It is at the southernmost tip of Europe, at the end of the Iberian Peninsula, that this heavenly corner of Andalusia thrives, beaten by the invigorating waves of the Atlantic Ocean: the Algarve, a destination that continues to seduce a growing number of holidaymakers year after year. It must be said that its assets are numerous, and can even tend, at the peak of the summer, to serve it as its golden sandy beaches are crowded. However, if you take a step aside and walk along the paths that are still untouched by tourism, you will discover another Portugal, a coastal land made of small towns and small fishing villages full of charm, sumptuous fine sandy beaches with rocky outcrops softened by erosion, forgotten coves... The Algarve tourist guide takes you on a wander from seafood tables and fresh fish in Sagres or Lagos to fertile lands suitable for walking, between orchards, fields of fig and almond trees. From walks along the wild and majestic coastline of the Vicentine coast or in the semi-tropical valleys of the Serra de Monchique, to the striking architectural heritage of the picturesque Faro, capital of the region. The Moorish influence of yesteryear can be felt everywhere in the Portuguese culture of the Algarve, from the gastronomy to the handicrafts and the architecture, as seen in the castles dotting the territory. Let's not forget its inhabitants, without whom the Algarve would not be the Algarve, always willing to share a few good moments with passing travelers.

When to go Algarve ?

When to go to the Algarve? For those who have a choice, the best times to visit the Algarve are spring (when some popular festivals are held), early summer (with its many festivals) before August (when most Portuguese, English and Dutch people take their long vacations and when tourism prices are the highest) and fall. Spring and autumn correspond to the mid-season and are ideal seasons to enjoy the beautiful mild climate of the southern coast of Portugal while avoiding the crowds and heat of the high season. To the question "when to go to the Algarve?", June and September are two very good answers. But the Algarve, which enjoys a very mild climate, can certainly be visited all year round. That said, why not take a trip to this destination from December to February, when accommodations are at a premium? The year-round waves make these beautiful beaches a surfer's paradise.

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Practical information for travel Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal's leading tourist destination because of its privileged climate, beaches and lively towns, but it also offers other alternatives that are not well known to travellers, such as itineraries in natural areas, linking small fishing villages or serra villages that have managed to preserve their authenticity. Between land, sea and emotions, the Algarve already makes you want to come back. Not only for the landscapes but also for the experiences. For those in search of beaches, the coastline unfolds as far as the eye can see with romantic coves and long golden stripes. For a gastronomic stay, between seafood, wines and rural tables, one fills one's journey with tasty pleasures. A stay focused on heritage and culture gives us the impression of being part of a rich and fascinating universal historical heritage

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How to go Algarve

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How to go alone

To get to Faro, capital of the Algarve, you can choose to fly. Fares vary enormously depending on the city of departure, the period and the time of anticipation of booking the ticket. In high season, a low-cost return flight from France, for example, costs around €200, compared to €80 in low season. To get good rates, it is essential to book well in advance. You can also travel to the Algarve with your own vehicle.

How to go on a tour

There are many tour operators and specialists in the region who are ready to prepare a tailor-made trip, an organized tour, a family vacation or an all-inclusive stay in the Algarve, its cities and its hinterland. A well-known destination for tourism professionals, you will find many offers on the market. All you have to do is choose the one that suits you best!

How to get around

If you do not have a personal vehicle or a rental vehicle, allowing considerable range of movement, you can still travel easily in the Algarve: public transport works very well in southern Portugal. Cheap trains and buses sweep the coast. The seaway, in addition to being pleasant, is a possible option, while in the city, taxis are very numerous and relatively cheap.

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Discover Algarve

The Algarve, whose name derives from the Arabic expressional-gharb al-Andalus (west of Andalusia), is a region cradled by the sea. That's why European tourists flock here for festive, no-holds-barred vacations. As a result, it's expensive and crowded. But if you get off the tourist trail, you can still discover charming villages, fabulous beaches lined with rocks sculpted by erosion, and forgotten coves. Nature reserves preserve a diversity of flora and fauna; this is where birds migrate. The Via Algarviana and the Rota Vicentina will delight hikers and cyclists alike. The Algarve is also a green and fertile land, beautifully colored by semi-tropical vegetation, orchards, orange groves, fig and almond fields. It has long been under the Moorish influence, which can still be seen in its gastronomy, craftsmanship and architecture.

Pictures and images Algarve

Pêcheurs sur la plage de Monte Gordo. Maxence Gorréguès
Talève sultane, parc naturel de la Ria Formosa. tony mills - Shutterstock.com
Ponta Da Piedade. Jorge Argazkiak - Shutterstock.com
Ville de Monchique. Turismo do Algarve

The 12 keywords Algarve

1. Arbustus unedo

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Arbutus, a small red or orange berry native to the Mediterranean area, is mainly used to make jams and is also used in the manufacture of a rustic but subtle brandy, the famous medronho. This is the famous spirit that the owners of old cafés used to bring out from under the counter

2. Cataplana

The precursor of the modern pressure cooker, the cataplana is a traditional container from the Algarve and is also the name of the cooked dish. Its steam cooking gives this dish preserved and incomparable flavours. Do not leave the region without tasting the "cataplana de mariscos" (seafood cataplana) which is omnipresent on all the menus

3. Fireplaces

A pure product of five centuries of Moorish occupation, the picturesque whitewashed Algarvia chaminas will not escape the notice of a discerning eye. Prismatic or cylindrical, with simple grooves or delicately serrated, they are an integral part of the region's architectural heritage. To be photographed without moderation before their disappearance

4. Diminutives

Cantinho, lulinha, Joaozinho... have in common a suffix that is used and abused in all situations of everyday life. A sign of smallness or affection most of the time, don't be impressed by this recurring language effect and enter the dance by answering obrigadinho when you are served a cafezinho

5. Fado

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Nostalgic fado is the unmistakable musical style of Portugal. Whether one is sensitive to it or not, one must admit that this music often provokes a melancholic state in those who allow themselves to be lulled by its soft notes. For it is indeed about expressing saudade, or the emotion of a certain sadness or feelings linked to love or exile

6. Henry the Navigator

At the beginning of the 15th century, he transformed Lisbon into one of the world's capitals, and kicked off the great discoveries. Henry the Navigator was the true initiator of the Portuguese colonial empire and his life is deeply linked to the Algarve. Indeed, thanks to his vision, Sagres will become one of the greatest scientific poles

7. Real estate

Real estate in the Algarve is flourishing. Platforms for investors, advantageous tax regime for senior citizens, specialised agencies, professionals in the sector have a very wide visibility. It must be said that the conditions are there to plan a peaceful retirement or a holiday in this kind of Côte d'Azur.

8. Markets

Going to a market in the Algarve, be it a municipal, weekly, antique or fish market, is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture in total discretion. Some of them have their own architecture that is worth a visit, such as Loulé, a stunning red brick neo-Moorish building

9. Moors

The influence of the Moors coming from North Africa strongly impregnated the region after five centuries of occupation. It is impossible to escape the history, the remains and the heritage of this Muslim culture rooted in the Algarve, which can be felt even in the language. A heritage that is readily celebrated at festivals.

10. Pastries

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The Algarve's little delicacies, with their strong personality, are to be savoured without complex, if one wishes to pierce the popular soul. At the top of the list are the colourful morgadinhos, not forgetting the Dom Rodrigo sold in metallic paper like a gift, made of threads of egg yolk and sugar to be savoured with a bica (strong black coffee)

11. Sardine

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A king fish at the national as well as regional level, the sardine is omnipresent and in the spotlight on all Sunday barbecues. Grilling is an art in itself, to be taken seriously, and the Portuguese are masters at it. Don't hesitate to follow the smell of grilled sardines in the small restaurants near the ports

12. Thermalism

Waters rich in fluorine or bicarbonate are ideal for treating respiratory ailments, but not only. The benefits of thermalism are immense and the region reveals resorts conducive to this unequalled well-being, such as Caldas. Another Algarve with an environment full of serenity but where the sea is always nearby

You are from here, if...

You eat sardines grilled between two slices of bread, even if it drips.

You accompany your aperitifs with tremoços or lupin seeds

You call everyone by their first name, never by their last name.

You prefer the atmosphere of village festivals to the discos of the coast.

You have an object, a jersey, a cap or a flag in the colours of Portugal, ready to display in case of victory or national celebration

You are invited to a family lunch and at 5pm... you are still at the table

You keep your hands in your pockets while chatting with the person you're talking to, in a relaxed manner.

You can't help but talk loud and clear. The Portuguese are very talkative, so only very rarely will you see two people side by side, in a restaurant or in the street, keeping silent

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