Things to do in Burgau, Algarve

ChurchesHistoricalLeisure

Churches in the Burgau area

Raposeira main Church: Originates from the 16th century and still has a manueline door.

Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) thought to be13th century and where Henry the Navigator worshipped. It was one of only a handful of buildings that survived the 1755 earthquake intact. It is just to side of the main (N125) road between Raposeira and Budens.
Opening hours: April to September 09.30h to 12.30h and 14.00h to 18.00h.
October to March 09.30h to 12.30h and 14.00h to 17.00h
Closed Monday, Tuesday morning and main holidays.

Budens main Church from the 18th century contains religious artefacts from the 16th to 18th century.

Hermitage of São António (St. Anthony) in Budens from the 18th century.

Hermitage of São Lourenço (St. Lawrence) in Budens originates from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Barão de São Miguel Church: Originates from the 16th century.

Igreja Matriz de Vila do Bispo: Dates back to the end of the 17th century. Today it is also home to the Museum of Sacred Art.

Historical remains in the Burgau area

There are remains of fortifications all the way along this stretch of the Algarve coastline - some were just watchtowers and others were more substantial defensive buildings.

Forte de Almádena: The fort was built during the 16th century on the orders off King João III.

Burgau has the remains of 17th century fortifications built during the reign of King João IV.

At Figueira the remains of a 16th century fortification can be seen, but it isn't easy to get to.

Zavial has the remains of a 17th century fortification and the ruins of a large masonry tower, formerly part of a watchtower, are visible at Ponte da Torre.

Boca do Rio - remains of a Roman villa, bathhouse and fish salting tanks.

Praia da Salema - Roman villa remains

Fortaleza de Santo António on the EN268 at Beliche was built during the reign of King João III in the 16th century, to protect the fishermen. Inside is a chapel dedicated to Santa Catarina.

Fortaleza do Cabo de São Vicente, near Sagres, was constructed during the reign of King João III to defend the coast from the pirates and corsairs. The lighthouse was built in 1904 in the centre of the fortifications on the site of an old convent.

Fort do Beliche in Sagres: The remains of the 16th century fort still stand on the cliff top near Praia do Beliche. Fort do Beliche which was built to protect the local fishing fleet. It was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 and subsequently rebuilt in 1632. Inside the fort is the chapel of Santa Catarina.

Fortaleza de Sagres - originating from the 15th century and generally reputed to be the site of Prince Henry's School of Navigation. It was destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1587 and subsequently rebuilt in 1793.
Opening hours: 10.00 to 18.30 and from May to September: 10.00 to 20.30, closed 1st May and 25th December.

Wind Compass in Sagres: The 39m-diameter wind compass, (“Wind Rose”) is an impressive, yet puzzling sight.

This area of the Algarve also has evidence of the existence of human presence as far back as the Stone Age in the form of numerous 'menhirs' or 'standing stones'. Some are in groups of 2 or 3 and others up to 15 or 20.

In the Budens area : Adreneira (3), Vale do Oiro (2), Caniços (3), Figueira (6).

In the Raposeira area: Barreiros, Gasga (6), Milrei (21), Padrão (15), Ingrina(3)and Ladeiras (2)

Things to do in Burgau, Algarve

Churches in the Burgau area

Historical remains in the Burgau area

Leisure activities in the Burgau area