Get your bearings
Portugal’s southernmost region, the Algarve has a long coastline stretching west from
Vila Real de Santo Antonio to
Sagres, and north to
Praia de Odeceixe. A vast natural park covers the west coast, its sandy beaches popular with surfers. The
south coast’s sheltered bays and golf courses cluster between 5th-century
Lagos, lively
Albufeira and regional capital
Faro. Behind is the
Ria Formosa Natural Park which stretches west past
Tavira’s quiet beaches. Inland, central
Loulé and
Silves further west retain elements of their Moorish past. Northwards the terrain rises to
Monchique, renowned for its therapeutic waters.
Surf and sun
The south coast has numerous popular Algarve hotels with beaches to suit families, windsurfers and fun-seekers. Sheltered by rocky cliffs,
Praia da Rocha near Portimão is popular for its sandy beach and watersports. Further east,
Carvoeiro has a small beach and clear waters, and at nearby
Slide & Splash, visitors of all ages can enjoy fun water rides. At the heart of the Algarve coast is
Albufeira, a lively tourist village with beaches and watersports from Falesia to Armação de Pera.
Ilha de Faro and
Tavira beaches are the most tranquil. They are perfect for quiet getaways or romantic Algarve holidays.
Scenic golfing
Several Algarve hotels are located on golf resorts and attract novice and expert players from around the world. The
Quinta do Lago resort has several courses, including the championship 18-hole South course and the Laranjal, set in a former orange grove. Some golfers opt for the
Vale do Lobo resort
nearby with its scenic Ocean and Royal courses.
Penina Golf near Portimão
is home to the Algarve’s oldest course and a golf academy. Other courses include the nine-hole clifftop
Pine Cliffs near Albufeira and
Parque da Floresta, the most westerly Algarve course.
Moorish castles and Monchique spa
Away from the beach and golf courses,
Zoomarine, close to Albufeira, brings in the kids for dolphin shows and fairground fun.
Jeep Safaris find hidden corners of the Algarve countryside. In the hills of
Monchique, the sulphur waters are used for thalassotherapy (seawater therapy), a refreshing pick-me-up before an historic tour of town
. Discover Moorish and medieval heritage in
Faro old town and
Silves Castle. Further west in
Sagres lies Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century fortress.
Casinos and bars
With warm evenings and affordable restaurants, alfresco eating and drinking is commonplace in the Algarve. Lively bars and clubs cluster around
Albufeira, Montechoro and
Quarteira. The rich and famous head to
Vilamoura for marina-front restaurants and a casino. Nightlife is more low-key at smaller resorts, and in
Faro old town or
Loulé you’ll find more traditional restaurants. Try grilled seafood or a stew in a
cataplana copper dish.
