"The Algarve (under construction again!)" Portugal by oneonta_ni

Portugal Travel Guide: 23,441 reviews and 52,760 photos

This page has been under construction for quite some time! I am hoping to get it sorted into proper pages soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Algarve, please don't hesitate to ask me!

The Algarve is the most popular beach resort area and attracts visitors from all over, especially those who prefer a quieter family holiday.

On our first trip to Portugal, we travelled to the Algarve for a last minute sun holiday with Transun Tours. It was our first package holiday and it wasn't too bad an experience. We went in September and the weather was still very warm but there was a nice breeze from the ocean. We were based in Praia da Rocha, which is near Portimao. It was a nice, smallish resort town with a lot of families. There was virtually no night life so it is a good place to go if, like us, you like a someplace a little more quiet.

The beach was very nice with golden sand and large rocks. The ocean (still the Atlantic at this point) can be cool but I found it pleasant. It had a strong current, though.

Our second trip was in May 2001, when we travelled to Praia da Oura, just east of Albufeira. I was a bit concerned at first because everything I had read about Albufeira said that it was a huge party town and there was nothing Portuguese about it. We only went to Albufeira once and I found it busy but still a pleasant enough town. One of the best meals we had was in a restaurant on the beach there. Yes, very touristy but the food was delicious.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very nice resorts for family holidays.
Cons:None really, other than lots of tourists!
In a nutshell:Lovely place to stay for sun and sea in Portugal!

Last visit to Portugal: May 2001
Intro Updated Mar 15, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (21)

This is a small roadside... Things to Do (13)

This is a small roadside chapel on the road to Cape St Vincent. more travel advice

This is near Cape St Vincent -... - Portugal

This is near Cape St Vincent -... Things to Do (13)

This is near Cape St Vincent - the most westerly point in Europe. Those people on the cliff are fishing. more travel advice

Near Praia Da Rocha is the... - Portugal

Near Praia Da Rocha is the... Things to Do (13)

Near Praia Da Rocha is the town of Alvor which has a beautiful quiet beach, too. more travel advice

The scenery along the coast is... - Portugal

The scenery along the coast is... Favorites (2)

The scenery along the coast is incredibly beautiful. There are fantastic rock formations and beautiful, clean sandy... more travel advice

What to Pack (1)
Packing List
Been to Portugal?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (40)

Jim_Eliason May 6, 2005 at 2:57 PM Report Abuse

great page!
FrancisByTheWater Dec 22, 2003 at 5:36 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your comment. The beaches between Lagos and about 3 miles before Sagres, for me the nicest in Portugal too. Great photo of yours.
dsantosh Jun 4, 2003 at 6:07 AM Report Abuse

Excellant pages..Superb phtographs..neat narration..pages filled with relevant and useful information to a traveller..excellant trips..Superb work...
MURRA Mar 19, 2003 at 6:16 AM Report Abuse

good heritage fotos on roman villa
Sarita76 Jan 21, 2003 at 1:18 AM Report Abuse

Wonderful rocks and a fantastic blue sea... :)
ysio May 17, 2002 at 3:38 AM Report Abuse

Lagos my favorite destination on Algarve :)
acemj May 7, 2002 at 7:07 AM Report Abuse

Albufeira looks lovely.
Guantanamera Feb 24, 2002 at 2:01 PM Report Abuse

Nice photos!
patrikske Jan 25, 2002 at 1:30 PM Report Abuse

Great Portugal page !
Hosell Oct 6, 2001 at 12:51 PM Report Abuse

Great page and pictures!!