ALGARVE GUIDE

I ALGARVE HOTELS   HOTELS ALGARVE II



Prologue


In the 80's, when my parents first brought me free camping, no idea to what extent could enjoy this wonderful part of the planet. Then it took about 5 hours from Seville to Albufeira, especially by the long queues that formed across the Guadiana river by ferry. Since early 2000 we began our relationship my wife and I travel to the Algarve have become commonplace. There's always an excuse to go: the weather, food, peace, prices. From our experience, we will tell you how to know the beaches, towns and the most special places.

The description will do it by geography, starting with this and appoint the villages and beaches that we believe are of particular interest.

Tips for traveling to the Algarve

  Travel time: We believe that 15 days is long enough to know most importantly, the quiet way. Dividing the rooms into 3 points, you can easily visit the best beaches and villages. Within a week, visiting every day at least 2 beaches, one can follow the coast, although it is best to stick to the south or west. In a weekend or a bridge can have a first contact, enough to want to return.

  Accommodation: Aparthotels Algarve is almost more than hotels. We always choose the apartment as a way of accommodation. Most are spacious, comfortable and cheap. If you are not located in beachfront considerably lower price and walk the beaches by car is not as important the situation.

  Food: One of the main reasons for visiting the Algarve. Never hire the hotels as we prefer to buy on the cheap supermarkets (O Corvo, Pingo Doce, Intermarché) breakfast and dinner and lunch at any of the many typical restaurants. Essential to try: Pastry cream (Pasteis cream), butter (keep), sardine pate (pate da Sardinha), seafood rice (arroz do seafood), grilled chicken (frango the piri-piri), cod grill (bacalhau bras), cataplana fish (peixe cataplana), etc ...

  Transport: The airport of Faro is the best place to arrive by plane, but unfortunately is not connected with the Spanish airports. The Seville would be the closest in case you have no other combination. By train you can get to Huelva and Seville, do not work very well the Portuguese railways. It is best to travel by private car or rental is essential for access to most beaches.

  Medical Assistance Card Health Europe, allows access to the Portuguese social security. Be processed in less than 2 minutes here. It never hurts to take a travel insurance contract.

  Thanks to the great success of our Guide Algarve, over 500 downloads per week, we expanded the number of daily visits to our website. Unfortunately, the number of downloads is limited, but we will be happy to send you the guide in PDF format, with photos of the beaches and hotels. Contact us.

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** Vila Real de Santo Antonio

It is the first town we crossed the Guadiana. Since the construction of the bridge between Spain and Portugal lost much of its tourism. Still a good place to stroll through its streets and squares and to see how 1 km away may seem at least 30 years in time. In little more than an hour walking the main streets you will have known, market and port. Famous for its "atoalhados" best-known stores are sheets and towels. We can not forget their markets and supermarkets, where they begin to find that Portugal offers dishes (fish, cakes, butter ...). If it comes with time, is the first stop. In the huge market on 12 October you can find everything at a great price.


* Castro Marim

It has an interesting castle and a weekend market with good fruit and vegetables. The medieval festival that takes place in August (from 28 to 31) is one of the best times to visit, when the main street are moved more than 500 years in time.

** Height / Alagoa

Height has a wide white sand beach, called Alagoa, multiple access and parking, which is easily accessible from the second exit off the freeway. On the beach there are good bars. The restaurant O Infante, on the road from Vila Real to height, is one of the best known in Portugal. Their skewers, their grilled fish and shellfish are sublime rice. Like most of Portugal, a bowl for 2 can give of themselves to 4.


* Conceicao De Monte Gordo

Large white sand beaches, secluded for most of the year and very small villages with the charm and tranquility of places where time has not passed.

** Olhao

It is a fishing village, a market with better products. A walk through the village is a good way to make contact with the more traditional Algarve. We must live the experience of going to the beaches, which are islands that are a considerable distance, but which is easily accessible by ferries throughout the year. Culatra, Armona and Farol have a very transparent water.

* Ria Formosa

It is an estuary that extends from Cacela Velha to Faro. To access all the beaches covered in between these points is necessary in most cases, a boat service. A Barril beach is accessed by a small train of the most curious. There are several small towns along it, with very well known restaurants. Faro International Airport are the main companies in the Algarve and shopping centers. In this area we recommend:


** Tavira

Large town with a beautiful old town and a very real market. We recommend a visit if you have the time or day can not enjoy the beach. To reach the beach you must go by boat. Another interesting visit of the area is a few kilometers from the town of Tavira. This is a small waterfall located inland. His name is Pego do Inferno. If you go in high season, we recommend avoiding the weekends. Depending on the time, there will be more or less water.


Accommodation

If you want a resort style hotel, enjoying the beach, we recommend the Vila Galé Albacore. Is away from the village, offers good facilities and has a boat that takes you to the beach.


Hotels:

Vila Galé Albacora | Pedras d'el Rei | Pedras da Rainha |


*** Farol:

It is an island between Olhao and Faro. Access is via boat (ferry) from Olhao. The journey takes 45 minutes and there are boats throughout the day. The fare is 3.7 € i / v The beaches of this island are of spectacular beauty. Although water is very cold, is the most transparent we have seen throughout the Algarve.


* Vilamoura:

Golf courses, casinos, luxury hotels, yachts and large buildings. Full normal beach is a place for those looking avoidable the real Algarve.

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*** Falesia:

Essential. It is a spectacular beach cliffs that combine several colors. The erosion makes its beauty even more. We believe it is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Portugal. There are enough hotels.


Hotels:

Porto Bay Falesia | STELLA MARIS


** Olhos d'Agua:

Falesia original village. Lunch at one of the many Portuguese restaurants, walk the promenade with the small fisherman's house and look at low tide the fresh water springs, make this small town more charming elsewhere. We recommend eating at the restaurant Azul, located just before the main beach.

Nearby is the bay of Santa Eulalia, a Creek Olhos style to the water but longer.

Hotels

Aparthotel Olhos WATER


** Albufeira: The capital of the progress of the Algarve. Although the old town is not very large, Albufeira is spread out over several miles along the coast. It has many beaches, all very good, many hotels of all prices and a lively nightlife. The former Turial Park Apartments offers very good prices all year round and is conveniently situated on the main beach. Kiss The club is the epicenter of the march.

Accommodation:

Turial PARK

  * De Albufeira Lagoa huge beach and small coves coastal cross this vast area. Lodgings a few miles from the coast are the most attractive option to meet them.

  * Silves: A remote village on the coast with a castle very interesting. You can make historical tourism retiring just a few miles from the coast. It is an ideal place to sample home-cooked meals at local restaurants.

  Marinha ***: very pretty beach with magnificent views from its cliffs and interesting walks in the area. The beach is changing its structure because of some landslides. It is interesting to see the shapes of the rocks on the beach.

  ** Benagil: Several houses on a cliff up this small town where the blue Algarve makes a superb contrast with the white lime on the facades. It has a couple of restaurants right on its tiny beach.

  Praia do Carvalho **** There is no place like it. Impossible beach enclosed by a deep yellow cliff. The water is extremely transparent with green and white sand. A huge rock on 200 meters the bank gives the final touch to the landscape. Accessed by a passage through the cliff and is reached from Benagil or as directed from Lagoa.

  ** Vale do Centeanes: The large cave at the end of the beach marks this great beach. There are several apartments and hotels in the area from which to explore the area. Rocha Brava recommend Colina da Lapa.

  ** Carvoeiro: A small tourist village that blends with the real thing. Another place to stay and see the many nearby beaches.

Accommodation:

COLINA DA LAPA | Vitor's Village | ROCHA BRAVA | Tivoli Carvoeiro

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** Portimao: This is a big city, with little interest, but with more of the best beaches on its outskirts. The de Vau and Tres Irmaos are very good beaches.

  *** Praia da Rocha: The town is not pretty, but the beach is spectacular and has a vibrant nightlife. The beach is over 1 km long, very wide, white sand and good services (promenade, sports area, modern bars). We recommend the apartment Atlantic Ocean, newly opened, spacious and modern apartments.

Hotels:

ATLANTIC OCEAN | GLOBE

*** Alvor

In a quiet area, this resort combines more than 2 km of white sand and clear water with an area of cliffs and coves. Ideal for long walks on the beach and the cliffs above. I recommend the restaurant Atlantic, is a new wooden beach bar
on the beach of Tres Irmaos.

Hotels:

LUNA ALVOR | Pestana Alvor | Alvor Praia Mar


Meia Praia ***:

Belongs to Lagos and other large beach of clear water and white sand. No accommodation along the same and a snack bar on the beach. We recommend visiting in the afternoon as the shadow comes later than in the other coves.

** Lagos:

Pleasant city to stroll with multiple dining and hotels. Retains its old and narrow streets. The promenade has the same sidewalks that Copacabana in Brazil.

Hotels:

CLUB MARINA LAGOS | Aqualuz SUITE | Vila Gale | VILABRANCA RESORT


*** Praia do Camilo
Cove surrounded by cliffs and clear water.


*** Dona Ana:

The last time her face has changed somewhat. Enclosed by cliffs, usually calm water with green and scattered rocks near the shore. The restaurant is on the cliff, "Mirante" offers breathtaking views. We recommend lunch there and arrive early to get good site.


*** Ponta da Piedade:

This geographical location provides a beautiful view of the cliffs in the area. If you wander over there at noon, you can see the clear waters off the small pier to do a small tour boat. Also worth a visit for sunset.


** From Lagos to Sagres:
We found several beaches, even more lonely than before. You can walk over the cliffs and go from beach to beach. No disappoint you. Burgau, Zavial, Martinhal, Cabanha velha

Hotels:

Montinho D'OURO


** Sagres:
Quiet town in winter and summer surfer lively. From this point the beaches are filled with surfers because of the good conditions for this sport. You must not forget to taste the local beer (Sagres) widespread throughout the Algarve.


** Beliche:

The most perfect waves in one of the most beautiful beaches in the area offer entertainment daily. From the cliff or the beach, you will see surfers from all over Europe enjoy the water.


*** Cabo de San Vicente:
Dramatic cliffs and huge waves can be visited from the westernmost point of continental Europe. A historic lighthouse marks this point, which usually do quite windy, so we suggest you go prepared. There are real crazy people who fall off cliffs with ropes to fish from the abyss. Sometimes it's hard to see them by the number of projections of the rocks, but if you look for a while, you'll get goosebumps. The sunset at this point is very
beauty.

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*** Arrifana: After a steep decline in car and a long descent down stairs, you reach one of the most perfect beaches of the Algarve. Olas designed for surfers, water very clear and dark giant cliffs are incredible beach.

  * Aljezur: It is the largest town on the west side. It is a good place to stay to explore the more remote beaches and enjoy the tranquility of this secluded area.

  ** Monte Cleric: very wide beach with white sand, great waves for surfing. The beach bars offering typical cuisine while enjoying lunch allow good views.

  *** Odeceixe: The last village and the last great beach. The mouth of a river of clear water provides a very unique touch to this spacious and beautiful beach. One of the essential of the western face of the Algarve. The small town has some nice restaurants for dinner.

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Route recommended by the Algarve. Itinerary for 7 days.

There are many routes and interesting places. Sometimes what makes a place special is to have discovered for yourself, so we encourage you to do more research in the area, because you will be surprised, sure, the great discoveries that you will find.

However, we propose a series of itineraries us what we liked most and give them a schedule so you can squeeze the time to the maximum.


DAY 1 ALBUFEIRA (Falesia)

Tomorrow:
We propose to spend the morning in the beautiful Falesia beach in Albufeira.

Food:
Restaurant in Olhos de Agua Azul (a few meters from the beach of Olhos de agua) or Or Antonio, a restaurant opposite the entrance of the Sheraton hotel in the area of Falesia.

Afternoon:
End the evening on any nearby creek, and Santa Eulalia or the fun Vieng water olhos Beach Olhos de agua (holes in the ground on which freshwater springs. Just look at low tide).


DAY 2 - LAKE

Tomorrow:
Praia do Carvalho: Iimportante go when the sun is high. Eating in Benagil (restaurant Lamy) or Marinha beach picnic.

Afternoon:
Praia da Marinha: This is better seen in the evening because it has more hours of sunshine than Carvalho, which is more closed. Dinner at Restaurante Casa Carvoeiro Algarvia


DAY 3 - Alvor

Tomorrow:
In the Tres Irmaos beach (Alvor).
Mañanaven recommend spending the area walking through the caves, both the beach and the cliffs above.

Food:
In a bar on the beach of Alvor, for example in the Atlantic restaurant. The kebabs are delicious, are called "brochette." Is on the beach of Tres Irmaos.

Afternoon:
In Praia da Rocha. There are probably many people, but it is great, very lively with many bars where you take something precious. Praia do Vau is another alternative if done long ago.


DAY 4 LAKE

Tomorrow:
Ponta Da Piedade: Try to see it at high tide, low tide is not worth it). We recommend downloading and hire a boat trip through the caves. Rest of the morning in Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo. Lunch at restaurant Mirante (bar in Praia Dona Ana).

Afternoon:
Meia Praia: Hiking, relaxation.


DAY 5 CAPE VINCENT

Tomorrow:
Go for example Burgau or Zavial Creek (small and not very flashy but very clear water). Other beaches in the area are Martinhal and Cabanha Velha.

Food:
In Vila do Bispo in the restaurant or Correia

Afternoon:
Beliche beach. It's pretty cool. Sunset at Cabo de San Vicente


NORTH ALJEZUR Day 6

Tomorrow:
Vale Figueiras. A good beach for a morning.

Food:
In one of the bars Arrifana Cliff, enjoying the view.

Afternoon:
In Arrifana. A perfect beach with big waves and very clear water. Parking is difficult if you go in high season. If you leave the car before the descent, we must be prepared for a good effort to return. The effort is worth it to see one of the prettiest beaches in the Algarve.

SOUTH ALJEZUR Day 7

Tomorrow:
You can take a walk through the village of Odeceixe, before going to long beach. The view on arrival and from the parking area are splendid. On the beach you must visit to see the river mouth.

Food:
In the village of Odeceixe or once they reach the beach of Monte cleric in one of his bars.

Afternoon:
In Monte Cleric. Halfway is the great beach of Vale dos Homens, which is reached by a wooden staircase endless. The white and black stones from the shore are beautiful. Already in Monte Cleric, you can go by the beach to the cliffs to the left there and spend the afternoon on the white sand. If you have not eaten there, you can have a beer while watching the sunset.

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We hope you enjoy your stay in the Algarve and you engage as much as us.

If you have the slightest hesitation in booking the hotels, with respect to location, the hotel, whatever, do not hesitate to contact us


IMPORTANT NOTE: This guide we have in pdf format, with pictures of beaches and hotels. Due to the large number of downloads, we can not have available on the web. I will gladly send it by e-mail if you ask us.


If you need help or want to ask us anything, do not hesitate to write, I get back sooner than you think:

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