All Of Tourism

The Algarve in Portugal offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Whilst the beaches in some other European countries suffer from over-development, high-rise hotels and mass tourism, the Algarve has some stunning secluded beaches, grottos and coves. Visiting the beaches in Algarve you’ll notice the striking contrast between the yellow sandstone cliffs and the deep blue waters. The Atlantic water is cold but refreshing and the scent of the sea spray lingers in the air. Seafood and fish is a staple diet in Portugal, and is incredibly fresh and cooked to perfection. Giant king prawns the size of lobsters, monkfish kebabs, clams, cockles, oysters, sea bass and salted cod are just some of the things you’ll find on the menu here. A holiday to the Algarve is also a brilliant opportunity to try the country’s Port wine with a selection of local cheeses. Visit the Algarve’s many historic towns and party the night away in the towns of Lagos or Albufeira. There are several 5 star hotels in the Algarve, as well as luxury golfing resorts, private villas and apartments.

Things to Do: The Algarve is all about long sunny days on the beach and the Portuguese food. One thing you must to on a trip to the Algarve is dine in a seafood restaurant on the ocean and try some of the country’s world renowned Port. Visit the Algarve’s beaches and take a trip to Cape St. Vincent, which is the most south westerly point in the Algarve. It is a major landmark for ships coming to the Mediterranean and people once thought this was the end of the Earth. Cape St. Vincent offers incredible views from the top of these sheer cliffs out to sea. If you want to do some serious clothes shopping, the best places for shops are Portimao or Algarve Shopping in Guia, towards the airport. If you’re interested in learning to surf, then take some surfing lessons out in Sagres, where the waves come in from the Atlantic. You can book different boat trips to see dolphins swimming in the Atlantic, or take a smaller fishing boat to explore the caves and grottos dotted along the coastline. If you have children, Slide and Splash water park is a great day out. Portugal has world-class golf resorts if you’re interested in playing game of golf. If you’ve had enough of the beach, head inland to Monchique to explore the wooded mountain range separating the Algarve from the Alentejo region.

Where to stay: If you’re looking for something really luxurious, the Sheraton Algarve is decorated in a Moorish style and covers 72 acres of land on a cliff top overlooking the Algarve’s stunning coastline. You can dine on Middle Eastern or Mediterranean Cuisine, seafood dishes and traditional Portuguese chicken Piri Piri in the restaurants, and toast your holiday with a glass of champagne in the clifftop Mirador Champagne Bar. If you’re on more of a budget, there is a range of accommodation to suit your needs from smaller hotels to villa rentals and self catering apartments.

Getting there & When to Go: The nearest international airport in the Algarve is Faro Airport. The best time to go is in the European summer months from May until September, when the weather is very sunny and there is barely ever a cloud in the sky. The weather stays mild all year round, but is generally much colder in the winter, especially at night with the Atlantic breeze. Even if you’re travelling in summer, make sure you take a cardigan or something to cover your arms when you’re dining outside in the evening.