The Algarve – Playground of Portugal
by: Felicity Walker
The Algarve area of Portugal, which covers the southern-most
part of the country, is an incredibly diverse region. Any
holidaymaker can find an enjoyable way of filling their holiday
hours. Add in a warm, sunny climate almost year round, and it’
s hardly surprising that the Algarve region is the major tourist
area in Portugal.
With all that sunshine, naturally many holidaymakers come in
search of beaches, and they’re not disappointed. With around
270km of coastline, including everything from wide sandy
beaches to secluded inlets, there’s something for everyone.
Add to that a wide variety of accommodation with luxury resorts
near bustling towns to quiet villages, and there’s no doubt
everyone is catered for.
The easiest way to travel to the Algarve from overseas is via
airplane to Faro. This is the region’s main town and
commercial hub, but is still a pleasant place to visit. Most of
the town was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, but even so,
there are interesting buildings dotted around the town that are
worth visiting. There is also a small remnant of the old town,
Cidade Velha, and a walking tour through this area is
fascinating.
The towns of Tavira and Silves are also highlights of the
Algarve region for those with an historic interest. Tavira
encompasses everything from castle ruins, churches from a
range of architectural periods and elegant houses from
various centuries. Silves was once the Mooorish capital of the
Algarve, and its main claim to fame is the magnificent red
stone castle which overlooks the town today.
ALGARVE NIGHTLIFE
For those who like more modern entertainment and a slightly
faster pace, there is plenty of nightlife to be found in either
Lagos or Albuferira. Even better, there are plenty of sandy
beaches where you can lie back and recover! Lagos also
suffered terribly in the 1755 earthquake, with very little surviving
apart from the old town wall.
If you’d rather spend your time being entertained by mother
nature, then the Algarve can deliver. Close to Faro is the
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This is basically an extensive
lagoon system which is home to an enormous number of
wetland birds, as well as forming a vital link in the migration
chain. The park’s visitor centre is excellent.
You can also head further west, and watch the coastline
become more rugged. Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St Vincent)
is Europe’s most southwesterly point. Barren and majestic, it’s
certainly an awe inspiring place to visit – but be prepared to
face the strong winds that often batter the Cape.
The western coast of the Algarve is home to the Parque
Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. This
narrow strip of park was created in 1995 to amalgamate a
number of smaller parks, in the hope of protecting 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 little
rougher on this side and in places can be quite dangerous.
Keen surfers are often to be found in this region.
It’s worth visiting the inland part of the Algarve as well. 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 large number of
golf courses, including 7 of Europe’s top 100 courses.
The Algarve is an incredibly diverse region, it’s hard to imagine
that anyone could possibly visit without finding something of
interest to see or do. So make sure you schedule a visit there
soon.
About The Author
Felicity Walker
Travelling is a much loved past time for the author. To find out
more, check out www.travelportugalinfozone.comm or www.
travelportugalinfozone.com/algarve-portugal/ for more
information.
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FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
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