What to visit on your Algarve holiday

Discover the Algarve, region of sun and sea, golf and nature...

The Algarve is a treasure trove in shades of blue and green. Of sea and golf, of rivers and hills. But it is also a treasure of stone ochre, whitewashed houses, a treasure chest rich in oranges and almond trees, carob and strawberry trees, in sea but also in rivers such as the Guadiana and Arade, in plains and ranges of hills, such as those of Monchique and Caldeirão, made even more precious by its Formosa Estuary which guards in its borders an ecosystem unique in the world. No, the Algarve is not just beach. But the beaches of the Algarve are its pulsating heart, beating strongly and pumping blood into all the other regions of its body. They are the air that allows it to breathe, the oxygen that makes it the most important tourist region of Portugal and one of the most famous of Europe.

The Algarve also offers activities for all tastes – and at all times of the year. Golf is one of the most sought after. With courses unique in the world, framed in a special type of nature, surrounded by an unrivalled tranquility, golf is enjoyed by players of all handicaps. From the Sotavento (eastern downwind) to the Barlavento (western upwind), along the approximately 200 kilometres of the southern coast of Mainland Portugal, there are numerous golf championship courses, some of which have already received the best professional players of the world and been the stage of important tournaments of this sport. Close to the shoreline or in the hinterland, the architects of the fields have skilfully perfected the design of the layouts, making the most of the spectacular natural surroundings. Some of the best courses of Europe, greatly appreciated both by amateurs and professionals, are at Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Tavira, Albufeira, Portimão or Lagos.

For those arriving by boat, there are four marinas with modern infrastructures capable of receiving boats of all sizes and formats. The oldest is Vilamoura Marina, with the others being located at Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos. This southern region of Portugal also hosts different international sports events. The World Championship of Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is held every year at Portimão and, in 2009, the city became part of the Sailing Audi MedCup Circuit when it held the Trophy of Portugal - City of Portimão. Very close by, the new Algarve International Circuit, with a Formula 1 racing track, regularly hosts various motor vehicle competitions and rounds.

And then there's the climate. Balmy, temperate, exceptional, cool in the winter, hot in summer. A great enticement for many who finally decide to move here definitively. About two hours by car from Lisbon or Seville and the main European capitals, with direct flights from Faro International Airport, travelling to the Algarve is easy and creates millions of stories to tell. From the more rural traditions to the architecture, from the grilled fish to the food of the hills, from the increasingly more prestigious wines to the outdoor terraces overlooking the sea, from its landscapes to the people. Difficult to be indifferent.

Salema Beach

The fishing village of Salema offers one of the most genuine and peaceful beaches of the Algarve – Salema Beach located in the county of Vila do Bispo.
The extensive shoreline not only invites bathing but also entices a discovery of the village's narrow streets, the remains left behind by the fishing gear.
Salema Beach was classified by the British newspaper The Guardian as the 15th Best Beach, in the ranking of the 50 best beaches of the world. The newspaper reveals that the fishing village of Salema, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, has managed to escape the great development occurred along the Algarvian coast.
Salema Beach remains genuine and clean under a blue flag which certifies its quality.