Region
The Algarve is not just about beach resorts and summer holidays; it is becoming more and more attractive as a destination for year-round tourism. With exceptional light and sunshine, the Algarve is one of the most attractive and popular regions of Portugal.
Casas da Capela do Monte are set in the region known as Barlavento (Western Algarve) and are part of the district of Lagos. Lagos is an ancient maritime town with more than 2,000 years of history. It is one of the most visited cities in Portugal because of its stunning beaches, coastal rock formations, and historical interest. Lagos was the centre of the Portuguese "Age of Discovery" and frequent home of Prince Henry the Navigator. The "caravelas" or special ships that took the Portuguese navigators around the world were made largely in Lagos and left from here on their voyages of discovery.
Other historic cities such as Silves, the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve with a spectacular hillside fortress, and Sagres, the southwestern tip of Portugal where Prince Henry founded a navigation school, are within a 30-minute drive to the Casas da Capela.
Nearby Barão de São João is also one of the best-preserved villages of the Algarve. It has a VTT centre, with many bike trails in the region, an annual Easter festival, a monthly flea market, and the Zoological Park of Lagos (Zoo de Lagos).
This part of the Algarve is very unspoiled compared to areas further east, and has some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes. In addition to its superb beaches and beautiful nature, there are many outdoor activities, including birdwatching, hiking and horseback riding. Surfing is also one of the main attractions of this region of Portugal, as the Atlantic Coast is less than 30 minutes away.
Espiche Golf, an eco-friendly, 18-hole (par 72) course that is wonderfully integrated into the local landscape, is less than a kilometre away from the Casas da Capela. For golfers looking for a holiday with both spectacular nature and environmental preservation, a combination of the Casas da Capela and the Espiche Golf is an excellent option.
