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Forget about quaint, deserted whitewashed villages and old men mending fishing nets. Beaches and bars are the reason people come to the Algarve. The area is a major European vacation spot, right up there with Santorini, the Riviera and Costa del Sol. Like any resort area, the place is filled with hotels, discos, and bars. The Algarve has amazing, clean, sandy beaches, and a fun, holiday atmosphere.

If you follow the coast from Faro, the capital of the Algarve, you reach Albufeira, the biggest holiday resort on the coast. Called the St. Tropez of Portugal, the beach is Albufeira’s main draw, but there is always something going on at any hour of the day or night.

Lagos, on the south coast of the Algarve, is also a big party town and a major backpackers enclave. So much so, that after enough sangria you might not even realize you are in Portugal. Meia Praia, a vast strip of sand near the center of town, and the more secluded Praia do Pinhão and Ponta de Piedade to the south are some of the most popular beaches. There are plenty of places to rent bikes, mopeds and horses. Boat cruises and diving trips are also popular. Apart from the sun and sand, the resort’s other highlight is the municipal museum, which has a few interesting exhibits if you happen to get bored on a rainy day.

From Lagos, you can take the local bus to Sagres and Cabo Sao Vincente, once called “o fim do mundo,”- the end of the world. Sagre’s claim to fame is it’s link to Henry the Navigator. The Fortaleza de Sagres has a spectacular sea view and ramparts to climb around. The fort itself is neat, but just as interesting are the street vendors hawking. Silver jewelry, hand-knit sweaters, lots of crafts, and other souvenirs are along the road to the village.

Portugal’s climate is Mediterranean. Boasting 3000 hours of sunshine a year, the Algarve is a terrific vacation spot. Tourist season runs April to October. The region can get very hot and crowded by midsummer.

Algarve Pictures

Things to do in the Algarve

Party, drink, sunbathe, sail, okay? From stalwart castles that preside over the countryside to ancient forts that guard the rivers from seafaring invaders, sightseers will find plenty of places to please their palates. At Sagres, stop by the Fortaleza. The Algarve lacks Eiffel tower-style cultural sites that draw people from all over the world, but it has many interesting attractions.

Lagos has a Municipal Museum that features an eight-legged calf and other oddities. Also, in Lagos you can go dolphin watching, simply head to the marina and you’ll find a lot of boats that offer fishing, sightseeing and dolphin trips.

Tavira has some nice gardens in the grounds of its castle and church, Praia da Rocha has windy footpaths that lead down to the beach amid arid plants and scenic views.

Nightlife in the Algarve

From disco to top forty and techno to Brazilian, there is a club for every taste out there. Anywhere you may go, beer is near, whether from a pub, club, bar, snack shack, or high priced restaurant. Just head out on the streets and it will be easy to find any bar or restaurant to have a great and memorable night.

Dining in the Algarve

Beach side snack shacks are more common than cafes, but you can still find plenty of places to grab a coffee and people watch. With a cafe or pastelaria (pastry shop) on every corner, the Algarve is an ideal destination for those who love to sitfor hours sipping coffee and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The pedestrian streets of Lagos or Faro or at Casa Inglesa on the Manuel Teixeira Gomes Square at Portimao are the best for people watching and hanging out.

Wineries are located in Lagos, Portimão, Tavira, and Lagoa districts. Lagoa’s wine co-operative is the most well known, but not as famous as Potugal’s port, white Vinho Verde, or red Dao wines.

Shopping in the Algarve

You’ll find basic shopping all over the Algarve. Handicrafts, sweaters and tiles are available in most areas. There are two main shopping places in the Algarve; The Guia shopping center near Albufeira and the Forum Algarve in Faro city.

The Algarve Travel Tips

• If you’re into golf, the Algarve has some beautiful courses that you don’t want to pass up (Has 7 of the 100 best courses in Europe!)
• Be sure to explore the different parts of the Algarve because although their beaches are the main attraction, there is so much more to see also!
• Don’t forget to go to the Zoomarine!