The Algarve is an almost continuous strip of beaches stretching from east to west from Monte Gordo to Lagos (about 150 km) and protected from northern winds by mountain ranges. The western part of the coast is famous for its amazingly beautiful rocky beaches, and the eastern part is quite gentle, with excellent sandy coasts. The Algarve is a suitable place for active and beach holidays. Golf, tennis and all water sports are popular here, as well as horse riding and athletics.
The capital is Faro. The main resorts are Albufeira, Portimão, Carvoeiro, Armazau de Pera, Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Monte Gordo, Alvor, Lagos, Tavira.
Due to its mild climate, Algárve is the most popular area of Portugal. Perhaps nowhere are there such luxurious beaches and bizarre rocks with a maze of caves and tunnels. But not only rest by the sea attracts tourists in the Algarve. Historically, this most interesting area of Portugal was the last stronghold of the Moors in the XIII century, so traces of Arab culture are found here at every turn. White houses with patterned balconies, fireplace pipes, narrow, winding streets of cities and villages. And nearby are the luxurious modern resorts of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vila Vita in Vilamour, stunning sandy and rocky beaches of Lagos and the breaking nightlife of Albufeira. In the north of the Algarve there are the mountains of Espinhasu de Can, Monchique and Caldeiran, protecting the coast from cold winds. This is the most picturesque part of the Algarve, immersed in the greenery of fig palms, orange and tangerine trees.
It is worth mentioning another curious feature of the Algarve. East of Faro, the coast seems to be divided into a hundred small islands, where you can relax blissfully among the dunes away from the noise. Nature lovers may be interested in wetlands where thousands of birds flock.
A little further from the sea, behind fig and pomegranate groves, stands the mountain range of Sera di Monchiqui, where you can still find such a rare animal as the Iberian lynx. The following sights of the region are interesting.
Faro has preserved the fortress wall, the Romano-Gothic Cathedral, the Renaissance monastery of Nossa Senhora da Assunsan, the church of San Francisco of the XVI-XVIII centuries. As well as many interesting museums. Sagres is notable for the fact that it was here that Prince Enrique, known as Henry the Navigator, founded five centuries ago the School of Navigation, which stood at the origins of the Portuguese epic of the Great Geographical Discoveries. In addition to the Chapel of Nossa Señora da Grasse, you can visit the fortress of the XVI century, restored after the earthquake of 1755, and the Rose of winds of the XVI century (43 meters in diameter).
Monchique is home to the famous Montchique thermal springs, and Mount Foya (902 meters above sea level) offers a delightful view of the mountains and the sea.
From Lisbon to the Algarve can be reached by car on the modern Lisbon-Albufeira-Cashto-Marine highway or by plane to the airport of Faro, the main city of the region.
The Algarve is famous for the best golf courses in the country, but due attention is paid to other sports: windsurfing, diving, horse riding, canoeing, tennis and gliderism.
We are sure that you have already heard about this Portuguese resort. Perhaps a friend told you about his magnificent beaches. Maybe you've seen photos about his typical Mediterranean cuisine. Or maybe you just came across an article on the Internet, which tells a story about the culture and friendliness of those who are used to giving guests the warmest receptions.
But there is the Algarve that you definitely haven't met yet: the Algarve from the locals.
Only they can show you hidden villages, the most pristine hiking trails, the best restaurants, deserted beaches, locations where flamingos live, or the perfect course for your first golf lesson.
Come visit us, get acquainted with our biggest secrets of the Algarve region. And then tell them again and again in your family and friends. Because life is much better when you share it.
Flight duration from Moscow: 5 hours 20 minutes.
The Algarve can be reached by charter from Kiev, Vilnius, Riga - Faro or by regular flights from European cities directly to the Algarve (Faro Airport) or by regular flights to Lisbon, then by domestic airlines to Faro (or by bus in 3-4 hours).
You can see cheap prices for air tickets to Faro (Algarve) here.
The cities of Lagos and Faro are connected by regular buses, they also go to neighboring Spanish cities, Seville and Huelva. A one-way ticket Faro - Seville will cost 15-24 EUR, travel time - 3 hours.
See prices for transfers from Faro Airport to the Hotel here
Albufeira is especially famous for its cuisine: sardine and sea perch are prepared here in a variety of ways, and the local "branded" dish is a "cataplan" dish made of fish or shellfish, cooked in special high pans.
Silves red stone castle, an old district of Lagos, surrounded by fortress walls. Even in the Algarve you can hunt sharks, go on a yacht trip, visit bullfighting, visit neighboring Spain and Morocco.
Shark hunting, yachting, bullfighting, the opportunity to visit neighboring Spain and Morocco. Four water parks, a ZooMarin dolphinarium, numerous golf courses and schools, excellent tennis courts and tennis schools, a second-class diving club in Europe and excellent conditions for this sport.
In Vale do Lobo
many restaurants with Italian, French, Chinese cuisine, shops, discos and nightclubs. There are three water parks near Vilamoura. The resort also boasts the largest yacht club in Europe.
Quarteira
is known for the most popular disco "Kadok" in the Algarve.
Gourmets will find good and inexpensive seafood restaurants in Portimão, and lovers of sea walks can go on a trip along the coast. Other activities include golf, diving, fishing in the ocean.