ano
left esquerdo
right direito
good bom
bad mau
big grande
small pequeno
cheap barato
expensive caro
hot quente
cold frio
old velho
new novo
open aberto
closed fechado
bank banco
post office correio
post cards postais
stamps selos
doctor médico
chemist farmacia
How much is that? Quanto custa isto?

NUMBERS

0 zero 1 um/uma 2 dois/duas 3 três 4 quatro 5 cinco 6 seis 7 sete 8 oito 9 nove 10 dez 11 onze 12 doze 13 treze 14 catorze 15 quinze 16 dezasseis 17 dezassete 18 dezoito 19 dezanove 20 vinte

30 trinta 40 quarenta 50 cinquenta 60 sessenta 70 setenta 80 oitenta 90 noventa 100 cem 200 duzentos 300 trezentos 400 quatrocentos 500 quinhentos 600 seiscentos 700 setecentos 800 oitocentos 900 novecentos 1000 mil

BEACHES
The Algarve boasts 100 miles of dramatic coastline with magnificent golden sand beaches and tidy rugged coves. The beaches are clean and unpolluted and have already received a record number of EEC 'Blue Flag' awards for beach and sea cleanliness. Most beaches feature at least one bar or restaurant, usually an ideal setting to sample the excellent seafood. Also the larger beaches have a wide range of water sports. All the beaches in the Algarve are available to the public and without charge although a small fee may be made for the use of sunbeds, parasols, etc.
Some of the main beaches do have lifeguards and some use the safety flag system as listed below: Red Flag - Bathing forbidden Yellow Flag - Bathing with caution Green Flag - Safe to swim The flag system does not operate on all beaches and usually only between June 1st and September 30th. Overall safety advice is to take care at sea especially when there is a strong wind.

SOME RECOMMENDED BEACHES

QUARTEIRA
A large and busy beach which runs from the east all the way to Faro. On the fringes of the resort there are some remote areas where you can leave your car. The beach is gently sloping and is ideal for children; in peak season there are lifeguards and the safety flag system. There are several beach bars and windsurf hire is available.

PRAIA DA MARINHA
A highly recommended beach which offers swimming from rocks and sand. Parking may be a problem but the views from the honey colored cliffs are certainly worth it. There is windsurfing, occasional boat trips and a beach bar.

CARVOEIRO
This small sandy beach with both a bar/restaurant and toilets by the beach is ideal for children. It has good car parking facilities.

PRAIA GRANDE
This long wide beach can be found opposite Portimao harbor. The southern end is more scenic. It has a windsurfing school and paddle boats for hire but a word of warning - beware of strong tides.

PRAIA DA ROCHA
One of the Algarve's most famous cosmopolitan beaches. It is a large sandy beach and has a tunnel leading to several smaller and more secluded beaches from the easterly section. With car parking nearby and excellent facilities such as a range of bars/restaurants, deep-sea fishing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing it is an ideal family beach.

OLHOS D'AGUA
A beach specially recommended for all the family. It is a fine shell-shaped beach with lifeguards, safety flags, car parking, a beach bar and has boat or fishing trips available.

PRAIA DA OURA
This is an ideal beach for exploring as it is divided into two sections. The first is by the car park which has a bar/restaurant and is lined with a colorful display of fishing boats. The eastern end has rocks and from here it is possible to find small secluded sandy coves.

PRAIA DA GALE/PRAIA DO CASTELO
Praia do Castelo is reached by a short sandy track down a steep hill whereas Praia da Gale can be reached by road. Both are safe sandy beaches with nearby car parking facilities and a beach bar. Although they are not far from the resort they do not feel remote with lovely sand dunes and are relatively uncrowded.

ARMACAO DE PERA
This long stretch of sand can be reached from two points, either in the resort itself where you will find beach bars, parasols for hire and windsurfing or from the village of Pera, where the beach does not have the facilities of its counterpart but is more remote and less crowded.

PRAIA DA DONA ANA
A surprisingly long beach with a smaller cove to the west (only accessible at low tide) this is one of the most pleasant beaches in the Lagos area. It has car parking nearby and has a beach bar for snacks and refreshments.

PRAIA DA LUZ
This sandy beach is overlooked by the bars and restaurants of the village itself. It has a good water sports facilities - snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing school, paddleboats and some boat trips. It is a safe beach ideal for children.

PRAIA DO BURGAU
Burgau is a small quaint fishing village with a surprising beach flanked by cliffs. In times of high tide the beach often disappear but is usually quite large. It is reached by a steep cobbled street and although there are parking facilities at the foot of the slope it is advisable to leave your car at the top and walk down.

SPORTS AND LEISURE
The Algarve is a sportman's paradise with some of the finest sporting and recreational facilities in Europe.

BOWLS AND TEN PIN BOWLING
For sport of a more relaxed nature both bowls and ten pin bowling are available at the following locations:
Ten Pin Bowling - Praia da Rocha (tel.(282) 83812)
Lawn Bowl - Clube da Oura, Albufeira (tel. (289) 589135)
Lawn Bowl - Lagos Country Club, Lagos (tel. (282) 62060)

CASINOS
There are three casinos in the Algarve:
Praia da Rocha
Vilamoura and Monte Gordo.
Open from 17:00-03:00 they offer staged entertainment as well as gaming rooms. Casinos charge an entrance fee, foreign visitors must produce their passport and men are usually required to wear jackets and ties.

FISHING
More than 200 varieties of fish are to be found in Portuguese waters. Even from the beach there is a good chance of landing sole, plaice, bream or bass. There is also good fishing from rocks or cliffs. At greater depths skate, mackerel and tuna can be caught.
Vilamoura and Portimao are the centers of big game fishing, where you can join regular organized trips.

GOLF
The Algarve is without a doubt one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world. Wherever you are staying you are never far from a course. It is advisable to telephone beforehand if you require a game or contact your Eurosun representative who will be happy to arrange tee-off times during your stay.
The cost does vary but is approximately $60 to $100 a round.
The main golf courses in the region are:
Palmares East of Lagos, Palmares is considered to be of the most scenic golf courses in the Algarve. Telephone: (281) 62961
Vilamoura's I, II and III The Vilamoura complex is now complete with the latest addition of the Vilamoura III course. Each course has excellent facilities with the sea providing a spectacular backdrop. The championship course at Vilamoura I will demand a handicap certificate to play. Telephone: (289) 313652
Parque da Floresta Located ten miles west of Lagos, the course is set in a hilly countryside with some dramatic holes. Telephone: (282) 65333
Penina The famed 18 hole championship course designed by the late Henry Cotton and two 9 hole courses, found near Portimao in the west. Telephone: (282) 313652
Quinta do Lago This 36 hole course has been hailed as one of Europe's finest courses with outstanding greens. Telephone: (289)394529
Vale do Lobo Another very popular course. Vale do Lobo boasts the most photographed hole in Europe - the long par 3 which stretches over two ravines to the green 210 yards away. Telephone: (289) 394444

HORSE RIDING
The Algarve's climate and countryside is ideal for horse-riding and there are several stables which cater for both the experienced rider and the novice.
Centro Hipico de Vilamoura - Vilamoura (tel. (289) 314675)
Pinetrees Riding Center - Quinta do Lago (tel. (289) 394369) Vale Novo - Albufeira (tel. (089) 512415)
West Algarve Riding Center - Burgau (tel. (282)69152)

NIGHTLIFE
There are discos and nightclubs throughout the Algarve, opening times do vary but they are generally open from 20:00 to 04:00. Entrance is either free or if a charge is made then a voucher is given towards the cost of the first drink. Vale do Lobo - Kasba Quinta do Lago - Trigonometria or Pateo Club Vilamoura - Kadoc and Urgencia Albufeira - Michael's International Nightclub, Kiss or Summertime Praia da Rocha - Glasnost, Babylons or Night Star Alvor - Trigonometria Lagos -H2 O

SAILING
Sailing facilities range from dinghy to yacht hire. Beach clubs that offer sailing dinghies for hire can be found at most of the major beaches including Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Albufeira and Praia da Luz.

SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING
The Algarve offers snorkelers and scuba divers excellent opportunities along the coast, especially in areas where the cliffs are high and the beaches rocky: Armacao de Pera and also from Praia da Luz to Sagres. Equipment and instructions are available at Alvor, Luz Bay Club (Praia da Luz) and Lagos.

TENNIS
Tennis courts can be found in most resorts; there are also several well known tennis centers:
The Roger Taylor Tennis Center - Vale do Lobo (tel. (289) 3944311)
The Rock Garden Sports and Leisure club - Vilamoura (tel. (289) 314740)
The Montechoro Tennis Center - Hotel Montechoro near Albufeira (tel.(289) 589431)
The David LLoyd Tennis and Squash Center - Carvoeiro (tel.(282) 358856)
Rocha Brava Tennis Center - Rocha Brava (tel.(282) 358530)
The Markson Tennis Center - Luz Ocean Club, Praia da Luz (tel.(282)78964)
The Sports center of Burgau - Burgau (tel.(282)69350)

WATERPARKS
The Algarve boasts five waterparks where children can spend the entire day enjoying huge waterslides, rapids, surf-pools and many other waterbased amusements. All the parks have restaurants, snack bars and are open daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
Slide & Splash - Estombar, 7km east of Portimao The Big One - Alcantarilha, 10km west of Albufeira
Wild Waters - Montechoro Park, near Albufeira Atlantico - near Vilamoura Aqualine - near Monte Gordo

WATER-SKIING
Usually only available in peak season water-skiing can be found at the beaches of Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Praia d'Oura, Albufeira, Armacao de Pera, Alvor, Praia da Rocha and Praia da Luz.

WINDSURFING
Windsurfing has become very popular along the coast. Experienced windsurfers can rent a rig and newcomers can sign up for tuition at most of the beaches along the Algarve including Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura Albufeira and Praia da Luz.

PLACES OF INTEREST
The Algarve has plenty to offer sightseers. There are Moorish castles, Gothic cathedrals, dramatic clifftop views, mountain treks, museums, monasteries and of course shops.
Although car hire is the obvious form of transport when getting out and about, there are alternatives. A boat trip perhaps, the perfect way to combine sunbathing with sightseeing, or even a fishing trip. A jeep safari is the ideal solution for a knowledgeable guide to the Algarvian countryside and places off the beaten track. Coach trips are available for a rest from driving and also for evening tours so the driver can have a drink.
Your Eurosun representative can give you further details of places to visit and what to see whether travelling by car, boat, jeep or coach.
Listed below are some places of interest:

ALTE
This is one of the prettiest villages in the Algarve, with brightly adorned white washed houses where two are never alike. Legend says that a local noblewoman on her way to the nearest church called the procession to "halt" and ordered a church built as it was a more convenient location. The nearby village of Fonte Grande is an ideal place to picnic with its springs and waterfalls.

LAGOA
This pleasant inland town, not to be confused with Lagos, about 12 miles to the west, is the wine capital of the Algarve. A walk through its ancient streets will soon confirm this with the heady aroma of ageing wine drifting from the underground cellars. The local wine is served in all the bars and restaurants and a winery tour is possible.

LAGOS
Lagos is a major fishing port yet steeped in history and interest. It was the home of the first slave market which can still be seen standing on the riverbank. The statue of Henry the Navigator overlooks the promenade displaying the towns close association with the sea. Also of interest are the lively bars and good shops.

LISBON
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, lies on 20 low hills (not 7 as popular tradition has it). The principal attraction of the city lies in the magnificent views from its many belvederes, shady tree lined avenues and flower filled balconies. Lisbon also has a generous share of historical monuments, churches and museums. An ideal location for shopping, markets and restaurants, a visit to Lisbon should not be missed.

LOULE
Loule is rich in architecture and is famous for its market. Also a center for local handicrafts.

MONCHIQUE
A small village full of character, Monchique is located 24km north of Portimao. It is the center of handicrafts and you can usually buy home-made nougat, the local fire water made from the fruit of the arbutus tree 'medronho', hand carved wooden utensils or a large straw bag. From the nearby ruins of a Franciscan convent, marvellous views of the Algarve can be enjoyed.
The small village 'Caldas de Monchique' nearby has the only spa in the Algarve, it is charming, peaceful and once a popular resort to restore health and vigor.
An excellent opportunity to sample the local water fresh from the ground which is said to prolong your life by ten years provided you can stomach the sulfurous aroma!

PORTIMAO
Approximately 37 miles from Faro is Portimao, the Algarve newest city, of great importance as a fishing port. An earthquake in 1755 destroyed a large part of the city and much of its past. Probably the greatest attraction of Portimao is the shopping and the fresh sardines sold by the quayside.

SAGRES
Known locally as the "end of the world", Sagres is located on the westerly tip of the Algarve. Home to Henry the Navigator for 40 years the fortress in which he lived still stands. It is here he is claimed to have founded his famous school of navigation where Cristopher Columbus learnt his skills. From the battlements there is a superb view of Cape St. Vincent across a blue crescent bay.

SEVILLE
Being so close to Spain, it's an excellent opportunity to visit the city of Flamenco.

SILVES
Once the capital of the Arab kingdom, Silves lies 17km north-east of Portimao. A once flourishing city of palaces, gardens and bazaars, Silves may have lost its influence but not its interest. The surrounding area is comprised of mile after mile of orchards - peach, almond and orange trees. The redsand stone fortress is open daily (09:00-19:00). A 13th century cathedral built of red and white sandstone has fine emblazoned tombs and should not be missed.

VILAMOURA
Vilamoura is the Algarve's most luxurious and ambitious holiday development. With excellent sporting facilities and the major attraction - its marina, Vilamoura is certainly worth a visit.

DEPARTURE DETAILS
Unfortunately all good things do come to an end. When it is time to go, here are just a few things to remember:

RETURN FLIGHT DETAILS
Your representative will supply you with your return flight details, check your tickets, advise you of the coach arrival time for your return to the airport or alternatively where to take your hire car, check-in procedure, etc...

AT THE AIRPORT
Once you pass through passport control into the departure lounge you no longer have the use of the main terminal facilities. In the departure lounge there is a good duty free shop, self service restaurant, bar, adequate seating, telephones and toilets. All bars and snack bars at the airport operate a system whereby you pay and receive your goods when you produce your receipt at the bar. Unfortunately like most major airports, food and refreshments are rather expensive and it is advisable to take soft drinks, crisps or sandwiches to avoid any extra expense.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS POLICE, FIRE BRIGADE AND AMBULANCE
Should you need to contact any of the above services, dial 115 from any phone box and the operator will connect you.
POLICE TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Albufeira:(289) 512205
Faro: (289) 803444
Portimao: (282) 24663

HOSPITAL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Faro: (289) 803411
Loule: (289) 62013/4
Albufeira: (289) 512133
Portimao: (282)415115
Lagos: (282) 63034

FARO AIRPORT
Information: (289) 818982
Lost & Found: (089) 818302

DENTIST
Almancil: (289) 395453

DOCTOR
Albufeira Clinic: (289) 588923