With over 150 miles of superb sandy beaches and around 3,300 hours of glorious sunshine every year, the Algarve has to be a true sun seeker’s paradise But that’s only half the story because the Algarve has so much to offer when it comes to places to go and things to do. Starting right from the south west point of Europe – Cape São Vincent with its famous lighthouses and spectacular views of sea and cliff – it’s here that Nelson beat off the French in 1797. Then there’s Sagres – where Prince Henry established his famous School of Navigation. Or, Monchique – set high in the mountains this ancient spa resort boasts some delightful 17th century architecture set amongst the verdant countryside.
How about a visit to the market? Full of life and lots of bargains – especially the ceramics, tiles, leather, copperware, cork, straw and cane products. Or if you prefer life beside the sea there’s no better place for wind-surfing, sailing, water-skiing, or scuba diving than the Algarve’s own superb wide choice of resorts – from lively Albufeira to peaceful Sagres.
And if you’re a sports man or woman Algarve has it all from golf to tennis, squash to snooker. It’s all good exercise to be rewarded by some fine local seafood washed down with local Lagoa or cool sparkling Vinho Verde – it’s all part of the delicious Algarve!
Sagres – The town where Prince Henry established his school of Navigation. Visit the 17th century fortress. Sagres is ideal for a peaceful holiday with many quiet beaches.
Salema – A popular, small, attractive fishing village with a few restaurants, shops, cafés, local fish market and a fine sandy beach.
Burgau – There are few holiday resorts that can still aptly be called a village, but Burgau is such a place. A lovely old fishing village of quaint whitewashed villas and fishermen’s cottages set in narrow cobbled streets overlooking a sheltered bay.
Praia da Luz – A popular holiday beach resort for individuals and families, which dates back to Moorish times. Today the village offers a good choice of restaurants, cafés, shops and has a lovely wide sandy beach, with a variety of sports and leisure facilities.
Lagos – A fascinating historical town. Its shipyards built caravelas used by Henry the Navigator. There are also some lovely beaches along its rugged coastline. Fishing, sports, restaurants, cafés, lovely harbour and bars are plentiful.
Alvor – A lovely quiet resort with pretty beaches, casino, the famous Penina Golf course, and the pretty fishing village/ town of Alvor with cobblestone streets offering many restaurants, bars and shops.
Praia do Vau – Situated next to Praia da Rocha. Totally different, quiet and select with a lovely beach location.
Praia da Rocha – A well-known lively, modern beach resort with a spectacular wide beach. Lots of restaurants, bars, shops, cafés and nightlife including a casino with nightly cabaret.
Portimão – One of the largest character towns and fishing ports in the Algarve. Well known for its furniture, wickerwork, fresh sardines, shellfish and open-air restaurants.
Carvoeiro – A charming resort favoured by the English with whitewashed low-rise buildings, pretty villas, bars and restaurants.
Armação de Pera – A fishing town with a picturesque beach and coastline, offering a wide selection of Portuguese cuisine, entertainment, cosy bars and cafés. Galé and São Rafael – Situated a short distance west of Albufeira, these lovely picturesque resorts are home to some of the best small cove beaches in the Algarve.
Albufeira – Very popular busy seaside town retaining its Moorish character with a bustling fishing in-dustry, market, many shops, restaurants, bars and plenty of nightlife.
Areias de São João/Montechoro/Praia da Oura – These are lively modern coastal resorts next to Albufeira, offering lots of nightlife, restaurants, bars and shops.
Balaia – An ideal holiday location. Fifty minutes’ drive from Faro airport, five minutes from Albufeira and only fifteen minutes to Vilamoura golf courses. Balaia has a quiet location, with low rise accommodation, surrounding pine trees, and has a good selection of tennis courts including the fabulous beach of Maria Luisa.
Falesia – Home to one of the best beaches in the Algarve, this peaceful resort is set in a green and relaxing environment. It has a select variety of a few shops, bars and restaurants.
Vilamoura – A very popular resort set in 4,000 acres of landscape, offering a colourful marina, a fine beach, restaurants, bars, casino and lots of sporting activities including three golf courses.
Vale do Lobo – An excellent and luxurious choice, especially for golf and tennis enthusiasts. This beautiful estate has Moorish-style architecture and lush green landscapes and is the home of the 72-hole championship golf course and the David Lloyd Tennis Club. Quinta do Lago – Exclusive location amid pine trees with natural beauty and tranquil setting by the sea.
Estoi – Largely undiscovered, this picturesque village, with its quiet streets and historic atmosphere, is a perfect inland retreat, dominated by the unique 18th century palace and affording magnificent views.
Faro – Capital of the Algarve. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, part of the tower still remains. Great for shopping, many restaurants, shops, open air cafés and a pretty harbour.
Tavira/Cabanas – Tavira is the Algarve’s oldest town and known as the Venice of the Algarve. Cabanas, its neighbouring resort, overlooks the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and has a lovely sandy beach. This area of the Algarve has many beaches and tiny islands all along the coast, easily accessible by boat, just waiting to be explored. A good choice of restaurants, cafés and bars to suit all tastes and budgets.
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