Algarve, Portugal: A Region of Wondrous Attractions
Algarve, Portugal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Located in the southernmost part of Portugal, this region has become a top destination for travelers from around the world mainly for its Mediterranean climate, huge variety of flora and fauna, and over 100 beautiful beaches and resorts.
The Algarve Portugal region features an extensive coastline of approximately 60 miles. Its mild weather is perfect for various water sports like sailing, parasailing, and snorkeling, and outdoor activities like horse riding, golfing, and tennis. If you’re in this part of the world, the beaches in Algarve remarkable for their fine golden sand are definitely among the best places to enjoy the sun.
Praia da Falesia or Falesia Beach, for instance, is known for its long stretch of sandy golden sand that is protected by towering cliffs of as high as 30 meters with lush pine trees atop. Its eight-kilometer shoreline and transparent waters make it one of the best and longest beaches in Portugal.
Measuring 4.5 kilometers starting from the Eastern part of Lagos to Alvor Beach, Meia Praia Beach is also one of the longest beaches in Portugal. With its wonderful views and fantastic waters, tourists flock this magnificent beach to spend summer. Surfers and body boarders are aplenty in the area. The eastern part of the beach, on the other hand, is perfect for naturists looking for some quiet and tranquil time.
Meanwhile, if you’re in for some adventure and water sports like surfing and scuba diving, Martinhal Beach is a great place to go to. Located in the western part of Algarve, Portugal, Martinhal Beach is known for its sparkling waters, pristine beach, unspoiled wilderness, and a relaxing environment.
You also don’t want to miss the old town of Albufeira, known as the heart of beaches in Algarve. Beach resorts are aplenty in this town, from west to east. You can also explore the town’s historical churches and monuments, bars and shopping malls, or even watch live shows at the famous Largo Eng. Duarte Pachecho, from puppet shows to concerts, to side shows like statue artistes.
Carvoeiro Beach is also a fantastic destination for those looking for some fun activities in the water. The beach’s clear blue water is perfect for snorkeling and its hidden coves are great for sunbathing. This stunning beach in Algarve is also famous for its rock pools waiting to be explored and its warm sea waters offering a perfect place to swim.
When in Algarve, the stunning private resort of Vale do Lobo is also a great place to spend summer. It is best known for its different sports facilities that include the two world-renowned golf courses, as well as its huge variety of shopping malls, restaurants, supermarkets, and of course, bars and nightclubs. You may also want to try the famous Rock Beach or Praia da Rocha, which is in the southern part of Algarve. This spectacular resort is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, outdoor activities like golf, and sun seekers. And with the different bars and nightclubs available, Praia da Rocha is also a favorite destination for party-goers.
The spectacular colors that the towering mountains and magnificent seas create, as well as the smell of the sea at low tide coupled with the scent of wild flowers, also make Vilamoura a great vacation destination. Vilamoura is bursting with different leisure and sporting facilities, and surely there is no reason for you to get bored.
Other Algarve beaches that have also become a famous vacation spots for many tourists include Praia da Gale or Gale Beach, Sao Rafael Beach, Burgau Beach, and Alvor Beach.
Aside from the magnificent beaches offered by the region, the capital city of Algarve, Faro, also boasts of tourist attractions. These include the Faro Cathedral and the Statue of King Alfonso III, as well as the town’s old churches and hospitals, the civil government building, and the city hall. There’s also the old fishing town of Vila real de St. Antonio that offers bars and clubs, golf courses, museums, parks and gardens, and sports camps; Lagos, which is considered Algarve’s little jewel and offers activities like swimming, water skiing, parasailing and sports activities like tennis and golf; and the architecturally-attractive town of Tavira that houses towering castles, churches, and chapels.
In Algarve, you can also stroll around its many other towns and explore Cabo de Sao Vicente in Sagres; the protected natural park of Ria Formosa that features an extensive lagoon; the majestic Silves Castle in Silves; and the historical Milreu Ruins located just a few kilometers from the town of Faro.
Algarve, Portugal is also home to a number of family water parks such as the Zoomarine, Aqualand Water Park, and Slide and Splash Water Park; all of which feature exciting rides both for children and adults. And for adults who are into gambling, there’s the famous Vilamoura Casino located in central Algarve.
