Algoz

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Algoz

Written by Come to Portugal

Algoz The Growing village of Algoz, is within the central Algarve district of Silves, and is just 7 kilometres north east of the town of Armaçao de Pêra with its long golden beach. The village hosts many events throughout the year, but best known for the largest monthly market in the central Algarve, spread over a large area just to the side of the village hall, that has a small playground in front.

The name of the village has its origins in the Arabic word “Al-Gûzz” which derives from the name of an Asian tribe dating back to the 12th century. Although today spelt ALGOZ in the 18th Century it was seen on maps as ALGOS.

The Village has 2 banks with ATM machines, as well a good selection of shops and daily fish, meat and fruit market open until 1pm (closed Sunday). Algoz also boasts ten restaurants, most offer a prata da dia (dish of the day) where a 3 course meal with wine costs under €8. Restaurants tend to get busy with local workers at midday to 3pm.

Walking around the village, you come across houses boasting elaborate stone carvings on parapet walls and round windows, showing that the village had wealth of history from merchants who lived in the village in the past. You will find old oil presses and stone troughs along the grass verges on the Silves road with a small picnic area, just further along stands the public open air laundry, built in 1933 but closed down in the 1990s in need of repair. Other villages still have these open public laundries in working use, there is a very large one in Paderne ansd in Alcantarilha.

In the village centre sits a picturesque church with a clock tower and cockerel weather vein. The village has a patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy. In the village center, opposite the Post Office, sit four granite grinding stones formerly used in the olive oil industry.

To the south of the village on the highest hill is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Pilar. From this vantage point there are fine views across the village with sea views of Armaçao de Pêra. Sadly whilst the church is listed as an ancient monument it is in disrepair and only used on the odd occasion by the local scout group.

A fair is held twice a year on the 10th August, the day of Sâo Miguel, and on the day of São Luís on the last Sunday in September. Also local horse and carriage meetings are held in the village near the village hall, which is free. In addition, it often has a pig roast and other food snacks on offer.

Just 1km on the outskirts of the village heading towards Ferrerias on the EN269 you will find a very traditional Portuguese tea shop called Quinta dos Avos (see Photos) with a Horse Cart Museum offering free admission but only open on Saturdays. The tea shop is open everyday except Tuesdays, from 2pm until 7pm. For those with GPS it can be found as follows N.37º.09.21 - W.08º 17.09.