Algarve

Submitted by maria on Wed, 20/07/2022 - 10:09

The Algarve is a region in the south of Portugal famous for its beautiful golden sandy beaches.

Algarve

Its rugged coastline full of grottoes and coves accessible only by boat allows the traveller to enjoy every corner, delighting water sports lovers. But the Algarve also has other attractions, fishing villages, fortresses, lighthouses and the opportunity to savour delicious dishes of Portuguese gastronomy such as calderetas, cataplanas or grilled fish.

We could divide the Algarve into two areas, the eastern and the western, and it is about the latter that we will talk to you.

Algarve

Esentials

St. Vincent Cape and lighthouse

How to get there

By plane. Faro International Airport receives the largest number of travellers.

By car. If you are travelling from Spain by road the best option is to take the A49 from Seville to the border over the Guadiana River, a motorway runs through the Algarve region from the Spanish border to Lagos.

From Lisbon take the A6 and, when you reach the point where the A6 and A2 motorways meet, head south on the A2. See link tolls Portugal.

Algarve

Petrol is more expensive than in Spain, so if you're travelling in your own car, remember to fill up before entering.

Car hire is also an option and if you're an EU or US citizen you don't need an international driving permit.

They are very strict about speed limits, so keep this in mind.

Albufeira port

Health

Before you start your trip, contact the international disease service. Mosquito repellent is a must, as well as sunscreen.

Security

Before travelling, it is advisable to take out travel insurance (IATI or MONDO), not only for health but also for civil liability. EU citizens have a common health insurance card which must be requested in advance on the website.

Accommodation

Portimao or Albufeira are the best places for budget accommodation. They are large and located in the central Algarve, but there are many other wonderful villages such as Carvoeiro or Porches which are always a good choice.

In Lagos we recommend the Ankora Park Sunplace Hotel, a small independent cottage near Don Camilo beach and Punta da Piedade.

Any time of year is the perfect time to visit the Algarve except July and August when prices soar. We always book with Booking which offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets.

Mosaic

Gastronomy

Portuguese food is a delight, so rich and varied that it is difficult to try all its delicacies.

The star ingredient is cod, cooked in so many different ways and so delicious that it is impossible to try them all: grilled, in fritters (patanisca), dourado (with fried potatoes and egg) and so on up to a hundred or more.

From the sea, don't forget to try other delicacies such as sardines, red mullet or octopus (polvo in portuguese).

Cod

Pork (porco) is the most popular local dish in the centre, but so are veal stews (vitela).

The menu of the day usually consists of a green broth as a starter and a choice of meat or fish as a main course, accompanied by wine and water, usually accompanied by dessert and coffee, and ranges from eight or ten euros in the less touristy areas to fourteen euros.

Portions are usually large enough to share between two people.

Some restaurants offer bread, butter, cheese, olive oil or olives as an appetizer, but this is not on the menu.

Skewer

The Portuguese pastry tradition is very old, and you can find a pastearia almost anywhere you go to taste them.

In the coastal areas, be sure to try the grilled fish, seafood and especially the calderetas and cataplanas of fish and seafood, sometimes accompanied with potatoes and sometimes with rice. Don't miss the restaurant O Patio, delicious cataplana and cheesecake.

Don't be afraid to order the dish of the house, in many restaurants the menu consists of a meat or fish stew accompanied by rice or salad. You will be surprised.

Cataplana

If you want to shop at the supermarket, the Pingo Doce chain is open until ten o'clock at night. Please note that the opening hours in Portugal are more similar to those in Europe than in Spain, so after half past seven in the evening they are usually closed.

Beer. Portugal does not have the beer tradition of other European countries. However, the country's best-known brands such as Super Bock and Sagres are very tasty and are an excellent choice for the sweltering Portuguese summers.

Wine. Depending on the region, there are different types of wine. There are several denominations of origin, the main ones being DAO, Tejo or Douro. The taste is generally smooth and fruity.

Fish with almonds

Green wine is produced between the Douro and Minho regions. It is slightly sparkling, that point of needle that characterises it. It is produced when the grapes have barely ripened, hence its name.

The most famous of all is Port wine, a mixture of wine and brandy with a sweet touch that you can taste all over the country, especially in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia near Oporto and in the surrounding restaurants that offer a tasting of up to five varieties for a reasonable price.

Vegetables with Potatos

The oil in Portugal is milder than that produced in Spain but has a very rich flavour and is also somewhat cheaper.

Esentials

St. Vincent Cape and lighthouse

Located on the southernmost tip of Portugal, the St. Vincent Lighthouse is the best place to watch the sunset in the Algarve. Built inside a 16th century fortress, the lighthouse is still in operation today.

St. Vincent Cape

At dusk is when most people come so parking is sometimes difficult. Do not forget to bring warm clothes, even in summer it is very windy.

It belongs to the Natural Park of the Costa Vicentina and Alentejo.

St. Vincent sunset

Praia do Beliche

Beliche beach is located between the Portuguese town of Sagres and Cape St. Vincent. White and golden sand surrounded by imposing cliffs. A magical spot for its beauty and tranquillity.

Algarve

Vicentina coast

With imposing cliffs and extensive sandy beaches, the Vicentina coast stretches from Burgau to the Portuguese town of Sines. Almost 300 kilometres of Atlantic coastline where you can enjoy the scenery and good food.

Here you can find practically deserted areas that are very little frequented and very well known, such as the beach of Adegas. An area that we need to explore more intensely.

Vicentina coast

Burgau

This pretty Portuguese town is situated on the western edge of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. It has a small beach that serves as a fishing harbour where you can observe traditional forms of fishing. Although the beach is small, it has parking and toilets. Calm waters to enjoy a day with the family.

Burgau

Lagos

Lagos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. Although it is most famous for its rocky beaches and cliffs, we must highlight its historic centre.

Surrounded by walls of Roman origin, the centre of Lagos boasts the 18th century Church of San Antonio and the Castle of the Governors.

Lagos coast

Don Camilo beach

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. You have to go down a long staircase to reach the beach, and there is a car park.

Curiosity. There is a tunnel dug in the rock that connects to another small, quieter cove.

Don Camilo beach

Ponta da Piedade

Very close to Lagos is this magical place. Impressive rock formations form part of these cliffs. Caves and grottoes to explore by boat.

Lagos

Ponta da Piedade

Sometimes fishermen come to the beaches to offer boat rides or you can book excursions with Ponta da Piedade Tours to kayak, fish or visit the nearby caves.

Don't forget to visit Praia dos Estudantes or Praia de Dona Ana, among others.

Algarve caves

Alvor beach

Alvor beach is one of the longest beaches in this area. At the eastern end don't miss the coves hidden among the rocks, such as the beach of the Three Brothers from where you can access the restaurant Sol e Sombra and Caniço with a lift carved into the rock that allows access to the village.

Praia João de Arens is also a good option.

The coast

Portimao

Portimao is one of the most touristy towns in the Algarve, with plenty of budget accommodation for those on a budget.

The Praia da Rocha seafront promenade is a great place with a lively market, pubs, beach bars, karaoke bars and even a casino.

Lagos

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is one of those places that you absolutely must visit in the Algarve. This small fishing village has become a must thanks to the coves and cliffs that surround it. All with parking and beach bars but without access for people with reduced mobility.

Stairs and walkways cross the rocks to reach these beautiful beaches. One of the best places in the Algarve to enjoy the sunsets.

Carvoeiro

Walking the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos is one of the must-do activities in this area. A hiking route of about 6 km that starts at Praia da Marinha and ends at Praia do Vale de Centeanes. It is breathtaking.

Algarve

These are some of the beaches that you will have the opportunity to visit on the route such as Vale Covo beach, Algar Seco, Vale de Centenaes beach, Benagil and/or Carvalho beach.

Footbridge

Kayaking

Benagil cave

Along with Carvoeiro the Benagil cave is another must do on your visit to the Algarve. An impressive cave formed by wind and sea erosion with a huge hole at the top only accessible by boat.

Turquoise waters

It is located on the coast between Albufeira and Portimao, although there are boats to visit it from almost anywhere nearby, and even the fishermen themselves will come to the beaches to take you there (bargaining not allowed).

Benagil

Nature arches

Albufeira

This former fishing village has become an important holiday destination. Access to Praia do Paneco (the most central beach) is through a tunnel dug into the rock. There is not much parking space near the beach so we recommend you arrive early and there is always a gorrilla to tip.

There are other beaches nearby that we recommend such as Praia Secreta or Praia da Galé.