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

• Faro The capital of the region, appr. 50, 000 residents. The medieval cathedral, the Old City Cidade Velha, and Praia de Faro beach.

• Albufeira Appr. 40,000 residents. Moorish Castle of Paderne, Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia and Almond Blossom Cross Country running.

• Lagos Appr. 30,000 residents. In 2012 Lagos received the QualityCoast Gold Award for its efforts to become a sustainable tourism destination.

• Sagres Appr. 1,000 residents. Fortaleza de Sagres fortress and Cabo de São Vicente, Europe’s southwestern corner.

What to do and see in Algarve

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, but rather like a wall that divides the mainland from the headland. Notable attractions are the Rosa dos ventos,  stone compass from 16^th 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.

Golfing

• Algarve is well-known for its golf facilities and here are 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 are 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 is 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.

Shopping

• From the shopping center Algarve Shopping, located at the highway N125, from direction Faro, before the village of Guia, you will find over one hundred shops and a supermarket from two floors. In the upstairs, there are several restaurants. There are lots of parking slots. The services of the center include also cinemas and a bowling alley.
• The services of the shopping center Bougainvilea Plaza include besides shops a bank and several restaurants.
• From Casa Algarve, you can get handmade tiles and potteries.
• From Destinos com Sabor, you can buy products made in Porto and North of Portugal.
• Deutsche Metzgerei (German butcher) in Porches sells German sausages and other specialties.
• Forum Algarve, located at the highway N125, direction airport, is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe. There are over one hundred shops and a supermarket in two floors. There are also several restaurants and cinemas. There are lots of parking spaces in the garage underground and outdoors. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• From French Gourmet, located in the Golden triangle, you can buy French delicacies.
• Funglicious sells fresh truffles.
• There are also several Mercado municipal market halls in the area.

Photos: With the CC licence / PortoBay Hotels & Resorts, Guy Renard, Lumbar, Lusitana