The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal and one of the most-visited summer destinations. The name originates from Arabic, where al-Gharb literally means the west. Why the west, you ask, when the Algarve is in the south? The territory belonged to Spain back then, and that’s how Iberian Muslims referred to the area west of Andalusia.
It was right from there that the Portuguese set off on grand expeditions around the world in the 15th century. The Algarve is steeped in ancient history and its romantic towns have borne witness to important events. You definitely won’t miss the capital of the region, Faro, as it is also the gateway to the Algarve thanks to its international airport.
The town of just 61,000 inhabitants beckons for long evening walks, whether it’s around the harbour, the historic centre or Manuel Bívar Park. You definitely shouldn’t miss the town’s main landmarks, including the medieval Sé de Faro Cathedral and the castle.
Perhaps Faro’s most famous building is the mid-19th century Palácio de Estoi, which combines elements of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and you surely won’t miss it thanks to its typical red colour. For sports fans, the Estádio Algarve stadium, which hosted the 2004 European Football Championship, is a landmark in the suburb.
Other towns to visit include Silves, which has preserved traces of its Arab past. Lagos again bears remnants of the Age of Discovery. Portimão and Albufeira are bustling cosmopolitan cities that are vibrant day and night. Tavira is again an example of traditional architecture.
However, the Algarve offers not only tourist attractions in the form of towns and monuments, but also a plethora of natural beauty. Sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, lined with golden cliffs and almost deserted islands or forgotten coves protected by rocks. The ocean is decked out in all shades of blue there, and is mostly calm and warm, so you can go all in on your beloved water sports. In fact, the climate in the Algarve is relatively mild and pleasant all year round.
Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of mountain ridges and hills to enjoy which are also suitable for less skilled hikers, as they don’t reach any extreme heights. The highest mountain, Mount Foia, rises to a height of only 902 metres. The people here live in harmony with nature, preserving its beauty and maintaining the traditions they love to share.
The Portuguese are not only fond of traditional football, but also motorsports. The Algarve also offers something for fans of fast bikes. The local Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, also called Portimão, was built in 2008 and is one of the most modern sanctuaries in the world. Its challenging hilly profile will test the experience of many a driver.
Portimão regularly hosts the MotoGP World Championship and has twice hosted the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The biggest attraction for F1 lovers is the intensive Formula 1 driving course. Every fan of the queen of motorsport can live out a life-long dream and become an F1 driver for at least a day! This year, Ricard & Bonette is organising one event at the Portimão circuit, dedicated to the experience of driving in a Formula 1 single-seater.
The Algarve is also a region renowned for golf. Golf courses make up a significant part of the Algarve’s 4,997 square kilometres (an area ten times the size of Prague, to give you an idea). There are 31 golf courses, including some of the best greens in Europe. Some good tips include Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Quinta do Lago, Amendoeira Golf Resort and Vale do Lobo. The endless views from the sea cliff or the surrounding mountains are something you will never get tired of.
And, of course, the Algarve has luxury five-star hotels that will pamper you throughout your stay, with refined restaurants serving local specialities. Among them we can recommend the Vila Vita Parc resort, which is a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” and is sought after for its timeless elegance. You will find a sensual and lush seaside setting and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean there.
If you’re still undecided about where to go on holiday, the Algarve is the obvious choice.
