Location
The Algarve is located in southern county of Portugal and is geographically the most South Westerly tip of Europe. It boasts over 100 sunny beachs from the Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa Reserve which runs along the Eastern coast to the virtually uninhabited windswept beachs of the Parque Natural da Costa Vicentina on the Western coast. The Algarve is bordered by Spain and it is only a short drive to the cultural and ancient city of Seville in Spain and Portugal's capital, Lisbon.
The Algarve is a relatively small area and has well maintained and easily accessible road system which makes touring and sightseeing very attractive and there are many fine places to visit, such as the 12th century Moorish Castle at Silves, the fortress and training school of Prince Henry the Navigator, and the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent which in olden times, before the discovery of the Americas, was thought of as the end of the world. There are also many cathedrals, churches, museums and stately houses of architectural interest.
In the 17th and 18th century Portugal was a leader in the discoveries of the New World, the Africas and Eastern trade. In recent years this little country has joined the European Union, has a very stable government and enjoys the comforts of modern Europe.
The Algarve is a very popular destination, the consistent good weather and top class golf courses being the main attractions. The region, from the Spanish border town of Villa Real de Sã o Antonio to Cape St Vincent, is about a hundred miles and the depth of the county is less than five miles. The west has a backdrop of the Monchique Mountains with spectacular scenery, spa towns, monasteries, lush vegetation and protects the Algarve from rain. Hence the glorious climate all year round.
Food and wine are institutions here, as is spotless accommodation, courtesy to visitors, genuine friendliness and a pride in service. Most people are conversant in English. There is also an overwhelming respect for the law, which makes the Algarve a particularly safe and relaxing vacation destination.
The old and the new is very apparent here with modern hotels and resorts lying side by side with old farms where you can admire the fig, almond, olive and orange groves. Seafood is abundant and varied and there are many unusual dishes to try. Another aspect of the Algarve are the wide variety of beaches, all graced with thick grained golden sand and all very clean with nice beach restaurants.
The Eastern Algarve – the Sotaventa (leeward) coast, is the lesser known half of the region the pace of life is slower and has with a very different topography and character to the central and western Algarve the beaches are typically long, wide and flat. The west is typically with its coves and rock formations or longer beaches with a background of red cliffs and pine trees.
Over the past 30 years, the Algarve has emerged as Europe's top golf destination, the 5-star golf resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura being famous throughout the golfing world.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
Vilamoura is worth a visit, it is a bustling marina with many shops, restaurants & sports/bars even a Casino. Many tours depart from Vilamoura and the beach is large and safe with lifeguards and various beach bars selling meals, beverages and ice creams.
Faro town is a 15 minute drive there is a large shopping centre that offers good facilties. Most tours offer a pickup/dropoff bus service from VdL to the attractions. Options include horse riding, fishing, yachting/sailing, shark, dolphin watching, 4x4 safari tours & Cultural visits. In Almancil there is a karting track if you need to burn off that adrenalin..... There is also an Aqua Park 10 mins drive on the other side of Quarteria) and a Swim With Dolphin experience and Theme Park (30 mins drive on the Motorway).
In the apartment is a well stocked folder with all the details of the attractions so you can read at leisure and book you choices. In Almancil (5 min drive) is a beautiful church with wonderful mosiacs that is open to the publuc. Quarteria (5 min drive) has a very impressive farmers market that is well worth visiting (oh and testing out the produce).