Stretching for a hundred sun-drenched and glorious miles along the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve region offers year round sunshine, countless sandy beaches, hidden coves, fresh Atlantic waters and an wide range of internationally renowned golf courses.
The Algarve has, historically, been a meeting point between Europe and Africa, a blend that is reflected in the local culture with its unique blend of Moorish, Portuguese and European influences. Even the landscape seems at times more North African than European.
In addition to beautiful beaches, gentle countryside, and unspoiled old-fashioned villages you will also find stunning and interesting towns to explore in Faro, Lagos, Sagres and Monchique. Why not hire a car and explore the picturesque countryside, traveling along the lovely coastline and taking the occasional detour to enjoy dramatic views and discover for yourself some of the tiny villages which hug the shore.
Albufeira is one of the most fashionable and liveliest resorts on the Algarve. Its ‘Fisherman’s Beach’, is flanked by impressive cliffs and is close to a busy centre, packed with shops, bar , boutiques and restaurants. The once sleepy fishing village of Alvor is home to one of the best beaches on this spectacular coastline. The old village has winding narrow streets, excellent restaurants where the region’s abundant seafood is prepared and served, shops and bars. If sports are what you are looking for, Vilamoura has six excellent golf courses, watersports and superb tennis facilities. There are smart boutiques, cafes and restaurants around the marina and even a casino. Lagos is a lovely ancient town which lies towards the western end of the Algarve. Steeped in history, there are plenty of bars and street cafes perfect to relax and watch the world go by. Praia do Vau is a small resort with a good beach and golf course and a small selection of conveniently located restaurants and bars while the busier resort of Praia da Rocha with its excellent selection of shops, bar , cafes and restaurants is just a kilometre away.
