Have you ever dreamed of visiting Portugal? If so, travel to Algarve, where the soul of Portugal dwells. The region is located on Portugal’s south-western tip and is lapped by the Atlantic from two sides. It is known for its surfing, picturesque cities, local crafts, cuisine, golden sand beaches and natural marvels. Travel to Algarve to see for yourself Portugal’s most popular tourist region, with over 4m tourists travelling there each year.
Portugal emerged from the initial lockdowns and subsequent restrictions with its reputation as one of the safest and most stable countries in the world undamaged. The first European country to receive the Safe Travels certification from the World Travel & Tourism Council, the country has, to a great extent, managed to conciliate health and safety with living life. The fact that for much of the year, life can be lived outdoors, particularly in the Algarve, has helped, of course. Drinks in the sun and dinner beneath the stars is the norm here. A pleasure, not an imposition.
Faro, the capital of the Algarve region is largest among them. Travel to Faro, the pearl of Algarve. It features scenic old town, picturesque marina; ornate parks and plazas, kinetic atmosphere, and a wealth of food & drink options. If travelling to Faro don’t forget to dive into the old town’s web of its serpentine cobblestone alleys with its many museums, houses of worship, yummy cafes, and stores selling pretty Faro ceramics. Also note that Faro boasts great beaches for you to combine sun-basking and site-seeing.
If doing both appeals to you, your next stop in Algarve must be Lagos, another city in Algarve which offers stunning beaches and a centuries-hallowed old town. Head to Lagos, one of the main sites of Age of Discovery’s marine excursions, lying along the Bensafrim River. Here you will uncover a hilly townscape with a maze of beautifully cobbled lanes, lush greenery, great seafront esplanade, dynamic bar & restaurant culture and Lagos-only boutiques selling ceramics, crafts and decorations. To add to this, Lagos possesses splendid beaches and offers a wide choice of water sports, sailing trips, and even horse-riding. Take a plunge into your Algarve dreams in Lagos, one of the best towns to visit in Algarve.
But no trip to Algarve can be truly completed without a visit to Tavira. One of the most picture-perfect cities in the Iberian Peninsula, Tavira sits on the majestic River Gilão. It is not only home to great architectural landmarks but also a site of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to its unmatched Tavira diet. In fact, it is the local gastronomical marvels that lure visitors from all the world to Tavira. If here, head to its old town to relish the mouthwatering fare at its bistros and fresh produce in its market, Mercado Municipal. Nevertheless, don’t miss out on the many historical sites scattered around Tavira like the tumble-down castle on the hill, an ancient bridge built by the Romans and its eye-pleasing Renaissance. What makes it especially pleasant to do site-seeing in Tavira is its shady gardens, squares, and streets; and an array of great hostels and restaurants to keep away from the midday heat if visiting in summer.
The wild West Coast of Algarve differs strikingly from its somewhat touristy southern extremity. Here you can not only find pristine nature, but also great surfing opportunities. One of the best places to ride the waves in Portugal is Arifana Beach, situated on Portugal’s Western seaboard. Located 6km south of Aljezur village, it is known for truly wicked rollers. Park your car at the top of the steep escarpment and take the narrow path down to the beach. If looking for something more “scaled up”, go to beautiful Amado Beach, which features several surf schools. Note that the beach is super long so you will have plenty of room.
