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Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is a large seaside resort region that runs for approximately 100 miles along the southern coast of Portugal. From west to east, from Cape Sao Vicente to Castro Marim, this strip of land enjoys a mild climate all year round. Occupied for five centuries by the Arabs, it retains the architecture from this period with white houses, open chimneys, azulejos (ceramic tiles typical of Portugal). Since 1965 and the opening of the international airport in Faro, tourism has become the region's main activity (more 'concrete jungle' in the west whereas the east has remained more traditional). The beaches are usually large where wind is rare and the water is a beautiful blue-green colour. They are bordered by high ochre cliffs in the west that disappear around the surrounding areas of Vilamoura. On the beaches, yacht clubs offer traditional watersports such as windsurfing, pedalo and sailing. Motor sports are practiced close to the ports and marinas. The Algarve is not a destination for divers (nevertheless, those who wish to make submarine explorations can choose from Sagres and Lagos where the waters are the clearest); it is however a good place to play golf with twenty-four golf courses (Penina, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura) to choose from, with many recognised by the world pros.

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pros

•  Well preserved traditions
•  A varied and protected landscape (Formosa natural park and Catro Marim reserve).
•  Many recreational opportunities such as golf

cons

•  Ugly coastal areas awash with concrete in some areas
•  Underdevelopped road infrastructures (in the West) and imperfect signposting.

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Visit Algarve

• To see

  The Algarve has a gently ondulating landscape, rich with olive groves and cork oaks, fragrant orange groves, vines, palm trees, maritime pine and other Mediterranean flavours. Portimao, Praia da Rocha or Vilamoura make up the large resorts with a marina and nightclubs. Lagos and Albufeira are more modest and have retained the heart of what was once a village made up of traditional houses. The small fishing village of Ferragudo is without doubt the best preserved in the region, installed on a terrace, facing the Atlantic.

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  To do

  Visit the fort of Sagres, Cape Saint Vincent and the Matriz de Sao Lourenço church in Almancil decorated with beautiful 18th century tiles. Also see the Rococo palace of Estoi and its gardens, the Ria Formosa Nature Park with its large lagoon in the east of the Algarve, as well as all of the quaint inland villages, set back from the crowded epicentre at the seaside.

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  To think about

  Remember to drink a lot of water and protect yourself from the sun in summer: a hat and sunscreen in your suitcase is an absolute must. At the restaurant, leave a tip for the waiter if the service is not included and normally 10% of the fare for a taxi is always appreciated.

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• To avoid

  Beware of pickpockets in Faro as it is a very touristic area.

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  To try

  Tastes of Portugal: the verdict is that they are a delight! From cod to seafood as well as cream of fishsoup; you'll find a tasty variety here. Desserts are often cooked with almonds, often with eggs or figs.

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  To bring back

  Handicrafts are highly developed in Portugal, especially on the Algarve. You can buy ceramics (vases, tableware) and other objects such as carpets and furniture.

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Hotels reviews by the Easyexperts

Our favorite hotels in the Algarve, Portugal

Nicknamed the 'Portuguese Riviera', the region of the Algarve has retained some of its charm despite the expansion of tourism. The seaside architecture can undermined and negate the beauty of the shoreline with immense and incongruous buildings built near the beaches. However, peaceful and unspoilt places ...

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Algarve in pictures

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Albufeira Jardim Hotel

 

Score 3/10

susan humphries 11/01/2012 : "This appeared to be a really nice hotel but our room was badly in need of renovation and the smell of drains was overpoweringly awful."

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Hotel reviews Portugal

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