Tourist Places to Visit in Algarve, Portugal, Europe
Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region covering an area of 5,412 square kilometers. Faro is the capital city of the region housing the Faro International Airport and the University of the Algarve. In terms of GDP, Algarve is Portugal’s 3rd richest region behind Lisbon and Madeira and its higher economy is drawn from tourism, followed by food production. Algarve draws around 7 million international tourists annually.
Geography of Algarve:
Algarve is geographically positioned between 37°0′52″ N latitude and 7°56′7″ W longitude, around 275 km southeast of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
History of Algarve:
According to the megalithic stones in Vila do Bispo, one of the municipalities of Algarve, Algarve existed in the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. In its long history, Algarve also witnessed the rule of the Roman Empire and the Moorish Empire.
Connectivity to Algarve:
Faro International Airport is the airport serving Algarve situated around 4 km west of the Faro city centre, one of the major airports in Portugal getting busy from March to October and it has flights from and to Brussels, London, Paris, Rome, Dublin and many other important European destinations.
Taxis are always available at the airport and also visitors can use pre-booked vehicles for comfort airport travel. By taxi, it costs around €10 to the city centre from the airport.
There are scheduled buses and trains plying between Lisbon and Algarve. For local travel, buses are cheaper and convenient options.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Algarve:
The procession of the Our Lady of Piety is one of the major events in Algarve, held in Loulé, attracting thousands of devotees all around the country.
Algarve hosts plenty of internationally recognized shopping malls all around. A dish called Piri Piri Chicken is very much popular in Algarve and some nice food corners in Algarve are:
- Birds Nest Restaurant
- Casa Padaria Pizzeria
- Bon Bon Restaurante
- Dom Carlos Restaurant
Things to do in Algarve:
- Rooster Quad Day Tours
- Sagres Discovery Tours
- Natura Tours
- The Mountain Bike Adventure Day Tours
Tourist Attractions in Algarve:
Praia da Marinha:
Being one of the spectacular beaches in Portugal, the Praia da Marinha is situated in Caramujeira in the municipality of Lagoa. This beach is very much popular for its striking cliffs and top quality water.
Caldas de Monchique:
Caldas de Monchique is a spa town in Algarve well known for its water with healing properties.
Armação de Pêra:
Armação de Pêra is a village in Silves municipality in Algarve holding many beautiful beaches including Praia dos Pescadores, Salomão beach. This village also houses many modernized cafés and restaurants with international menu.
Lagos:
Lagos is an ancient town in Algarve home to many well preserved historical sites.
Other places of interest in Algarve include:
- Camilo Beach
- Falesia Beach
- Cabo de San Vicente
- Ilha da Culatra
- Praia Dona Ana
- Deserta Island
- Praia Gale
- Meia Praia
- Odeceixe Beach
- Holistic Riding Center
- Algar Seco
- Tavira Island
- Centro Hipico Quinta da Saudade
- Olhos de Agua Beach
- Vilamoura Old Course
Best time to visit Algarve:
Algarve can be visited throughout the year, especially the summer months are ideal for beach exploration.
Accommodation options in Algarve:
Algarve has a rich hospitality industry with line of resorts on the beach providing memorable hospitality services. There are also traditional guest houses in Algarve that are ideal for those who seek budget options. List of the reputed hotels in Algarve include:
- Conrad Algarve
- Aparthotel Sagres Time
- Four Seasons Country Club
- Four Seasons Fairways
- Hotel Belavista da Luz
- Quinta da Cebola Vermelha
- Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
- Dunas Douradas Beach Club
- Pedras Verdes Guesthouse
- Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
- Blue & Green The Lake Spa Resort
- Cascade Resort
- Four Seasons Vilamoura
- Quinta Jacintina Hotel
- EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
- Real Marina Hotel & Spa