Attractions - Portugal

Attractions - Lisbon

The Algarve, Portugal

Situated in the south of Portugal, the Algarve is the country’s major tourist resort. Year-round sunshine, glorious beaches and low prices make this a great holiday destination. The southern coastal region offers long stretches of fine sandy beaches broken up by stupendous rugged cliffs and fabulous grottoes. In the northern area, the Espinhaco de Cao, Monchique and Caldeiral mountain ranges shelter the coastline from strong winds. One of Portugal’s most luxuriant and charming areas, it is wreathed in fig trees, orange groves and almond trees. The Algarve also provides a wealth of activities including aquatic sports, golf, tennis and horse-riding, as well as numerous fishing ports, beaches, restaurants, cafés and quaint bars where you can sample delicious local cuisine.

F aro is the capital of the Algarve. An attractive town with many points of interest, it is also a great base from which to visit the numerous resorts for which the Algarve is famous. Faro has some Moorish and Roman ruins dating from the 13th century, but most buildings date from the second half of the 18th century after an earthquake in 1755 devastated the town. Faro offers a wealth of restaurants, cafés, bars and clubs to suit all tastes as well as a beautiful old theatre, offering a full programme of dance, music and drama. Along the coast from Faro, you will come to Albufeira passing on your way, glorious coast line, terrific beaches and around 20 great golf courses. Albufeira is one of the most popular tourist destinations, with its own lovely sandy beach.

Get away from the tourist trail and take a trip to Tavira, a picturesque little town situated 30 km east of Faro. Its maze of old streets and 37 churches are overlooked by the castle ruins. Fishing boats bob on the water at the docks and a traditional market is held daily. A quiet relaxing little place, there are bars and restaurants if you want to savour the delicious local fish, sardines or tuna, cooked in the traditional manner. And rent a bicycle, a motor bike or car to further explore the charming surroundings of the town. Or take one of the short ferry rides to the ilha de Tavira. Another town that is off the beaten track and well worth a visit is Castro Marim, whose huge, ancient castle ruins dominate the town. The battlements of the castle provide a splendid vista of the fens, salt pans and marshes of the Reserva Natural do Sapal, where, in the winter you can see a host of bird life, particularly flamingos, spoonbills, avocets and Caspian terns, and in spring, dozens of white storks.

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