About Algarve

Spanning the south of Portugal, from the Spanish border on the east to Cape St. Vincent on the west, the Algarve has 155 kilometres of south-facing coastline backed by 50 kilometres of gentle terrain inland. This coastline is noted for long stretches of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by sandstone cliffs sheltering small coves, often with unique character and fantastic grottoes.

The smaller hills nearer the coast lead to a ridge of much higher hills which serve to form the Algarve’s northern boundary and help to protect much of the region from northern winds in the winter. This landscape lends itself to wonderful sea views from a surprising number of locations inland.

Some 70% of the coastline has been designated nature reserve including the Ria Formosa lagoon to the east, a reserve of over 170 square kilometres. These reserves are important spawning areas for fish and a stopping place for hundreds of species of migrating birds.

This province was the last to be re-conquered from the Moors and traces of the Moorish presence are still seen in its unique architecture – shady terraces, unique chimneys and whitewashed houses. Photographs of this architecture taken against a backdrop of the fig, almond, carob and orange trees of the countryside have become the enduring image of Algarve.

Drawn by the wonderful sunny climate of hot dry summers offset by cool Atlantic breezes and temperate winters with a greater share of sunshine than anywhere north, tourist visits have increased steadily over the past 40 years. Improved access and infrastructure have gone hand-in-hand with a greater awareness of the appeal of this late developing destination.

With a resident population approaching half a million, the Algarve now receives 4 million visitors a year from Faro airport alone. Faro is served by direct scheduled flights from more than 55 European cities. At any one time during the main tourist seasons the Algarve’s population is closer to one million.

While climate and beaches account for much of Algarve’s tourism, golf plays a major additional role. With over 30 golf courses, most of which are Championship class, and more planned, this sport attracts quality tourism outside of the traditional summer season. The Arnold Palmer designed Victoria Golf Course, for example, is a regular host to the prestigious Portugal Masters Golf Tournament held in late October. It came as no surprise when the International Association of Golf Tour Operators voted the Algarve as Europe´s best golfing destination.

Algarve is also known for its food and the visitor will find that dining out can offer a choice for all palates. The traditional foods draw upon the simplicity of earlier times with hearty bread served with olives, basic salads of lettuce, tomato and onions and grilled fish or meat an option over rich stews. Nonetheless, international cuisine has found a place here and mixed among the local restaurants are favourites such as Chinese or Steak Houses, Sushi or Curry. Indicative of the evolution in fine dining is the fact that Algarve now has the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in Portugal.
The friendly hospitality of Algarve is sealed by extensive wine lists which showcase the established quality and variety of Portuguese wines. From fresh whites to noble reds and down to simple yet honest table wines, the selection is always good.

These are some of the vital ingredients forming the solid foundation that makes the Algarve an extremely attractive destination and one that will remain so.

The future of the Algarve, in the short term, is the continuing consolidation of its infrastructure in keeping with the existing trend toward ever more sophisticated facilities and accommodation.