Vila do Bispo is a small pretty town west of Lagos with narrow streets and typical whitewashed Algarvean houses surrounding the main 16th century church with a museum containing some interesting works of religious art from the 16th century with the newer, more modern buildings surrounding the cultural centre and municipal building. There are a great number of bars, cafés and restaurants to choose from for such a small town and it is ideally situated just a short distance away from the coast and uncrowded beaches, ideal for surfing, or quiet small coves for relaxing.
There are many places to explore around Vila do Bispo and it is great walking territory as it is part of the protected Costa Vicentina National Park with lots of wildlife to see for the nature lovers. Just to the east of Vila do Bispo is the pretty village of Raposeira where Henry the Navigator is supposed to have resided and to the east of Raposeira is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, where Prince Henry worshipped. Also along this stretch of coast lies the once small fishing village of Salema which has steep hillsides that surround the central square.
There is also the most south westerly point in Europe (Cabo de São Vicente) with amazing views. Other old, rural villages dot the area, which are rich in historic sites, traditional restaurants and long, uncrowded, sandy beaches.
This part of the Algarve is still relatively untouched by mass tourism and has some of the most beautiful beaches and lovely countryside to discover, but there are still plenty of activities to do around Vila do Bispo, such as golf, some of the best surfing in Europe, paragliding, horseriding, cycling, walking and bird watching. There is also a local waterpark or you can visit Lagos town with its great shops, nightlife and the zoo.
Vila do Bispo became 'twinned' with Nishinoomote, in Japan in February 1992, to recognise that the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Japan in the 16th century. The square between the cultural centre and municipal building was named Tanegashima Square to commemorate the agreement. Another historical fact about the area is it has stones called ´menhirs' which prove that there was civilization in this area of the Algarve going back to the Stone Age, so as well as having some lovely countryside for long, rambling walks there are quite a lot of interesting things to keep a look out for.
There is plenty of accommodation available, either to rent or buy in the surrounding areas as well as Vila do Bispo itself, such as luxurious secluded villas set in their own grounds, beautifully refurbished moorish farmhouses, typical village houses in quiet streets only a few minutes walk to the beach and small complexes with apartments.
So for those of you who enjoy the quieter side of life and wish to discover this beautiful area of the Algarve, Vila do Bispo is the ideal destination.
Article by Nadine Ferreira da Silva |
