More than 200 kilometers separate the capital of Portugal, the large metropolis of Lisbon, and the small town of Algezur, which is located in the Algarve region.
Algezur is located among the green forests and impregnable mountains of the picturesque Sudoesti-Alentejanu y Costa Vicentina National Park on the endless coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The uniqueness of the reserve lies in the fact that on its territory, the last in Portugal and throughout Europe, unique plants still grow, for example, the perennial shrub Biscutella vicentina and Plantago Almogravensis.
Alzhezur divides the river with the same name into two parts, in the old town there is a famous Moorish fortress, and in the new part more modern houses were built, residents were saved there during the malaria epidemic that raged in the city in the XVIII century.
The town of Alzezur attracts many travelers with the opportunity to visit an ancient medieval castle. The castle has a long and complicated history, it passed from one conqueror to another for centuries, it was ruled in turn by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs.
The height of the walls from three to five meters, their thickness is one and a half meters, the castle has a round and rectangular tower.
Like all self-respecting famous architectural structures, the Alzhezur castle has its own legend. According to legend, the castle was captured in the XIII century by the troops of the fifth king of Portugal Afonso III, and a love story helped take the city - a young Moorish girl who fell in love with a Portuguese warrior, and betrayed her people.
The fortification structure survived the Great Lisbon earthquake in 1755, but was partially destroyed, and only in the 40s of the twentieth century the castle was completely restored.
In the vicinity of Algezur, an observation deck is noteworthy, with stunning views of the Atlantic coast. For travelers, convenient entrances and parking for cars are organized, pedestrian paths are made, a restaurant is open.
The observation deck is located near the village of Carrapateira between the sandy beaches of Bordeiro and Amado. Limestone rocks change their shape under the influence of wind, rain, sea water, tides and ebbs: picturesque arches, columns, caves are obtained. Red clay deposits of rocks effectively contrast with limestone whiteness.
These places are popular among water sports fans, to the big waves and huge spaces come to surf, kitesurf, sail.
In Algezur, you can stay for the night in hotels of different stars and price categories, there are affordable places in hostels. There is also a choice of restaurants and cafes in the city and surrounding areas, you can try Mediterranean cuisine, eat in national Portuguese establishments, go to exclusively fish restaurants or find establishments with pan-European cuisine.
