Stripped Cork tree in central Algarve, Portugal

Quercus suber is the cork oak, and the biggest concentration of these forests is found in the south-centre of Portugal and then crossing over the border into the south of Spain. Cork forests aren't dense, and the trees never grow very tall: they are well adapted to the long, dry summers these regions experience. Cork oak is unique in its ability to regenerate its outer bark. After a tree reaches 25 years of age, it can be stripped of its cork once every 9 to 12 years without causing damage to the tree. A single cork oak, which lives up to 200 years, can be harvested over 16 times.

Portugal's beautiful Algarve area is renowned for its stunning beauty and has been welcoming tourists commercially since the 1960's. However, step away from the tourist traps and into the countryside and you will discover a plethora of natural beauty.