Information
Algarve
ALGARVE - THE DREAM DESTINATION
Europe's best kept secret, the Algarve is one of the world's most beautiful provinces and a truly captivating region for its landscape diversity.
The Algarve is the southernmost region in Portugal framed by a 200km coastline. It is known for its promise of more than 300 days of sun per year, award winning beaches, authentic cuisine and a range of outdoor activities that attracts thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.
For keen golfers, the region has a plethora of award winning courses. However there is more to the Algarve than first meets the eye.
The Algarve is a region of hidden cultural delights; small, simple restaurants pull visitors back time and time again while Michelin starred restaurants attract a globetrotting international clientele. The sea is integral to the Algarvian way of life, one that is closely bound to nature. Inland, old villages preserve a life that is historic and rich in culture, and lived in harmony with the seasons. In villages of small cobbled streets, you will find whitewashed houses and small local cafes serving bica (espresso), while sardines are grilled openly on the streets, as they have done for years gone by.
All year round the region’s beautiful beaches, nature reserves, picturesque villages, golf courses, castles and fortresses can be enjoyed in all their splendour. Day or night, visitors to the region have everything that they need to enjoy the delights of the Algarve, whether for sun and sea, or for sport, relaxation, history, culture, nature, golf or local gastronomy.
10 REASONS TO CHOOSE THE ALGARVE
300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE
With mild winters, hot summers tempered by Atlantic breezes and warm and sunny autumn seasons, the south of Portugal is a perfect year-round location for business or pleasure.
88 BLUE FLAG BEACHES
The Algarve is renowned for its unique offering of sun, sea and sand and for many good reasons. The region is home to 88 Blue Flag beaches (beaches which are certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that meet its stringent standards) that cater for a variety of interests. From sun worshippers to avid water sport enthusiasts, there is a beach for everyone to enjoy in the Algarve, be it for families, surfers or honeymooners.
LOCATION
The Algarve is located just over two hours away from most of Europe’s major cities and transfers from Faro airport to all tourist destinations are extremely quick and efficient. Its excellent location makes it the ideal destination to escape to for a long weekend or holiday or as short-stop over during a trip through Europe.
WALKING & CYCLING ROUTES, NATURE PARKS & RESERVES AND BIRDWATCHING
The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe. Holidaymakers can experience amazing views; from walking along the popular flagged trails to cycling across the more rural routes that weave through the regions mountainous borders. There are many unique and diverse expanses of pristine nature, as well as numerous cultural heritage sites to visit. Hiking, walking and cycling are great ways to enjoy the sights and the abundance of birding hotspots.
FOOD FESTIVALS AND GASTRONOMY
There are few places that can match The Algarve’s culinary offering. The region is packed with choices for people with a passion for simple, local and lovingly prepared produce, inspired by a healthy Mediterranean diet of fruits and vegetables, and it is renowned as a gastronomic paradise for fish and shellfish. Festivals and fairs celebrating the regions’ gastronomy are held in towns and villages regularly, for both locals and visitors alike to sample local delicacies.
MICHELIN STAR AND AUTHENTIC LOCAL CUISINE
The Algarve boasts the most Michelin Star restaurants in the whole of Portugal. In 2018 the region is home to 8 Michelin starred establishments, (and 10 stars as Vila Joya and Ocena have 2 stars each). As well as its exclusive offering of fine-dining, many of the local restaurants in the regions towns and villages of the Algarve offer extensive menus of both modern and traditional Algarvian dishes, made with locally sourced produce and ingredients. Vines love Portugal’s southernmost region for the same reason its tourists do - it’s perfect and temperate climate with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year is for perfect for grape harvesting.
CULTURAL OFFERING
The Algarve is rich in culture and authentic Portuguese charm; locals live through their arts and music and celebrations. There is plenty on offer for art and music lovers with cultural events throughout the year. Art galleries are located in most towns as well as concerts, theatre productions and dance shows. Moorish influences are evident in the narrow streets and chimneys with varied shapes and designs which can also be seen in the local ceramics. Churches and castles built in previous centuries reflect a rich culture steeped in history. Local cultural artworks are to be found and preserved in museums in the major coastal centres and in smaller inland towns throughout the region.
COST OF LIVING - GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY
The Algarve is one of the most affordable destinations on the Old Continent. In 2018, the Post Office Travel Money declared the Algarve the second cheapest of 44 European destinations.
This is why the abundance of immigrants from the UK, France, Holland and even Sweden and Finland decide to move to the Algarve in order to exponentially increase their quality of life. From child care & schooling, to gym memberships, health insurance, cinema tickets to surf lessons or 3 course set meals at an “average” restaurant, differences in prices are notable.
GOLF COURSES
The Algarve is synonymous with golf, with a remarkable collection of first-class championship courses and amazing resorts strung along the sun-kissed coastline. The region attracts hundreds of thousands of golfers to its fairways all year round, due to the quality and design of its golf courses, with many designed by some of golf’s most famous names.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
The Algarve is home to a wealth of traditional and modern art and crafts, including embroidery, ceramics from the traditional “azulejos”, traditional painted tin-glazed ceramic tiles, to modern, hand-painted pieces at the cutting edge of design. The best pottery to be found in the Algarve is in the village of Porches - visitors can observe the skills shown by the artisan’s hand painting the pottery. Jewellery is also popular; handmade pieces using cork are for example available in a shop in Pescor. Local modern paintings and sculptures, basket ware and leather goods made locally are all to be found within the galleries and boutiques of local towns and villages.
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