Thursday, August 22, 2013

Algarve Holiday Villas - Museums in the Algarve

With rugged cliffs, crystal-clear water and golden sandy beaches among the region's attractions, it is easy to see why so many people choose to spend a sunshine holiday in Algarve holiday villas. But while it is wonderful to relax in on a picturesque spot by the coast, or go for a dip in the sea or your villa’s pool, you might also want to explore the area and visit a museum to find out more about the country’s history. From town museums to those focusing on a specialist subject, if you are a cultural buff, the Algarve has it all. Here’s our spotlight on some of the best that this region of Portugal has to offer.

When you are looking to book Algarve holiday villas, then Truly Algarve are the people to contact, with a superb range of accommodation on offer – either by the beach, in the town or, if you like to get away from it all, in a rural area. Here you can hire a car and go sight-seeing to discover more about this beautiful region and its rich culture.

Algarve Holiday Villas – click here to see our choice of luxury accommodation

Top Museums to Visit

For a day out with a difference during your stay in our Algarve holiday villas, here is our selection of museums to visit. 

Central Algarve, Albufeira – Beyond its dazzling beaches, this top resort also has a wealth of culture. If you are a fan of superb antique porcelain, one small museum well worth a look is the city's collection of 15th and 16th century Ming Ceramics. The recently refurbished Archaeological Museum is at the centre of the old city, with a rich collection of objects found in the local area on display. These are arranged in four sections ranging from prehistoric, Roman and Moorish times, right through to the modern era. There are some impressive displays and re-creations here. The Municipal Art Gallery is small but has a good collection of work by local artists, including the famous Samora Barros, plus visiting exhibitions.

Eastern Algarve, Vilamoura –  Not far from the marina, you can visit a fascinating preserved Roman site, the Museum Cerro da Vila, which includes the remains of a Roman villa and public baths, as well as a burial site and some tanks where fish were salted. The small museum on the site includes relics found there and you can see fragments of mosaics and friezes. At nearby LoulĂ©, the small Municipal Archaeology Museum features artefacts dating back to the Iron Age as well as the Roman period and later centuries.

Western Algarve, Lagos – The Museu Municipal Dr. JosĂ© Formosinho has a collection of historic artefacts from the local area, ranging from clothes to woodcuts and ceramics. You can also buy a joint ticket which will admit you to the Church of San Antonio, which features amazing baroque gilt carvings, and the site of the town's 15th-century Slave Market. This attractive arched building has a tragic history, and is believed to have been the first of its kind in Europe.

About Truly Algarve

Truly Algarve has a wonderful choice of Algarve holiday villas to choose from, whether you are looking to stay in one of the coast's top resorts or would prefer a quieter location. We have a wide range of self-catering villas and apartments where you will be able to relax and enjoy your Portuguese break in style and luxury.

Truly Algarve  – click here to find out more about our choice of villas