The Algarve area of Portugal, which covers the southernmost part of the country, is an incredibly diverse region. Any tourist can find a nice way to fill their vacation hours. Add in warm, sunny weather nearly year-round, and it’s no surprise that the Algarve region is Portugal’s top tourist area.
With all that sun, naturally, many tourists come in search of beaches and are not disappointed. With around 270 km of coastline, including everything from wide sandy beaches to secluded inlets, there is something for everyone. Add to that a wide variety of accommodation from luxury resorts close to bustling cities to sleepy towns, and there’s no doubt that everyone is satisfied.
The easiest way to travel to the Algarve from abroad is by plane to Faro. This is the main city and commercial center of the region, but it is still a pleasant place to visit. Most of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, but still, there are interesting buildings scattered around the city that are worth visiting. There is also a small remnant of the old town, Cidade Velha, and a walking tour of this area is fascinating.
The cities of Tavira and Silves are also highlights of the Algarve region for those with a historical interest. Tavira encompasses everything from castle ruins, churches from a variety of architectural periods, and elegant houses spanning several centuries. Silves was once the Muslim capital of the Algarve, and its main claim to fame is the magnificent red-stone castle that dominates the town today.
For those who like more modern entertainment and a bit faster pace, there is plenty of nightlife in Lagos or Albuferira. Even better, there are plenty of sandy beaches where you can lay back and recuperate! Lagos also suffered terribly in the 1755 earthquake, with very little surviving apart from the old city wall.
If you prefer to spend your time being entertained by mother nature, then the Algarve can deliver. Near Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. It is basically an extensive lagoon system that is home to a huge number of wetland birds, as well as constituting a vital link in the migratory chain. The park visitor center is excellent.
You can also head further west and watch the coast get more rugged. Cabo de São Vicente (Cape of Saint Vincent) is the most southwestern point of Europe. Barren and majestic, it is certainly an impressive place to visit, but be prepared to face the strong winds that often hit the Cape.
The western coast of the Algarve is home to the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This narrow strip of park was created in 1995 to merge a series of smaller parks, hoping to protect the ecosystem from rampant development. The area is also home to many birds.
There are plenty of places to stay along the west coast of the Algarve, as well as beaches, however the Atlantic is a bit rougher on this side and can be quite dangerous in some places. Keen surfers are often found in this region.
The interior part of the Algarve is also worth visiting. There are a number of mountain ranges, with the Serra de Monchique being the most popular.
And if all else fails, the Algarve is home to a host of golf courses, including 7 of the top 100 courses in Europe.
The Algarve is an incredibly diverse region, it’s hard to imagine anyone visiting without finding something of interest to see or do. So be sure to schedule a visit there soon.
