Country Portugal Intermunic. comm. Algarve Population 4,376 (2011) District Faro District Region Algarve | Subregion Algarve Area 18.45 km² Postal code 8200 Area code 289 Municipality Albufeira | |
 | ||
Patron Nossa Senhora da Visitação | ||
Guia is a civil parish in the Portuguese municipality of Albufeira in the Algarve, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the coast. The population in 2011 was 4,376, in an area of 26.80 km².
Contents
Map of Guia, Portugal
History
Oral tradition suggest that the name came from the erection of the hermitage to Nossa Senhora da Guia, where the Virgin appeared to the people. Ecclesiastical records from the Bishop of the Algarve indicate that owing to the sanctuary, the parish was created in 1617.
Geography
This old settlement is located on the flank of a short mount, the Cerro de São Sebastião, with expansion occurring in the second quarter of 20th century. Among the more important localities of the parish of the settlements of Vale Parra, Vale Rabelho, Montes Juntos, Vale Verde, Cortelhas, Vale da Ursa, Tavagueira and Álamos.
The nearest beaches are Laurenco and Gale.
Economy
The population of the parish has maintained an agricultural tradition, based on a rural society, producing fig, carob, almond, vineyards, wheat, barley and rye, in addition to many legumes.
Guia is also home to Algarve Shopping, a large shopping centre with hypermarket, Continente, and a 9 screen cinema.
The village of Guia is home to "Zoomarine" a theme park with a primary aim; to educate about the seas and the wildlife within them.
It is known for its numerous chicken piri-piri restaurants, and is known locally as "The Capital of Chicken"; the very first chicken piri-piri was supposedly grilled here in 1974, by José Carlos Ramires, whose eponymous restaurant is still open today. Situated on the N125 (the principal east to west road on the Algarve with the exception of the A22 Motorway) it is a busy but nevertheless attractive place.