With a history that includes Phoenician, Roman and Moorish settlement, the Algarve is a unique and diverse part of Portugal with a genuine personality and charm. Its appeal is helped by its weather and of course its geography, with over a hundred beaches and some beautiful inland regions. The Algarve region also boasts an amazing lagoon called the Ria Formossa, a popular nature reserve that also includes some great beaches and fun things to do for the many visitors that go there.
Many of Europe's best beaches can be found on the Algarve. All along the long Algarve coastline are many lovely beaches, including some idyllic coves for peace and tranquillity to great sprawling stretches of sand that will delight surfers, swimmers and those who just want to play all day. Whether you want an action packed holiday in a popular resort or a place to rest up in the sun with space and time to explore the coastline, the choices in the Algarve are almost endless.
For windsurfing and sailing, head to Meia Praia in the Lagos area of the Algarve, a popular beach with locals and visitors alike. Like all of the Algarve, the summers in Lagos are not too hot while the winters are especially mild, and this well situated and easy to access beach has plenty of stylish bars and restaurants nearby to refresh yourself after a day on the beach.
Lovers of swimming should head for the nearby Dona Ana, which has some spectacular rock formations that shoot up from the glassy turquoise waters. Summer music concerts are frequently held during the summer months at Praia da Batata. What is striking about the Algarve coast is that it's not just good weather and the quantity of beaches, but that the cliffs, the small bays, the lagoons are spectacularly beautiful as well. This essence of geology, countryside and tradition is what gives Algarve holidays their unique appeal and charm. The Algarve has thousands of great villas to hire so those looking to 'tick all the boxes' for a top standard beach holiday are well catered for.
Taking to the roads and path by bike is another way of seeing the best of the Algarve. The advantages of cycling are that there is simply no better way, other than perhaps by going on one of many coastal and inland walks to explore and experience the Algarve countryside. Whether you want to hire a cycle and go off in your own group or join one of many organised groups, the bike-friendly climate and beautiful scenery should make this a perfect starter to action packed holidays in the Algarve.
For places to stay there is plenty to choose from, with Algarve villas ranging from the traditional styles to the modern styles and always close to the beach for your water sports based holiday. From the high rise developments of the cities to the white washed old coastal fishing towns and the hidden, sun-soaked mountain villages, staying in the Algarve is a real and comfortable experience. The cuisine, as one would expect from any region that enjoys rich fertile valleys of olives, almonds and oranges, as well as a warm climate, is made from fresh and deliciously prepared regional produce. Seafood dishes are a speciality, with dishes like caldeirada – a fish stew – a special treat, especially after a day on, or in, the water.
There are various ways of getting toThe Algarve. Flights to the Algarve are regular from the UK, and there are a great range of stylish and top class places to stay. Whether you want to sail, snorkel, windsurf, play golf, cycle or surf, the Algarve is geared up for having fun and classy living.
If hotels are not your preference then villas in the Algarve offer a great alternative for people holidaying in Portugal. The author covers some of the resorts and options available.
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