Why go en Algarve?
The good reasons to go en Algarve
A plethoric choice of beaches
From romantic little creeks to endless stretches of golden sand.
The Natural Park of Ria Formosa
A unique biodiversity in the world, a mosaic of wetlands, lagoons and islands.
A rich architectural heritage
Churches and fortresses propel you back to the time of the Moors and the Reconquest.
Tavira with a crazy charm
Nestled on either side of a river, this pretty, romantic town is a great place to stroll.
Monchique and the hinterland
Authentic region inhabited by oak trees, ideal for hiking off the beaten track.
Ponta da Piedade
A spectacular cape with steep cliffs and magical sunsets.
Over 50 greens
Renowned courses make the Algarve a leading golf destination.
Cape Saint-Vincent
And so began the captivating story of the caravels and the great discoveries.
Surfing on the Vicentina coast
The sporting experience is combined with the beauty of unspoilt landscapes.
Party in Albufeira
Caliente atmosphere on summer nights, between trendy clubs and lively bars.
Good to know when visiting l'Algarve
Timetable
Museum opening times vary according to the city and the tourist season. In general, they close on Mondays and open on other days between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., with a break for lunch. Admission is usually free for students, and there are also special prices for children and senior citizens.
Budget & Tips
Brochures and other publications can be downloaded from the tourist office website (https://visitalgarve.pt/). Agencies are located throughout the region and offer invaluable assistance thanks to their multilingual staff. You'll also find maps, city plans and well-designed guidebooks on topics such as rural tourism and birdwatching, on sale for less than €10.
What's very local
In fishing villages and harbors, you must attend the auction of the day's catch, known as the lota. It's aimed at restaurateurs, but the spectacle is highly picturesque and very Instagrammable.
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Discover l'Algarve
The Algarve, whose name derives from the Arabic expression al-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. The result is skyrocketing prices and overcrowding. 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.
