Scores of sandy beaches are what have put the Algarve on the tourist map, but there’s more to this holiday destination than meets the eye. From coastal castles and Roman ruins to stunning walks inland, Portugal’s southernmost region offers a huge range of activities to complement a great villa holiday.

About the Algarve:

Renowned for its 200 km of sunny beaches and mild climate, the Algarve is so much more than just another seaside destination. Set deep in southern Portugal, the region overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, making sunsets breath-taking. A Mediterranean feel surrounds the whole region, with incredible nature and distinctive landscapes with winding trails waiting to be explored.

Where to go:

Albufeira. Jump straight into your holiday in this lively town. Glorious climate, stunning beaches, great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife are just the beginning. Step into the Old Town to explore charming streets and hidden corners.

Vilamoura. An energetic marina town attracting just about anyone who fancies enjoying a place in the sun! Vilamoura has something for everyone to enjoy – there are boat trips, hiking & cycling trails, and restaurants and bars to suit all tastes.
Portimao. The city’s old, once bustling fishing docks have been remarkably transformed into a scenic promenade, leading to the quaint tree-lined plazas of the old town. Further inland are pleasant pedestrian shopping streets, a series of historic buildings, and a tantalising selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Galé. This is a quiet residential area about 5 kms west of Albufeira’s Old Town. With three Galé beaches to choose from, there is plenty of coastline for all, from picturesque rocky coves to long stretches of golden sand.

What to do:

The Algarve is diverse from east to west and north to south and has plenty of hidden delights to be discovered.

Beaches. The Algarve’s western Atlantic coast is a favourite with surfers; the beaches here are more exposed and much less busy than the southern coastline. The beaches at the eastern end are backed by gentle sand dunes. In the middle the lovely beaches of Albufeira and Olhõs d’Água, backed by multi-coloured cliffs, meet the beaches of Vilamoura and Quarteira which stretch forever. Wherever you are, there will be a glorious Algarve beach nearby.

Culture. Archaeological sites, monuments, churches and museums show the vast heritage the Algarve has. Left after the mark of Greeks, Romans, Goths and other civilizations, these are the most popular sites:

– Alcalar megalithic monuments, a group of burial tombs from some 5000 years ago.
– Sagres fortress, an unusual sea fort with a single fortified wall and three natural cliffs built in the 15th century.
– Milreu’s Roman ruins, the remains of a Roman villa originally thought to have been a town.
– Paderne castle, a 12th century fortification built by Berbers.
– Silves castle, the best-preserved castle in Algarve and residence to the lord of the city between the 8th and the 13th century.

Cuisine & wine. The Algarve gastronomy is an incredible blend of light Mediterranean cuisine and the more robust dishes eaten all over Portugal. As you would expected, fish and seafood are stunning along the coastline – as though they had jumped from the sea to the plate! Further inland, in mountainous areas, you will find comforting home-style food, with dishes like stewed chickpeas and cabbage or wild boar with beans. As for wines, the major towns that lend their names to the region’s four wine DOCs are Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira. The red varieties are the traditional Castelão and Negra Mole and the white varieties are Arinto and Síria. Both the red and the white wines are characterized by very ripe fruit, velvety and warm flavours.

For Children. Other than enjoying themselves at the beach, kids also love the Algarve because of the theme parks – aquaparks where they can slide and splash and have the time of their lives, and the Zoomarine Algarve, where dolphin shows are always a memorable experience for the whole family.

Stunning walks. A stroll along the Algarve’s boardwalks will take you along astonishing sea views and in between impressive cliffs. Alvor, Praia de Rocha, Carvoeiro… All mesmerizing landscapes that will stay with you long after. This is really where visitors get to the heart of the region, taking in what Algarve is about.