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The Algarve
View
the Atlantic from Sagres, mainland Europe's most south-westerly
village, and stand on Portugal's westernmost point at Cape St Vincent.
Visit the site of the first African slave market in Lagos and stroll
though the picturesque fishing village of Tavira. The Algarve is also
widely renowned for its superb selection of championship golf courses,
with the Portugal Masters now held annually at Vilamoura. Dotted all
along the coast, you'll find courses on a range of terrains, from the
coastal Salgados Golf Club to the championship courses of Quinta do
Lago.
The
Algarve boasts a breathtaking coastline
dotted with rugged coves, sweeping sands and secluded bays. Enjoy the
fresh Atlantic breeze and the serenity of Praia de Beliche, a secluded
bay close to Sagres, or the golden sands and spectacular red cliffs of
Praia da Rocha, one of the Algarve's most impressive beaches.
Blue
Flag Beaches
In
summer 2007, 46 beaches in the Algarve
were awarded Blue Flags. Visit www.blueflag.org for full details.
Explore your destination
Here's a little taste of what's on
offer:
Zoomarine
Watch
in amazement at the endless talents of the world's most
intelligent mammals. Dolphins will perform breathtaking tricks and you
can also have fun and laughter with the cheeky sea lions. A great day
for children, and adults, of all ages.
Blue Cruise
Setting sail from Portimao, you will head for
Carvoeiro, where you can
admire strange-shaped grottoes, natural rock channels and caves. With
fun and games on board for the kids, you can relax and enjoy some
serious sunshine.
Jeep Safari
Discover the real Algarve on this off-road
experience. In a convoy of
jeeps, you'll be whisked through orange groves, rivers, streams,
mountain villages and eucalyptus forests for an unforgettable day out.
Slide
and Splash
The biggest adventure water park in
Europe, opened on 10th June, 1986. It currently occupies an area of
16,000 acres and is considered the biggest of its kind in the country
and also one of the biggest and best in Europe.
Aqua
Show
Unbelievably
exciting... the biggest
water coaster
in Europe is in Aquashow. With a trip of more than 740 metres in and
out of water, travel as fast as 70km for the biggest
Portuguese
Splash.
Portuguese
Wine Tasting
A
magical journey in to the hills of
Monchique
where time has stood still. After a traditional lunch, there is serious
wine tasting to be done at the Adega do Cantor, the location of the
vinyards of Sir Cliff Richard, where you will be able to enjoy a guided
tour with stunning views if the area.
Dolphin
Safari and Cave Cruise
Setting
out from Albufeira and
Vilamoura marinas,
a great experience to see these amazing creatures as well as other
marine life. Add to this the spectacular rock formations and caves, all
in spbreathtaking scenery makes a truly marvellous day out.
Food and Drink
Chicken Piri-Piri is barbecued chicken in
chilli sauce,
a well-known Portuguese dish. For those who are looking for something
less fiery, Portugal's position by the Atlantic Ocean encourages a
variety of fish dishes, Peixe, and shellfish, Mariscos. The most famous
local speciality is Bacalhau, sun-dried or salted cod, which can be
served fresh or baked in the oven. Alternatively, try Arroz de Marisco,
a delicious rice and fish dish, or Caldeirada de Peixe, a warming fish
stew. Portugal's most popular export is Port wine, from Porto in the
north, however local white and red wines are also very good, especially
Vinho Verde. If you fancy something with a little kick, try Aguardente,
which the Portuguese refer to as firewater. Portugal is also proud of
the fine, full bodied red wines from the Alentejo area, just north of
the Algarve.
Evening entertainment
You'll find plenty of bars, clubs and pubs
in the
Algarve, with Albufeira perhaps the most renowned for its lively night
scene. Vilamoura boasts a casino and a variety of bars and discos,
while Praia da Rocha has a good selection of street cafes, outdoor bars
and international and local restaurants. But don't expect an early
night, most people don't actually go out until after 10.00pm. However,
if you prefer something a little quieter, you might like to
try
the eastern Algarve, picturesque town of Tavira.
Shopping
You
can buy fine rural handicrafts, wicker baskets, fabrics and ceramics in
most markets and boutiques. Try the open-air markets of Lagos,
Olhão, São Brás and Tavira, where you
can browse
the stalls for Port wine, deluxe 'Arraiolos' carpets and 'Azulejos',
beautiful hand-painted tiles. For the a more commercial shopping
experience there are excellent modern shopping malls at Faro and just
outside Albufeira.
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