About the Algarve

The Algarve is one of the world’s most beautiful provinces. Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve coastline spans over 200 kilometres and boasts some of Europe’s cleanest and picturesque sandy beaches, many of which are Blue Flag award winners.

The Algarve is roughly 50 kilometres wide from the Atlantic coastline to the mountains of Monchique and Caldeirao, which border with Alentejo. The diverse landscapes and breadth of development makes the Algarve a truly captivating region to explore and popularity is not just confined to beach lovers. The Atlantic coastline is perfect for water sports, 30 or so golf courses means a golfers paradise, and the cultural and historical heritage invite those keen on walking and sightseeing excursions. With over 3,000 hours sunshine a year and Mediterranean-like climate, the Algarve is a perfect place to visit all year round!

The Portuguese themselves are, by nature, quite conservative and can appear rather reserved, however a friendly 'Bom dia' (good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (good afternoon) will bring a warm smile and a greeting in return. They have very traditional family values and celebrations for birthdays and Christmas wouldn't be complete without as many relatives as possible! It is largely because of their family values that children are always welcome in restaurants and cafés, regardless of the time of day (or night).

It is an interesting thought that in the early 1970's there were only 6 or 7 cars registered in the whole of Lagos! It shows how much change some of the older Algarvios have seen in a relatively short space of time, from the days when the Algarve was a beautiful, quiet, backwater reliant mainly on fishing and cork, to the present day with it's bustling resorts and cars everywhere!

An oddity that we came across recently, which, to be honest, bears no understanding....it is supposedly illegal to put a 'For Sale' (Vende se) sign in your car, but it is alright to say something like 'This car would like to change owners'!! Now that is why we love the Algarve!

Traditionally central Algarve was the first region to inspire holidaymakers and as such, has been developed accordingly to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. Stretching from Portimão to Faro, central Algarve is now a hive of activity and jam-packed with amenities, but it has successfully retained its Algarve history. Central Algarve has beautiful beaches, picturesque inland villages, bustling resorts and golf courses to match the best in the world.

The eastern end of the Algarve, covers the area up to Vila Real de Santo António, the border town separated from Spain by the Rio Guadiana. This area is still being discovered by many holiday makers so is naturally developing at a slower pace than its central counterpart. Tavira, notably one of the most attractive towns in the Algarve, is like stepping back in time. Visitors can forget the stresses of modern day life with a stroll along the river front, seeing the local men having a game of dominoes in the shady parks, or exploring the lovely old churches.

Monte Gordo, in stark contrast, is just before Vila Real de Santo António and is the most developed of the eastern towns with the distinguishing high-rise landscape of apartments and hotels. The eastern Algarve’s flat coastal terrain, sandspit 'ilhas' and protected lagoons and beautiful inland areas like Alcoutim and Castro Marim, offer many different views of the Algarve to visitors to the area.

Western Algarve covers the area from around Portimão down to Sagres. Although becoming increasingly popular with holiday makers since the extension of the A22 motorway to Lagos, a lot of western Algarve is still a lot less developed. Lagos is arguably one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve, with its unique balance of old and new. Much of the town is still enclosed by 14th century walls and the 17th century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira still guards the entrance to the harbour at the edge of town. The modern marina is an idyllic place to sit and watch the boats and just beyond is the lovely beach of Meia Praia, some 4km of golden sand.