Faro international airport is your drop-off point to the magical Algarve, but it’s also a slow-traveller’s dream to get to by boat and train. This Algarve tours article reveals some of the best sights, experiences and destinations this gorgeous place has to offer. It’s exotic, the weather is heavenly, the coastline is to die for and the food is amazing… so let’s dive in.
An introduction to the Algarve
A word-picture of the Algarve coast and countryside
The Algarve coastline is absolutely stunning, a craggy and dramatic place with dizzying cliffs and sculpted rocky outcrops. In between, in a zillion coves and beaches of every size and shape, there’s the perfect pale sand the region is famous for. Every beach is unique, some with a backdrop of lively holiday developments and towns, others remote and secret. The water is an extraordinary clear turquoise, going through every imaginable green as it deepens to navy then black. This makes for a wonderful Algarve holiday in itself, but there’s more to this place than fantastic beaches and glorious sunshine.
The Algarve countryside is another thing altogether, just as stunning but with fewer visitors. The rolling limestone hills and gorgeous flora of the Barrocal are yours to explore and walk, as are the higher and more dramatic Serra hills further inland. The cities of Loulé and Silves are interesting places to soak up the atmosphere and the many small, quaint villages are a visual feast of whitewashed villas set against the tumbling greens and browns of the landscape.
Awesome Algarve weather
The Algarve is one of Southern Europe’s hottest and sunniest regions. The Atlantic influences an otherwise-classic Mediterranean climate to create mild, wet winters and extra-hot, dry summers. No wonder it’s such a popular holiday home destination with the Portuguese.
The chilled Algarve vibe
The quality of living here is high, the people are warm-hearted, and people from central and northern Europe love to make the Algarve their home. In fact a series of studies point to the region being one of the best places in the world to retire. The holiday scene is lively and vibrant, with something for people of every age, including sunset parties and dance music events, nightclubs, beach clubs and pool clubs. Watch out for superstar DJs making an appearance and you won’t be disappointed.
The history behind the culture
Humans have lived here since Paleolithic times, with dramatic ancient standing stones at Vila do Bispo, Lagos, Alcoutim and elsewhere to prove it. The Romans took control after Fabius Maximus Servilianus conquered the local Lusitanian and the Turduli tribes. Once the Roman Empire had crumbled the Visigoths took over.
In 1722 there was a massive earthquake, which flattened many ancient buildings, followed by another in 1755, along with a terrifying tsunami. Today’s Algarve reflects this complex history, all set under a dazzling Portuguese sun.
Traditional Algarve cuisine
They grow some treats here, including oranges, figs, plums, carob pods, almonds, avocados, tomatoes, cauliflowers, strawberries, and raspberries. There’s fish aplenty in the sea, and the result is fresh, tasty local cuisine that makes the most of the region’s wonderful flavour. You can sense exotic hints of an ancient Roman and Arabic influence in the food, including Faro’s traditional arroz de lingueirão, rice with razor clams, and Portimão’s famous grilled sardines.
Meat lovers appreciate the delights the town of Monchique, famed for the local pork sausages that include morcela black pudding and chouriço, and their presunto hams. Try the region’s heart warming arbutus berry brandy, their ginjinha sour cherry liqueur, and the amazing-tasting amêndoa amarga, a bitter almond liqueur. Pork and chicken dishes from inland Algarve are a regional treat, along with tuna steaks, shellfish, clams, mussels, shrimp, and marvellous stuffed fried squid.
Beautiful places to visit on the Algarve
Praia da Marinha is one of Europe’s most lovely beaches, backed by golden rocky cliffs and dramatic rock formations, and the magical Benagil sea caves are accessible by boat. The rock formations near Lagos at Ponta da Piedade are remarkable, with views from the cliff tops to match. Then there’s the continent’s most south westerly point, Cabo de São Vicente, the mpst romantic place imagimable at sunset.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park’s coastal lagoon system is every birdwatcher’s heaven with numerous exciting species found in its unique marshes, sand dunes, and tiny islands. Ancient Tavira offers a scenic riverfront, Roman bridge and sweet cobbled streets, and the traditional pure white houses and narrow streets at Alte are the ultimate in chilled.
The coastal town of Sagres comes with more of the region’s awe-inspiring cliffs and seascapes, Vilamoura is your destination for posh resorts, marinas, and great golf along with a contemporary feel. For Moorish architecture head for the castle at Silves, and visit Monchique in the lovely serene hills of the Serra de Monchique for cool forests and even more amazing views. Swim at the secluded natural waterfall and lagoon at Pego do Inferno to seal the deal – now you’ve fallen for this place, you’ll want to come back for more.
Party like a local – Exciting Algarve festivals
Loulé is home to the region’s biggest carnival, but every town and village has its own festival. People of every age gather, dress up and march the streets, some in weird and wonderful masks. There are dances in local village halls and street parties in the cities. Traditional musical instruments and complex dances delight visitors, as do the parades, fanfares, floats, elaborate costumes and non-stop cheering. The locals definitely know how to party!
The Barlavento, Odiáxere involves a full five days of entertainment, Lagos and Sagres are both carnival hotspots, and you’ll find carnivals and festivals at Sotavento, Quarteira, São Brás, Olhão, Moncarapacho, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
Slow travel to the Algarve Slow travel is the thing for more of us as time passes and the climate crisis deepens. It’s about a lot more than avoiding air travel. It means stopping, smelling the coffee, and treating the journey itself as a holiday rather than something to be endured before you reach your destination. According to the experts you can get to the Algarve in two days at a relaxed pace on trains and ferries. You get to see the landscapes and seascapes in between here and there, an exciting flavour of the countries you pass through on the way to Portugal.
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