"My Algarve" Top 5 Page for this destination Algarve by Balam

Algarve Travel Guide: 2,261 reviews and 5,959 photos

In the far South of Portugal the Algarve was the last part or portugal to be conquered from the Moors in 1292. Because of this late date there are many traces of the Moorish occupation which can still seen in the Algarve's somewhat unique architecture with it's fancy chimneys terraces and whitewashed houses.

In the northern part of the Algarve, the hills of Espinhação de Cão, Monchique and Caldeirão shelter the coast from strong winds. This brightly coloured region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom, is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes like Praia da Rocha and lovely Fishing Towns like Alvor which is certainly my favourite.

Show at Hotel Delfim, Alvor

Apart from the large choice of water sports facilities (the new marinas of Portimao and Lagos, amongst the various ports and harbours), there are many other alternatives for the sports enthusiast such as tennis courts, famous golf courses and many luxury hotels, quaint holiday resorts and exciting nightlife.

Silves

Towns like Silves take you back to a time when the Algarve was under Moorish occupation. A fantastic time of Knight Crusaders and the building of majestic castles or Lagos were portugal started it's age of exploration and don't forget Albufeira which is certainly the Tourist capital and a great party time.

Back in the 13th century it would have taken quite a lot of time to cover the distance from Lisbon to the Algarve covers but thankfully this is no longer a problem due to the new Lisbon-Albufeira motorway (IP1).
the area is also coverd by Faro international airport.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Sun, Sand, Sea, Wine, Food, Beer, Views, Castles
Cons:None yet
In a nutshell:I Love it.

Last visit to Algarve: Oct 2009
Intro Updated Dec 8, 2009
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Reviews (37)

Keep Beaches Clean Favorites (2)

The beaches on the Algarve are very good and are really clean but you need to do your bit to keep them that way. If... more travel advice

Chicken Piri Piri Recipe Local Customs (10)

Ingredients 2 tablespoons grated fresh lemon rind 3 tablespoons lemon juice 10 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons... more travel advice

Drinking Restaurants (6)

In Portugal the best drink of choice is wine. Red wine is the favorite (and of course Vinho do Porto has to be number... more travel advice

Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, Lagos - Algarve

Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, Lagos Things to Do (14)

Guarding the entrance to the Harbour is the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira " fort at the Flag point" who's real name is... more travel advice

Comments (8)

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Myfanwe Jun 15, 2009 at 9:11 AM

Great tips & recipe's but..... where's the soup ??!!
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BillNJ May 5, 2009 at 4:47 PM

Thanks for the recipe for Pastéis de Nata. Looks delicious!
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NatassaPL Jun 13, 2008 at 11:32 PM

Portugal is one of my best loved travel destinations! your pages are very nice and complete. Goodmorning from Greece/Crete!
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oriettaIT Apr 4, 2008 at 2:28 AM

Very good tips! Portugal was in my list for next August vacation, but not... will be, someday! thanks for sharing
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Michael_D Mar 8, 2008 at 11:38 PM

Had company all week...busy week;-) Love the food tips. Lisbon is on my list!
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Maria250 Mar 4, 2008 at 3:27 PM

Awesome tips! Put a link on my Fuerteventura page to your Algarve page as your infos are just fantastic!
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sue_stone Mar 4, 2008 at 10:20 AM

I really need to explore more of Portugal, and even more importantly eat plenty more of those little pastel de nata!!
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volopolo Feb 18, 2008 at 11:15 AM

Fantastic picture!! I love the great pictures. I am also photographer. Nick the greek