Lime washed and adorned with various motifs, Algarvian chimneys crown the top of white houses, set against the blue sea and sky.
In the Algarve, masons used to ask home owners, “How many days would you like us to work on the chimney?” The value of the chimney was then estimated by the time it took to build it. Nowadays, more than just an ornamental element, the Algarvian chimney, which is totally white with ochre and blue stripes, is a symbol of the regional culture.
Travelling through the Algarve, you’ll notice the distinctive roofs in their various types, from chimneys with simple openings to those with complicated ornaments imitating lace or representing miniature clock towers or houses.
In the countryside, you’ll spot houses with two chimneys. One on top of the “oven room” where people used to eat, and the other with a lacelike appearance on top of the kitchen, which was once used for parties and visitors. Some of the best places to see such structures is in the areas away from the coast like, Monchique , Faro and Lagos
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