Located on Portugal's southern coastline, the Algarve is renowned for its year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches. Holidays to the Algarve combine long stretches of golden sandy beaches with secluded coves, and modern tourist resorts with quaint hillside villages. This south-facing coastline is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean and characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs. Heading inland, visitors will find lush valleys, rolling hills of orange groves, blossoming almond trees, and whitewashed villages.
"...great for golfers, couples and families..."
The 96-mile coastline boasts over a hundred sandy beaches. The Algarve's most popular holidays often centre round popular beach resorts, including: ;
Vilamoura with its busy marina and two golden sandy beaches; the historic port of
Lagos and popular beach resort; the resort of
Praia da Rocha with its gently shelving sands, cliff-top promenade and 17th-century fort. Those seeking relentless partying and all-night dancing should head to
Albufeira with its lively bars, restaurants and clubs set along 'The Strip' which is bursting with pulsating bars and nightclubs.
Throughout the year the Algarve is especially popular with golf enthusiasts. The Algarve features 20 courses, which include some of the best in Europe. Other activities include a wealth of water sports and hiking and biking in the scenic countryside. All along the Algarve there are numerous local markets where visitors can pick up handicrafts such as colourful pottery, jewellery and leather goods. Restaurants on the Algarve specialise in locally caught seafood, but many of the resorts also offer a wide choice of international cuisine, including traditional British pub grub.
