Portugal is filled with innumerable picturesque locations and the foremost among them is definitely Algarve which is comprise of various towns and settlements which not only display exquisite scenic beauty but also present excellent climatic conditions which encourage living in cottages and country houses which are widely found in this region.

Previous a major coastal village of Portugal, Alvor has in recent times emerged as one of the premier holiday locations in Portugal and it is testimony to Portugal’s ancient past which is evident in the various evidences and even in the history of its origin and has with the passage of time emerged as a lucrative area for investing in country houses. According to historical sources, it is believed that this beautiful village was established by the Carthaginians and it is held by many that this was the site of ‘Portus Hannibalis’. The formidable Romans who had subjugated the Portuguese since ancient times considered Alvor to be one of its most important ports and were named as ‘Ipses’ by the Romans. Before the region was acquired by the Christians by means of the Reconquista, Portugal also was ruled by the Moors who had renamed this port as ‘Albur’ in the 6th century.

This region was extremely affluent and wealthy and this is evident from the ruins of an ancient roman villa still present in Alvor. It is interesting to note that even today the Alvor region retains its old worldly charm and flavor and no major innovations are seen from the ancient times. The village comprises of a lagoon which flows into the sea and though there are bars by the roadside and live music, the roads pave their way into the old fishing villages which have preserved their primitive charm. The ancient buildings, especially the Parish Church presents Manueline type of architecture and the region is a major joint for villas and farm houses. Monchique has an old worldly charm with its pastoral atmosphere and cobblestone streets.