Portugal
The Algarve is a favourite with tourists seeking warm winter breaks, golfing holidays and family summer holidays. In the west lies a succession of bays, inlets and rocky coves, sheltered by dramatic sandstone cliffs, creating magical places to laze away the day. The coastline along the central Algarve between Faro and Portimão is full of large hotels, quality resorts, holiday homes, new championship golf courses, restaurants and nightlife. In the east, the long unbroken expanses of golden sand are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The eastern Algarve is quieter in general but hotels line the long wide beach at Monte Gordo near the Spanish border.
-
There’s something for everyone in the Algarve, including families, golf fans, sun worshippers, watersports enthusiasts, fresh-air fiends and party animals.
The Algarve is renowned for its golf, with around 30 golf courses, some with plenty of water features, others with long greens among pine trees, plus coaching and putting greens, if you like.
-
Things to Do in Portugal
- Beach – beaches also vary along the region’s long coastline. For long beaches consider Falésia, Armação de Pêra, Quarteira or Monte Gordo. Praia da Rocha is a wide beach and popular with the younger crowd, but for watersports head to Meia Praia, Praia do Martinhal, Praia da Luz or Baleeira.
-
- Eating and drinking – there’s something for every taste and budget, from picnics at the ‘end of the world’ in Cape St Vincent and beachfront terraces in Alvor to sophisticated fish restaurants in Vilamoura marina and Michelin-starred dining.
- Escape – if you fancy getting away from the crowds, head to the eastern Algarve resort of Tavira or the deserted beaches around Ria Formosa Natural Park. In the countryside, Monchique is a perfect choice with mountain walks and a spa at the end of the day.
- Excursions – if you have a hire car or fancy taking a trip out for the day, explore the old towns of Faro, Tavira Castro Marim and Monchique. You might even consider a longer trip (maybe with an overnight stay) to the country’s capital of Lisbon.
- Golf – the Algarve is renowned for its golf, with around 30 golf courses, some with plenty of water features, others with long greens among pine trees, plus coaching and putting greens, if
you like.
- History and heritage – if you want to explore some of the Algarve’s past, visit the ancient castles in Castro Marim or Silves, Henry the Navigator’s old fortress at Sagres, the battlements at Loulé and the ruins of a Roman villa at Milreu.
- Nightlife – clubbers should head along to Praia da Rocha and Albufeira but the older crowd might prefer the shows and a flutter in the region’s casinos – try Vilamoura and Monte Gordo.
- Outdoor fun – take a boat trip along the River Guadiana or go out big-game fishing, explore the coastal paths from Lagos to the Ponta da Piedade or jump on a safari jeep to see the back-roads of the region.
- Shopping – pick up local crafts and jewellery, find bargains at one of the gypsy and local markets across the region or settle into a day of finding fashion accessories at AlgarveShopping, the region’s largest shopping centre.
- Theme parks and zoos – kids (and a few adults) will be easily pleased with the Algarve’s theme parks. Enjoy Zoomarine’s dolphin shows, aquarium and pool; the alligators, petting farm and pool at Krazy World or a complete day of rides and fun at Slide & Splash.
-
Useful Phrases for
Your attempts to master a few phrases and, at the very least, daily greetings will always be appreciated. Why not learn a few words before you go.
