Portugal Algarve: more than sun and beach

Sun Sea Beach. The Portuguese region of Algarve has a coastline of 200 kilometers. But there is more: spot dolphins, view palaces at your leisure or... take a relaxing bath in sulfur springs. The Algarve is full of surprises.

Bring a picnic basket, bottle of water, melons and factor 20: sun worshipers can spread their towel on the endless sandy beaches or on the hidden beaches between the rocks, west of the Algarve's capital Faro. Algarve is a name that means 'the west of Andalusia' from Arabic: El Gharb al-Andalus. The name has its origins in the 600 years that the Algarve was dominated by the Moors. For culture lovers, the cities of Tavira and Silves are especially recommended: there you can still find castle walls and city walls whose origins date back to the 8th century.

Interior of the Algarve

The interior is also breathtaking: pine trees, lavender bushes and eucalyptus trees, in a rolling hilly landscape. And if you like walking: visit the hills around the Pico da Foia (highest point is 902 meters) near the village of Monchique. Don't be surprised if you find orange trees and even banana trees in the area: the soil here is extremely fertile due to the presence of sulfur springs with a temperature of around 35 degrees. The Romans made their hot water baths there and they are still there!

You must do it

The Algarve Route is a series of hiking trails along a breathtaking stretch of Portuguese coast. Added together you arrive at more than 255 kilometers, from the Spanish border at Alcoutim to the southwesternmost tip of Portugal: Cabo de Sao Vicente. Extra tip: spot dolphins by boat from the port of Portimão. Doing!

Look at that

Praia da Marinha is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, and has been awarded the 'Golden Beach' award – and you don't just get that! Crystal clear water, a vast sandy beach with a view of rugged cliffs from which a staircase takes you down (quite a climb!). A popular destination for snorkelers. Also boat excursions to the caves.

You have to taste it

Well-known specialties from the region are grilled sardines (Sardines Assadas) and Frango Assado com piri-piri (chicken piri-piri). Another recommendation: Ameijoas na Cataplana: a dish with fresh shellfish, salted ham (presunto), chourico sausage, tomatoes, lemon, pepper, coriander and olive oil. To eat your fingers!

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