The Algarve
The Algarve is one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations, thanks to the Algarve’s relaxed atmosphere and its welcoming people. With over 155 km of beautiful sandy beaches to choose from and over 3000 hours sunshine a year, the Algarve has fast become a favourite holiday destination.
The Algarve offers holidays for every requirement and age group and boasts luxury Algarve villas and 5 star holidays at some of the most exclusive holiday resorts in Europe.
The Algarve is steeped in history and tradition, and its gastronomical delights, especially seafood, are not to be missed. Whether you prefer a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural or historical experience or a golf holiday, Algarve holidays have something for everyone.
The unspoilt Western Algarve boasts some of the best beaches in Portugal. There are many beach activities on offer, such as diving, fishing, windsurfing, jetskis and kite surfing.
The Algarve’s towns and villages on your doorstep
Salema
A couple of minutes drive from the resort is Salema, a picturesque fishing village that has retained its character and charm. The beach is long and sandy and people are drawn here as it remains a working village with boats going out every day and the local restaurants buy their fish directly from the boats. Salema has an easy-going atmosphere with an number of excellent bars and restaurants.
Burgau
Six kilometers away is Burgau, a typical Portuguese fishing village which remains unspoilt due to its location in a small cove bound by steep cliffs. There is limited parking so visitors are recommended to leave their cars at the top of the village and walk down. On the way you will pass many old fishing cottages.
Other nearby villages
Budens, within walking distance of your accommodation at Quinta da Encosta Velha and Parque da Floresta and about as rural as you can get – watch out for the cows and goats on the road!
Sagres
Known as “The end of the World” by the ancient explorers who passed this way on their voyages of discovery. The location of Cape St Vincent is the most south-westerly point in Europe. Today the village has grown from a single street to a cliff top sprawl of houses and shops, as well as several good restaurants. It is a busy fishing port and a popular venue for Algarve anglers.
There are four good beaches within a short drive from Sagres and the resort. Praia da Mareta just below the town, Praia do Martinhal to the east, Praia do Tonel on the other side of Ponta da Sagres and the isolated praia da Beliche.
Lagos
20 minutes drive from the resort, Lagos is the third largest town in the Algarve. Lagos was the region’s capital from 1576 until 1756 and many ancient buildings still stand. With its maze of winding, cobbled streets full of pavement restaurants, café bars and art shops, this is a place of culture and history. The town walls, still largely intact, date back to the Roman times. Today the vibrant town presents a very different picture, especially in the summer when it bursts with restaurants, boutiques, bars and clubs.
Lagos also boasts one of the largest and beautiful stretches of beach in the Algarve, the Meia Praia. With an assortment of beach bars and watersports available, the Meia Praia beach is a firm favourite with everyone.
Be sure to visit Lagos whilst on your Algarve holiday.
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