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Algarve

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Europe : Iberia : Portugal : Algarve
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Secluded beaches bordered by rocks near Albufeira
Secluded beaches bordered by rocks near Albufeira

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

[edit] Regions

  • Barlavento (Lagos, Silves, Portimao, Lagoa, Albufeira areas)
  • San Rafael
  • Sotavento (Faro, Loule, Olhao, Tavira areas)
  • Serra Algarvia (Monchique)

[edit] Cities

[edit] Other destinations

[edit] Understand

The Algarve is Portugal's most popular holiday destination due to the clean beaches (approximately 200 km of them), the cool, unpolluted water, and the facts that it is relatively cheap and very safe. English is spoken at most resorts.

The Algarve is rich in culture and diversity. If you are looking for fast paced resorts or a calm tranquil setting either is attainable. The entire region is approx.5400sq km and is graced with over 100 different beaches, each unique in its own way. If you are into nature the choices are many from the Ria Formosa to Monchique mountain, in fact there are over 30 hiking trails (as per offical Turismo de Portugal guide books). If you are a golf lover then you have come to the right place with over 30 courses doted throughout the region. Although the permanent residence population is under 500,000 the area receives more than ten fold that in tourism each year. The busiest times of year tend to be July/August. Come and explore the region further, discover a new place to visit, a different beach to swim in, annual events you may want to attend ... it's all here with videos covering several different topics.

[edit] Talk

About the Algarve (supplied and edited by Hotel Garbe):

Despite having a population of only 10 million people (fewer than London), this small country on the tip of western Europe has left its mark on nearly every corner of the world. Having produced some of the world's top explorers and navigators, Portugal's influence has spread across the globe.

The discovery and conquering of lands in South America, Africa and India are proudly celebrated by the Portuguese people in statues, museums, books and song.

Following the neolithic period of the regions history, approximately 1000 BC, settlements and trading ports were established by the Phoenicians who were attracted by deposits of copper, manganese and iron. They came from the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean of modern-day Syria, Israel and Lebanon exist.

Circa 550 BC Portimão was one of the ports founded by the Carthaginians who came from North Africa. In the 2nd century BC the region came under the control of the Romans as they spread throughout the Iberian Peninsular.

Many Roman ruins still remain today throughout the Algarve and can be seen in many areas, but the best to visit are probably at the Milreu ruins, 7km from Faro, where buildings that started construction as a Roman villa later became a Christian Church.

For the more adventurous, a trip to the Alentejo to see the Roman Temple at Evora is a must. Situated in the centre of the city, the temple, dating from the 2nd century, it is one of Portugal's best remaining monuments from the Roman occupation. It owes its survival to its continuous use down the centuries as during medieval times it was used as an execution site and later as a slaughterhouse.

Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Visigoths took control of the Algarve until the invasion of the Moors from North Africa in 711 AD. At this time, the Visigoths who came from central Europe, were defeated in the Battle of Guadalete by a force of invading Arabs and Berbers.

There followed a period of five centuries of Arab rule in Iberia. The Moors conquered the Algarve in 716. Faro, which had been called Santa Maria, was renamed Faraon, meaning 'the settlement of the Knights'. Even the name of the region owes its origin to the Moors who knew the region as 'al-gharb' meaning 'the west'. There is evidence of the moors throughout the Algarve and Southern Spain, illustrated by chimney stacks, pottery and the Moorish style of architecture, and particularly, the Arabic castle at Silves. The castle was built by Almoravid Arabs in the 11th century out of red sandstone and dried mud and is the best preserved Moorish castle in the country.

In the 12th Century, King Afonso III, with a little help from English mercenaries, finally evicted the Moors and once again the Portuguese dominated the region, although the area was not fully secure from Moorish attacks until the middle of the 13th century.

Born in Porto in 1394, Prince Henry the Navigator based himself somewhere around Lagos/Sagres, and is considered to be responsible for many of the 'discoveries' made by the Portuguese in the middle ages sending out expeditions to Africa, the islands of Madeira and the Azores. In 1419 he was appointed governor of the province of the Algarve.

From 1580 until 1668, Portugal was under Spanish rule. Between 1640 and 1668 here was a period of almost continual war Spanish, and what followed was the beginning of modern Portugal. In 1703 a treaty was signed with the British which offered protection from the British naval fleet and trade began to flourish between the two countries.

Disaster struck on 1st November 1755, with a huge earthquake whose epicentre was reported to have been 200km South-West of the country and registering 9 on the Richter Scale. The coastal areas of the Algarve were devastated by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. The devastation was not only limited to the Algarve, British naval reports from the period indicate the arrival of a huge wave in the port of Lisbon. The damage to Lisbon was almost total, and following huge political turmoil the person responsible for the reconstruction of the city was the Marquis of Pombal, the then Prime Minister.

[edit] Get in

International flights into Faro airport (FAO) then (1) by bus: national buses run from outside the airport to the bus terminal regularly throughout the day time on weekdays. A taxi will be under €10, or (2) by train: a taxi will be under €10 from the airport to the train station.

[edit] By plane

Faro Airport [1] is the main airport for the region. On arrival there is a wide selection of car hire options both at static desks in the airport and also within the terminal at a meeting point. From Faro airport the train station and bus terminals can be reached by taxi.

[edit] Faro Airport Transportation

  • Faro Airport Transfers, [2].  edit

[edit] By bus

There are daily bus connections between Lagos, Olhao, Faro (and many other cities) and Spanish cities such as Seville and Huelva. A single ticket Sevilla - Faro costs €16 and the journey takes 4 to 5 hours.

[edit] By train

There are daily(fast) train connections between Faro and Lisboa (4 hours). Regional train to Lagos.

[edit] By boat

There is a ferry service between Vila Real de Santo António and Ayamonte (Spain). The ferry was once a main mean of transportation although after the construction of the Guadiana International Bridge it is nowadays mostly used by tourists.

[edit] Get around

Take the train or buses, more detailed information: see Public Transportation [3]

[edit] By train

The Algarve railway is the most convenient way to get around in Algarve. It connects Lagos in west with Vila Real de Santo António on the border to spain, calling at most towns and cities along the way. You will probably need to change train a few times although there's little waiting time.

[edit] By car

A car is often the best way of seeing the Algarve, owing to the limited public transport services. Cars can be hired at Faro Airport and in other towns and cities in the Algarve. Most car rental companies will stipulate a minimum age of 21. Prices start from about €30 a day for a small car and there is often a wide range of cars to choose from.

The Algarve has a good network of roads, but be aware that some country roads are little more than dirt tracks. Roads are however generally well maintained, however due to the shortage of white paint in Portugal, road markings may randomly disappear (in this case stick to the right as far as possible - a favourite Portuguese habit is to overtake in the middle of the road, often on blind bends). After many years, the A22 (IP 1) motorway was finally completed in 2007, which goes from Bensafrim in the west all the way to Monte Francisco on the Portuguese/Spanish border.

The Algarve, like the rest of Portugal and mainland Europe, drives on the right.

Driving in Portugal is not for the faint-hearted. The country has one of the highest accident rates in Europe (higher than other Mediterranean countries such as Spain and Italy) and Portuguese drivers are aggressive and impatient. They will often "overlook" give-way and stop signs and not pay any notice to the speed limit. Pedestrian crossings count for nothing in Portugal so don't assume that you automatically have right of way!

Speed limits in Portugal are: 120 km/h on motorways, 90-100 km/h on roads outside urban areas and 50 km/h in towns and cities. Exceptions to these are clearly posted.

Don't drink and drive in Portugal. The blood alcohol limit is 50 mg/100 ml and if you are caught over this you are subject to a hefty fine, possible imprisonment and the Portuguese authorities may confiscate your licence.

Petrol stations are found all over the Algarve. All stations will sell standard unleaded (95 RON) and super (97 RON) and diesel. Some stations sell LPG (GP) as well. Unleaded petrol is known as gasolina sem chumbo and diesel gasoleo. Petrol prices in Portugal are high in comparison to other European countries; as of August 2009 a litre of 95 RON unleaded costs around €1.33 a litre, 97 RON super €1.47 a litre and diesel €1.06 a litre.

[edit][add listing] See

  • Lagos - The old inner city inside the remnants of a protective wall. You'll find winding streets barely wide enough for small cars, quaint shops and wonderful (but pricey) restaurants.
  • Silves - The red stone castle. The road there is narrow and winds through some rural areas, but it is definitely worth a half day trip if you like castles.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Golf Holidays in the Algarve Portugal (Algarve golf holidays organised by Hotel Garbe golf desk), Armacao de Pera, ☎ 282 320260. For golf holidays, transport and great golf courses in the Algarve From 195.00 euros per person.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

The Algarve is famous for its hot and spicy Piri Piri Chicken, which can be found all over.

Since it has a big and rich coast, it boasts a very interesting array of fish and seafood, from sardines to cataplanas, and many dry fruit sweets that will make your mouth water for more.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Raj Indian Restaurant (Raj indian restaurant at Hotel Garbe), Hotel Garbe, Avenida Beira Mar, Armacao de Pera 8365-909 (Armacao de Pera), ☎ 282 320260. 1830 - 2300. The famous Raj Indian Restaurant is located at Hotel Garbe in Armacao de Pera (37° 6'7.49N,8°21'59.94W) edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Many nice places to stay in Algarve, like the Alvor village, a charming modern look hotel only 2 km from the beach: discover them all on Hotelopia in the hotel Algarve section

Vila Vita Parc is one of the finest resorts you can find. Placed harmoniously in the landscape over a large cliff, this resort has fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean [4]. Doubles from €370.

SELF CATERING ACCOMODATION in ALBUFERIA (35 MINUTES DRIVE FROM FARO AIRPORT) For self catering accomodation you might have a look at Parque da Corcovada up by the Globe roundabout in Albuferia. This complex (new in 2008) is only a five minute walk to the middle of the strip, with all its bars, restaurants, and the tourist train to the old town etc, and about a ten minute walk to Oura Beach and fifteen minutes to Santa Elaulia beach.

Owners promote their properties (Apartments & Villas) on a range of sites including algarvegetaways, owners direct, holidayrentalsalgarve, and corcovadasun.com sites, the latter being exclusively dedicated to this complex and which includes direct contact numbers for owners in Ireland and the UK. The owners can arrange transfers to and from the airport and for day trips etc. and most offer satellite TV with UK/Irish channels including BBC, ITV, SKY Sports, RTE etc. and air con etc.

  • Villas Rent Algarve Sta Barbara de Nexe, Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco 5016, 8001-706 Faro, Portugal; Phone:(+351) 927 958 590; email: kolshoek@gmail.com; Luxury villas to rent in the Algarve Portugal. All holiday villas come complete with swimming pool and air conditioning; built to northern European standards. Reserve online.

[edit] Luxury Hotels

  • Vilalara Thalassa Resort (First Thalasso in Portugal), Praia das Gaivota, Alporchinhos, 8400-450 Porches, ☎ +351 289320728 (, fax: +351 282320702), [5]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Located by the sea where nature is found in its purest state, the Vilalara Thalassa Resort, with its expressive but tasteful architecture, is a place dedicated to well-being and the senses. (37º05'57'',8º22'49'') edit
  • The Lake Spa Resort, Praia da Falésia - Apartado 811, 8126-910 Vilamoura, ☎ +351 289320728 (, fax: +351 289320 702), [6]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. ... A place where the body and mind can find a perfect balance. Where aromas and flavours join the colours of nature. A luxury resort for a unique experience. In all senses. (37º 04' 44,8º 07' 35) edit
  • Porto Bay Falésia, Quinta do Milharó, 8200-591 - Olhos dÁgua, Albufeira, ☎ +351 289 007 700, [7]. The 4 star hotel Porto Bay Falésia, owned by Porto Bay Hotels & Resorts, is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Here you can spend your days walking on the beach, going out on a boat, swimming in the sea or pool or simply enjoying tropical flavours while taking in the breathtaking views. Why not come and relax...  edit
  • Hotel Garbe (Algarve golf and beach hotel in the Algarve), Avenida Marginal, Armacao de Pera 8365-909, ☎ +351 282 320260 (, fax: +351 282 315087), [8]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. Commanding a prime beachfront position with stunning panoramic views over the bay of the Algarvean village of Armacao de Pera, the hotel lies within strolling distance of shops, restaurants and entertainment. It is also an excellent base from which to explore the Algarve.  edit

[edit] Get out

  • Alentejo coast
  • Evora

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