Overview

Imagine rolling rural landscapes untouched by mass development; visualise miles and miles of un-crowded sandy beaches; dream of traditional fishing villages nestling within rocky coves....

Also imagine three thousand hours of glorious sunshine every year; with the heat of summer tempered by light Atlantic breezes; the fragrance of flowers, trees, shrubs, the sea and cuisine are ever present….

Do not forget the ancient, mediaeval and Old World influence, distinctive regional architecture, the traditional way of life, the heritage and culture derived from a millennium of maritime exploration and different cultures passing through The Algarve and leaving their mark….

You will see the very best of modern buildings with attractive villas, apartments, hotels and resorts along with the glorious luxury of welcoming Algarve venues all ensuring there is so much to see, to do and enjoy….

Do not forget the many places worthy of a visit which are jewels in a glorious setting and places with such evocative and fascinating names in which each tells a miniature tale, a story or an epic poem and evokes grand ideas in those few words, like in Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Dunas Douradas, Vilamoura, Praia de Três Irmãos, Vila do Bispo, Vale da Ursa, Olhos de Água, Val Formoso, Corte de Seda, Paraiso, Vaqueiros, Luz.

A little knowledge of Portuguese will enhance your enjoyment when you discover that they talk about: The wolf’s valley, the farm by the lake, golden dunes, the Moorish town, the beach of three brothers, the bishop’s villa, the valley of the female bear, the eyes of water, the shapely valley, the cut of silk, paradise, cowboys, light – and many more interesting places in The Algarve like them.

Picture yourself in bygone centuries while walking through the ancient cities of The Algarve, many with city walls and castles and all of them important cities during Roman, Arab and Mediaeval times. The original Arab Moorish capital was at Silves.

Other historic towns are Alcoutim, Aljezur, Estói, Loulé, Portimão, Sagres, Salir, Tavira. The name “Algarve” comes from Arabic, meaning “the west” or, “where the sun sets” and it was significant because The Algarve was the most westerly point of Arab or Moslem Europe.

This is The Algarve, a haven for those in search of beauty and tranquillity. The Algarve is host to some of Europe's finest holiday resorts.

A few of the most well known are Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Dunas Douradas, Parque da Floresta, Vilamoura and many more.

Here the sports enthusiast will find some of the very best facilities in Europe and they can enjoy golf, tennis, riding and water-sports and combine those with the wonderful climate and scenery to provide hours and hours of pleasure.

Children have the time of their life in The Algarve and toddlers play safely on the clean sand which slopes gently down to the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Dine on fresh produce: grilled fresh fish from the ocean’s waters off The Algarve, the famous bacalhão - salted cod dishes, barbecued chicken from local farms, beef from the Alentejo and pork from Bairrada, spiced with corriander, piri-piri, olive oil, fresh figs, almonds and oranges, accompanied by fresh Algarve vegetables, olives and fruit.

Every good meal will be enhanced by good wines. Some of the finest wines in Europe are produced in Portugal, mostly from small demarcated regions and they can accompany any of the many diverse Algarve cuisine dishes.

The Algarve is home to fine wines from Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão and Tavira.

The most famous wines from the rest of Portugal include: The whites from Alentejo, Arrábida, Bairrada, Bucelas, Dão, Douro and Vinho Verde; The reds from Alentejo, Borba, Colares, Dão, Douro and Ribatejo; There are a few rosé wines too.

After a typical Algarve meal, an Algarve speciality - Licor de Amêndoa made from almonds might be a favourite, or Setubal dessert wine from neighbouring Alentejo, or Port, Madeira, Aguardente or Portuguese Brandy could be an alternative.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the pine forest slopes, the gentle hills of the Quinta do Lago nature sanctuary. Visit the excellent markets and shops. Relax in the many cafes and bars. Let yourself be charmed by the warmth and generosity of the locals.

In The Algarve, people live their lives outdoors. So come and join them. Enjoy the atmosphere, the climate and the food on the terraces of some of our numerous petisco bars and restaurants.

And do not forget the golf! The Algarve has 30 golf courses and some are among the best in Europe. They will tempt amateurs and professionals alike.