The Algarve, Portugal

The southern Portuguese province of the Algarve, divided from the rest of the country by a series of low-lying mountains, is one of Europe's most popular coastal holiday destinations, catering for millions of tourists every year.The region's capital, Faro, is built around a charming harbour beside a wide lagoon. An international airport was opened near Faro in 1965 to cater for the incoming tourists, making the city the hub of the resort trade.



Most of the Algarve's trendy, modern holiday resorts were formerly little fishing villages. They still feature central areas with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and ancient churches, but it is the region's long sandy beaches which have ensured its place as a holiday Mecca. The coastline stretches 100 miles (161km) from Cape St. Vincent to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the border with Spain, and much of it today is built up with high-rise hotels and holiday apartment blocks, particularly the area to the west of Faro.



A special feature of the Algarve is the myriad almond trees that are found throughout the region; in late January and early February the countryside is blanketed with white almond blossom. There are also groves of lemons, oranges, carobs, pomegranates and figs growing inland in what is known as the 'garden of Portugal'. Also characteristic of the province are swathes of green golf courses, associated with real estate developments and major resorts, which have proliferated since the tourist boom began in the early 1960s.

Resorts

See our separate guides to the following The Algarve holiday resorts: Faro, Vilamoura, Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio

Excursions

Guia

If the hordes of sun-worshippers crowding the beaches of the Algarve have got you feeling a little claustrophobic, why not head inland to the timeless village of Guia? Just three miles (about 5km) north of the coast, Guia is a small, though bustling village, full of interesting things to see and do. Guia's restaurants are widely considered to turn out the best piri-piri chicken in the whole of Portugal (try Albertos and Palladium), while its souvenir stalls have better merchandise at cheaper prices than can be found by the beach. Further north lie the Monchique Hills: a wonderful day-trip from Guia, visitors can go walking through the flower-strewn landscape, enjoying the fresh air and relative coolness. Most tourist accommodation in Guia takes the form of self-catering cottages, which is a good option for budget travellers to the Algarve region wary of beach resort prices.

Events

Loule Carnival

Portugal's Algarve region is one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe, drawing thousands of sun-seekers from chillier climes to its shores for much-needed weekend getaways. Tourists looking to plan a winter sun vacation in Portugal should consider coinciding their trip with the Loule Carnival (or Carnaval), a colourful celebration that takes place every year around the time of Shrove Tuesday. Featuring costumes and masks, dancers, acrobats, fireworks and giant floats, the parade is a lively and fun-filled event that brings the small city of Loule to simmering life. What better way to beat the winter blues than to hop on a plane to the Algarve region, where the weather is always fine, and to join the locals in festive celebration? A wide range of low-cost carriers offer cheap flights to Faro Airport in the Algarve region, meaning that with just a little saving, you can ensure that your winter ends on a delightfully upbeat note.