Whether they have sea views or views of nature, the typical houses of the Algarve attract tourists and investors from all over the world. In this article, we invite you to take a journey through the Algarve architecture and explore the features of these houses in the south of Portugal.

Algarve Chimney
Always present on the most beautiful tourist postcards, the typical Algarve chimney is the most outstanding symbol of Algarve architecture. In the rural houses in the inland, it is still possible to see this symbol of popular art and technical skill, which in times revealed the owner's possessions. No two chimneys were alike, and the more elaborate the design, the more expensive it was to make.

Platband 
In addition to the chimney, a symbol of inestimable artistic and cultural wealth, the platband is also part of the architectural heritage of the Algarve. This is an elegant decorative band, with geometric and colourful shapes, which marks the edges of the façades, hiding the roof or açoteia (a terrace of Arabic inspiration which served to keep watch on the sea). The platband usually matches the coloured bars framing doors and windows, contrasting with the whitewash of the walls.

Scissor roofs 
The scissor roof, also known as a hipped roof, is associated with cities like Tavira and even Faro, revealing a strong influence from the East along with silks and spices.

The architecture of the house in the Algarve
In opposition to the more adorned houses, there are regions in the Algarve with simple and less sophisticated homes. Plain, unadorned, and whitewashed, these rural houses are built in masonry of mud or stone and are very common in areas such as the Serra do Caldeirão.

As for the architecture of the houses near the Atlantic coast, it is common to build rooftop terraces, the açoteias, where it became customary to dry fish and fruit, as well as see the stars on summer nights. Olhão, for example, nicknamed the Cubist city, is an example of Moroccan-influenced architecture with clean, pure lines.

In Portugal, classical Arabic art can be found, above all, in decorative details, such as ceramics, tiles, and stained-glass windows. Moorish architecture marks its presence in Algarve houses through vaults painted in reddish tones. An example of this is the golf resort in Silves Amendoeira Golf Resort, whose villas with a private pool feature details inspired by Islamic architecture, present in chimneys, patios, and terraces. Amidst stunning views of world-class golf courses at the Amendoeira, each architectural feature invites you to stay for a long time.





The connection with the outdoors and nature is also very present in this resort, whether through the direct access of the 2-bedroom apartments to the gardens or the terraces of the 3 and 4-bedroom villas with pool.

Now that you know a little more about architecture in the Algarve and the typical Algarve house, we would like to invite you to discover our Moorish properties. Amendoeira Golf Resort is the right choice to invest in real estate in the Algarve or to enjoy a quiet holiday among 270 hectares of nature. So, whether you are looking to buy a house in the Algarve or get to know the best the region has to offer, there is nothing like being inspired by the architectural beauty of the houses in our golf resort.