Albufeira
A lively fishing village, which can be a pleasure
for young and old all year, round. Tthere you will find a lot of restaurants, bars, shops, banks
and post offices as well as big supermarkets like Modelo and Pinge Doce.
In the old part of the town you will find the famous narrow streets, colourful
squares with an enjoyable atmosphere.
There are beautiful sand beaches with impressive
cliffs to the west and east of Albufeira. To the west you will find Sao
Rafael, Praia Castelo en Praia Galé. East of Albufeira you will
find Praia da Oura (where you can start Game Fishing and Sail Trips),
Praia Balaia, Santa Eulalia, Olhos de Agua and Praia Falesia.
Algarve Shopping
If you like shopping you should definitely visit
the AlgarveShopping. Here you will find a large assortment of boutiques,
for instance Mango, Zara and Cortefiel. On the ground floor you will find
the huge supermarket Continente, where you can buy everything you like.
Fresh meat, fish and vegetables but also non-food articles. When you like
bowling or going out to the movies, the AlgarveShopping is also the place
to be.
A ten-minute drive will take you the shopping mall.
Take the EN125, direction Guia.
Cabo de Saõ Vicente
During the Middle Ages this windy cape was seen
as the most southwestern point of the world. People were fully convinced
that this was the end of the world. To be honest: you will get that feeling
if you are visiting the cape!. The amazing high cliffs in combination
with the broad view of the Atlantic Ocean make up a beautiful view.
This place is a must if you love the flora and
fauna. The climate, the rocky bottom-layer and out-of-the-way location
are a perfect foundation for special kinds of growth. Especially in the
period from February to May you will find the scenery colourful and fragrant.
Faro
Since 1756 Faro is the capital city of Algarve
and it has a rich history, traces of which can still be found at several
places in the city. The beautiful centre is free of car traffic, has a
very nice shopping area and a wide range of bars and restaurants. The
centre part is located at the harbour and the southeastern part of Faro.
This part is also surrounded by old city-walls from the 18th and 19th
Century. In Faro you will find different museums like the Museum Maritimo,
Municipal Museum and Museum Etnografico, where you can see the traditional
lifestyle of the Algarve.
Lagos
The bright city of Lagos is located in the largest
bay of the Algarve. Lagos was a very important shipping because of the
voyages of discovery during the 15th Century. You will find the statue
of Henry the Navigator. Also today the sea plays an important role in
the daily activities of the local people. Fishing is their livelihood.
The bays of Lagos are world-famous. Special boat trips will bring you
to the impressive cliffs and caves.
Loulé
The lively and active country village of Loulé
is located in the hilly countryside of the Algarve. Don't miss the famous
market on Saturday morning. In an Arabic oriented picturesque marketplace,
you can find all kind of products: fruits, fish, vegetables and pottery.
Monchique and Serra de Monchique
The markettown of Monchique is known because of
its location at an elevation of 458m and its beautiful view. Even more
beautiful scenery can be found at the Mountain Serra de Monchique. This
volcanic chain of mountains protects the Algarve from climate influences
coming from the north. This place is excellent for beautiful hikes and
you will enjoy the most abundant vegetation of the Algarve.
Olhão
Ever since the Middle Ages life in Olhão
is synonymous with fishing. Today you will find the largest producers
of canned Sardines and Tuna in Olhão. The catch of the morning
is sold daily at the local covered market near the beach. Every Saturday
there is a huge outdoor market where farmers sell their fruits, honey
and live chickens. Behind the market you will find the boats that will
take you to the islands of Armona and Culatra. On these Islands you will
find flat sandbanks and beautiful beaches.
Silves
In the early days, Silves was the capital of Algarve
and could compete with the luxurious cities of the Spanish Andalusia.
More than 200 years ago Silves was destroyed by an earthquake. The city-walls
and the cathedral are still standing Silves still radiates a special charm.
Tavira
Tavira is definitely a must because you will get
to know the traditional way of life in the Algarve. Tavira still has its
characteristic features. It is often called the Venice of the Algarve.
In the centre you will find several churches and also castle Dom Paio
Peres. You have to climb, but you will get a perfect view of the rooftops.
There is also a beautiful bridge that connects the different areas of
the city. The best way to discover Tavira is by foot. This is the only
way to access the narrow streets and to climb to the castle. Just outside
Tavira you can take a boat to the Island of Ilha de Tavira. It has beautiful
beaches and in summer the atmosphere is special.
Quinta do Lago/ Vale do Lobo en Vilamoura
This area is known because of the beautiful golf
courses and therefore a favourite spot for golf players. The centre of
this area is the chic harbour, which is surrounded by bars, restaurants
and little boutiques. At Quinta do Lago you will find an even more chic
shopping centre which also has bars. It is worth a visit if you like shopping!
Lisbon
The capital of Portugal must be on your list of
places to visit. By car it takes 3 hours to reach Lisbon from Albufeira. Lisbon has a lot of culture and shopping areas. An easy way to explore
the city is to go by foot and to use the Public Transportation, like the
old tram that travels very slowly through the older parts of Lisbon. In
the evening you can enjoy the traditional Fado music during dinner. Fado
is an expression of desire and sorrow. Visit the famous areas of Baixa,
the Bairro Alto and Alfama. Modern nightlife can be found at Docas.
Spain
Spain is not that far away. It will take 2 hours
by car to reach Seville from Albufeira. Here you can enjoy the famous
Spanish culture, outdoor living in an ambience of Spanish music and delicious
tapas.
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