Why Choose Algarve For Your Holiday Getaway!

Europe, as a tourist destination, is perhaps overlooked at times for more exotic and further afield locations but the climate is perfect for those looking to get away for a bit. The cuisine and culture in places like Spain, France, Italy and Greece are widely lauded for their style and flair and it makes sense that they should be considered tourist hot-spots. For those looking to find that perfect holiday to Spain, there are a number of options and deals available online but another suggestion would be to visit Portugal and, more specifically, the beautiful Algarve region, located at Portugal’s southern-most tip.

For potential tourists, the region is a haven; situated on the coast, the area is full of long and clean beaches as well as clear waters and plenty of customer amenities. It’s also relatively cheap, features plenty of English-speaking resorts and includes a diverse culture which spreads through the cities, allowing an eclectic side of Portugal to present itself.

The main airport for the region is Faro International, which is also the capital city of the region and a great starting point for visitors. Situated on the coast, it sits on the Rio Formosa which visitors should consider taking a boat trip on, as it travels through some of the more beautiful areas of southern Spain and Portugal. Praia De Faro is perhaps the city’s most renowned beach and stretches several kilometres meaning it won’t be too crowded.

Albufeira Town Beach, Algarve. Photo by Sue Elias

Lagos is another popular city in the region and is located on the southern coast and features a wonderful range of popular beaches which will appease all guests. Praia de Batana is perhaps the most famed beach and is just a few steps beyond the beautiful Ponta da Piedade, a small point where an old lighthouse sits, surrounded by caves and coves. The area is known for its tourist appeal and promotes itself via various water activities such as dolphin tours, sea kayaking and boat tours.

The food in this area is as diverse as its culture and features dishes from all over the country and indeed the world. From steakhouses to seafood restaurants, the region has it all and is particularly good for its famed Piri Piri Chicken. Elsewhere, the Algarve is known for its prominence in the production of ceramics and many markets and stores will sell forms of the product. There are also a collection of pottery workshops dotted around the region that offer classes for beginners where you will be able to indulge yourself and bring home a traditional azulejo.

There are many other popular cities to visit in the region, each offering a decent share of the traditional sun, sea and sand. For cheap and affordable prices, the Algarve region of Portugal is exotic and entertaining, appealing to all the family and is a wonderfully unique alternative to the beaches of Spain, France and Greece.