Dreamy Algarve

The sunshine region. A region of hidden delights, of golden beaches framed by beautifully wrought limestone rocks, of small, simple restaurants where the taste of the fish – just caught, just grilled and drizzled with a local olive oil – will pull you back time and time again. The Algarve has over 200 Km of excellent beaches, many of which are beside lovely tourist villages full of colour, ruby-red cliffs, pines and green vegetation all add up to make this one of the most enchanting regions of Portugal. From Faro to Vila Real de Santo António, the Ria Formosa spreads out - an area of lagoons and a stopping place for migratory birds. It is also the habitat for rare species of fauna and flora.

The Algarve is noted for its water sports and golf. Two big marinas, at Vilamoura and Lagos, are the point of departure for sailing, windsurfing, fishing (especially deep sea fishing for Tuna and Shark) water skiing, diving and underwater fishing. Vilamoura has a shooting range of Olympic standards.

Numerous golf courses enjoy international fame and are used by professional golfers. The Portuguese Open, held in Algarve, is one of the most important in the golfing calendar of the world.

The whole area has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and its nightlife is quite diversified, including discotheques and not less than three casinos. Both national and international festivals of music, theatre and cinema are held in the area throughout the year.

There is an abundance of restaurants in the Algarve where you can taste the local specialties or try the most refined international cuisine. Because the area has such an extensive coastline and so many fishing ports, fish and shellfish feature strongly in the local gastronomy. Some of the most famous dishes are fish stews; food cooked in the cataplana (tightly closed pan), and fresh tuna steaks. Typical Algarve cakes and sweets are made of almonds and eggs, such as the Morgado and Dom Rodrigo, not forgetting sweets made from figs.

Ceramics from Porches, wicker and leatherwork, brightly colour blankets and copper objects are some of the local handicrafts.