Algarve
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Sunny and maritime Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. It has appr. 450,000 residents.
It is well-known for its clean beaches, golfing possibilities and being relatively cheap – no wonder that the region is Portugal’s most popular tourist destination.
Significant localities
The capital of the region, appr. 50, 000 residents. The medieval cathedral, the Old City Cidade Velha, and Praia de Faro beach.
Appr. 40,000 residents. Moorish Castle of Paderne, Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia and Almond Blossom Cross Country running.
Appr. 30,000 residents. In 2012 Lagos received the QualityCoast Gold Award for its efforts to become a sustainable tourism destination.
Appr. 1,000 residents. Fortaleza de Sagres fortress and Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwestern corner.
Golfing
Algarve is well-known for its golf facilities and here is many first-class courses
Faro, as the centre of the region, is the good place for starting a golf holiday. Here is the San Lorenzo course situated in the remarkably beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.
Vilamoura is a harbour town that has been transformed into a golf complex. Here is many recommendable hotels.
Surrounding Vilamoura are Quinta Do Lago and Vale Do Lobo. Alternatives to Vilamoura are also Tavira in east, and western Penina.
Recreation
The Mountain Bike Adventure offers various guided mountain bike rides, rides are suited every level and fitness. One of the most popular being a ride starting at the highest point of the Algarve (902m) and descending nearly to sea level.
Vale Navio Riding Centre in Albufeira offers guided riding trips even for beginners.
Something to explore
Cabo de São Vicente
This cape is located six kilometers from the village of Sagres, and it is the southwesternmost point in Portugal. It is an important landmark for a ship traveling and has also a 24 meters tall lighthouse. The nearly vertical cliffs reach the height of 75 meters. The lighthouse was built over the ruins of a 16th-century Franciscan convent in 1846.
Fortaleza de Sagres
This fortress is an idyllic vantage point giving view over the cliffs and the coast to Cabo de São Vicente. It is not classically constructed, rather like wall that divides the mainland from the headland. Notable attractions are the Rosa dos ventos, stone compass from 16th century and the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça chapel. There is also a small auditorium for showing a film about the Sagres’ role in maritime navigation history. Notable sight for a maritime aficionado.
Old City of Faro (Cidade Velha)
Historic center of Faro is a charming place for strolling with its 18th century Portuguese and Moorish architecture, and narrow cobblestone streets. The area is divided into two main areas: the Vila-Adentro, the oldest part; and the Mouraria, the area where the Moors settled from the late 13th century. Mouraria is a good place for shopping souvenirs.
How to get around in Algarve
RENEX buses operates traffic in Algarve and between Algarve and Lisbon. The journey planner and ticket prices are visible here.
How to get in Algarve
The international Faro Airport serves the region, situated 4 km west from Faro. List of its airlines is here.
National railroad company Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses (CP) operates trains in Algarve. There are daily train connections between Faro and Lisboa (4 hours). Timetables and ticket prices are visible here.
There is a ferry service between Vila Real de Santo António and Spanish town Ayamonte. Naviera Armas operates a ferry to Portimão from Madeira with a couple of departures per month.
Top 5 in Algarve
- Golfing in pro-level courses
- Horseback riding in Faro
- Fortaleza de Sagres
- Sunbathing in Albufeira
- Cidade Velha of Faro
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / PortoBay Hotels & Resorts, Guy Renard, Lumbar, Lusitana[/fusion_text]
