Picture © Credits to istock/samael334
Picture © Credits to istock/samael334

Algarve


Algarve is a small and popular region that sits on the south of Portugal, and it is at its most alluring during the holidays. This region is known for its immense influx of tourists during the summer months, because, like Alentejo, it holds some of the most well-known and beautiful beaches in all of Portugal....

Unlike Alentejo though, it isn’t a remote and deserted area. Algarve has a lot a lot to see besides its beaches, but they are for sure its main feature. Through all of the coastline you can find fantastic sandy beaches, almost always connected to lively cities, like Albufeira, Portimão, Sagres and Vilamoura, and even spreading around the Islands of Faro, Olhão and Tavira. Most of this cities have five star resorts and hotels with golf courses, for anyone willing to get that extra confort and entertainment. But if you wish to move away from the crowds, you can explore the inner-Algarve, a calmer side of an otherwise busy region. Here you will find modest towns and discover the region’s history, rooted in the influences of the arabic dominance that was very present in Portugal during the VIII century. This part of the country’s culture is very evident in the architecture and the tales that still live on in the region, and also in its name itself. “Algarve” is derived from the arabic language, just like Alentejo and many other portuguese words. For a more refreshing visit to the region, you can also take a hike or boat along Ria Formosa, in Faro, a swampy protected area near the beach where you can contemplate a site of immense biodiversity and beauty. Last but not least, the gastronomy is also very much one of the most important things to take away from Algarve. Since Algarve sits so close to the ocean, it is no wonder that its main exploit, besides tourism, is fishing, and nowhere else in Portugal can you find better fish and seafood than in Algarve. Feel encouraged to taste the great variety of the region’s delicacies, like shrimp, fish, clams, crab, oysters, octopus and much more.