Things to See & Do
In the ’60s the Algarve became a very popular destination for tourists, mainly from Britain. It has since become a common destination for Germans, Dutch and Irish people who are looking for cheap all inclusive holidays. In addition to the natural beauties and plenty of beaches, the Algarve has invested in the creation of a network of golf courses. Well-known beaches in the Algarve range from Praia da Marinha to Armação de Pêra. Praia de Burgau, located in the town of Burgau, is a small but frequent beach during the summer. Because of the hills surrounding the beach, it is protected from the frequent north wind in this area of Algarve making it very pleasant for most of the people. A well known spa town is Caldas de Monchique
Vilamoura is the biggest touristic complex in Europe. It has a Marina, a Golf Academy, 6 Golf Courses, a casino, several Clubs, a tennis club, a diving club, other leasure facilities, a big beach and several 4 and 5 stars hotels.
Albufeira is one of the leading tourist resorts of the region. Facilities include a marina, golf courses plus innumerable hotels, apartment blocks, restaurants and bars, for the annual flood of visitors. Nightclubs, cafes and snack bars are abundant.
The Beach of Bryn at Albufeira. Photo by Ed Kitaura
Lagos, a historic (Portuguese Discoveries) and touristic city (beaches). The beaches are great for exploration. Beaches outside of town are long desolate stretches of sand with tall cliffs that are excellent for privacy. Many sea caves can be explored during low tide.
Portimao (actually written Portimão) is the second biggest city in the Algarve, Portugal, and famous for its fresh fish restaurants, grilled sardines being the most famous dish. One of the most well known beaches in the Algarve – Rocha (”Praia da Rocha”), meaning “Rocky Beach” – is very close to Portimao, and there are numerous others nearby.
Paderne Castle, a hill fort built by the Moors in the second half of the 12th Century. It is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Algarve resort of Albufeira. It is situated on a bend on the River Quarteira close to the village and civil parish of Paderne. It is 7.5 Km (4.7 miles) North from the coast.
The Sagres Point (Ponta de Sagres, from the Latin Promontorium Sacrum or Holy Promontory), is a windswept shelf-like promontory located in southwest Algarve region. Only 4 km to the west and 3 km to the north lies Cape St. Vincent (Portuguese: Cabo de São Vicente) which is usually taken as the southwesternmost tip of Europe.
The Ria Formosa lagoon is a system of barrier islands that communicates with the sea through 6 inlets. Five of these inlets are natural and have mobility characteristics. The 6th is an artificial inlet that was opened with the purpose of allowing easier access to the port of Faro.
