What to see in the Algarve
Among the reasons to take a holiday to the Algarve are a pleasant Mediterranean climate, relatively low prices and, of course, its magnificent beaches, such as Marinha Beach or Armação de Pêra.
Although Faro and Portimão are the main towns, others such as Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Alvor, Castro Marim, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Quarteira, the spa town of Caldas de Monchique, Olhao, Silves, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António should also be mentioned. Choose one of the many hotels that open their doors in these locations. And if you want to make having a good time your only concern, select one of our all-inclusive hotel deals in Spain when you make your booking.
However, the tourist attractions go beyond the coastline. For example, you should not miss the Ria Formosa lagoon, a natural area of more than 170 km² that stands out for the presence of numerous birds.
On the other hand, the Algarve is also a popular center of religious tourism, thanks to the presence of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Mercy or Sanctuary of the Sovereign Mother, patron saint of Loulé, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
What to do in the Algarve
If you want to make the most of your holidays in the Algarve, we recommend you to visit the coastline by catamaran, kayak or jet ski. There are even boat holidays to the Deserta and Farol islands. And all just a few steps from your hotel!
And while we're on the subject of outdoor leisure, why not take the opportunity to improve your pitch? You won't find a better place, as the Algarve boasts more than 25 world-class golf courses, some of them designed by legendary names such as Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus or Christy O'Connor Jr. So it's no wonder that the World Travel Awards chose the Algarve as the best European golf destination in 2013 and 2014.
On the other hand, the area is noted for its ceramics and hand-painted tiles. Once there, you'll notice right away when you see its abundant pottery workshops, most of which are concentrated in Almancil, Porches and Loulé.
And if you are interested in folklore and popular culture, take the opportunity to attend a demonstration of the corridinho, the traditional dance of the region.
Choose your deal among our holidays to the Algarve and get ready to live an unrepeatable experience in Portuguese lands. You will feel saudade when you return home!
What to eat in the Algarve
On your holidays in the Algarve, you will not only be able to relax on its extraordinary beaches: you also have the option of tasting the best of the gastronomy Portuguese cuisine, which is simple, delicious and made with the best fish from the Atlantic. The national dish par excellence is cod, which is usually accompanied by vegetables and potatoes. However, this is not the only reason why it is worth booking a table in the neighboring country.
A good place to eat is in the ports of the Algarve, such as those of Portimão, Lagos, Albufeira, Faro or Olhão. Most of them host in their surroundings charming traditional taverns, perfect to get close to the best Portuguese recipes. For example, grilled sardines with olive oil and lemon, freshly caught fish and seafood or grilled meats.
Be sure to try the conquilhas à Algarvia, a typical Algarve dish based on clams, onion, garlic and fried sausages. Also worth tasting is the cataplana a succulent seafood dish with lobster, clams and squid, garnished with herbs, white wine and tomatoes. A tip: at A Barrigada restaurant in Lagos, this is the house specialty.
Also try the leitão, a suckling pig roasted for 24 hours with fine herbs, and the feijoada, a bean stew with meat and vegetables.
Main courses are usually preceded by a small appetizer: bread with butter, a tapa of olives, marinated carrots, Portuguese cheeses and, of course, the unfailing petiscos de taberna, small sandwiches of beef or pork, seafood fritters and chouriço. This product is an institution in Portugal, where there are numerous festivals dedicated to this food. One of them is the Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais, in neighboring Monchique.
And to water your lunches and dinners in Portugal, you should know that the four regions of the Algarve -Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira- have their own varieties of wine, all of them with controlled designation of origin.
With our Algarve deals, you can enjoy an unbeatable beach holiday in Spain at the lowest price and in total comfort. Don't stay at home!
