Portugal

The name is derived from the Arabic, "El-Gharb" meaning, "West".

The Algarve stretches across the entire southern portion of Portugal. The weather is mild, with popular beaches and many tourist attractions. The climate and landscape is similar to that of North Africa, with bougainvilliaeas, figs, carobs, geraniums, and oleanders. The beaches have extensive tourist development, with the western portion being more natural.

If you are planning a visit to Algarve, be sure to visit the wiki. If you have visited there, or if you live there, please contribute to the Wiki and tell us about what you love most about Algarve.

East of Faro the coast is known as Sotavento (the word means "leeward" in Portuguese).

Sotavento covers over 5,000 square kilometers, with 41,000 inhabitants. The administrative center is in the town of Faro, where the Faro/Algarve Airport and teh University of Algarve are located.

Besides tourism, products of the region include fish, carob beans, oranges, figs, and almonds.

• Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is 468 acres of dunes, and of interest to bird-watchers. The reserve is also rich in molluscs and crustaceans. 
• Cacela Velha - a hamlet built around the ruins of a medieval fortress. With a pretty church, a fine view of the lagoon from the rocky cliffs, and two small restaurants, this is a pleasant place to visit in the summer.

Algarve's is known for its wine. There are four wines in the region which have Protected Designation of Origin (Denominação de Origem Controlada - DOC): Tavira DOC, Lagoa DOC, Lagos DOC, and Portimão DOC.

Faro

• Serra do Caldierão -

Algarve Buzz - http://www.algarvebuzz.com/