In southern Portugal - where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean - you will find the region of Algarve. The area is home to nearly half a million residents, but it is even more popular with tourists - especially in the summertime!
Algarve is chock full of natural beauty, and one of the most beautiful places is Cabo do Sao Vicente. With its giant cliffs overlooking the water, it is the perfect place to watch a sunset. Plus, the area is home to a lighthouse that's been standing for more than 150 years. Today, it is still the brightest lighthouse in Europe!
The region offers over thirty clean, beautiful beaches that spread out for more than 200 kilometres, with water that is clean and unpolluted. Algarve is welcoming, very safe and relatively cheap.
Algarve offers several of the most sophisticated hotels that are found in Portugal, and a lot of them can are located near the golf courses. Because of all the great beaches, favourite hotels can be found in many of the villages and towns in Algarve.
Top Algarve Attractions
If you want to combine tropical sights with history, head to Faro - Algarve's capital city. Faro is Portugal's southernmost city and was founded centuries ago, so it offers the perfect combination of beaches and history. It also offers a wide assortment of Algarve hotels.
Monte Gordo offers a more modern feel, but the beaches are just as great as Faro's. Located on Algarve's eastern side, Monte Gordo is full of high rises, restaurants, bars, and stores.
Lagos is an ancient inner city that is found inside the remains of protective walls. A visitor will discover narrow, winding streets, wonderful restaurants and old-world shops.
A red coloured stone castle can be visited at Silves. The narrow road leading to Silves winds through rural areas.
Monchique is a health resort cum mountaintop village high up in the wooded Serra do Monchique. Natural hot sulphur springs, thermal spas and baths have been used since the times of the Roman Empire.
As you might expect, water sports are popular in Algarve. You can try your hand at everything from jet skiing, to boating, to swimming with the dolphins.
The southern coastline of Portugal is perfect for dolphin watching. The cool Atlantic meets the warm Mediterranean, and the sea teems with inquisitive dolphins and a beautiful diversity of fish. The protection of the species is of paramount importance, and each tour company operates responsibly. Larger boats offer a longer cruise and offer other attractions such as grottoes and caves. Cruises operate from marinas such as Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos.
The seafood in Algarve is unparalleled. Be sure to eat tons of the local fish, and pair it with fresh fruits and the region's tasty wines. If you are looking for some fun once the sun goes down, you can find it at the Vilamoura Marina. With tons of restaurants and bars, it is the centre of Algarve's nightlife scene.
Algarve Hotels
Algarve accommodation includes hotels located near lovely golf courses. Cheap hotels in Algarve can be found in Alvor, Tavira, Lagos, Albufeira and Faro near the beaches. Other types of accommodation include traditional two to six roomed villas in conveniently beautiful locations. Luxury accommodation such as pousadas is set in palaces, monasteries, monuments and castles.