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ALGARVE

  Click here to search for all Algarve accommodation.

Don't take too much more time decided on whether your next summer break should be to the stunning southern coastline of Portugal. The sooner you go, the more time you'll have to remember the breathtaking views from rugged cliff tops, the scent of rolling fields of wild flowers and the distinctive tastes of fresh-grilled sardines and chilled Vinho Verde.

With over 100 miles of superb sandy beaches, hot sun and gentle breezes, friendly people and fantastic food, the Algarve is a perfect holiday destination. Our selection of properties in the region allows even the most active holidaymaker to take full advantage of the incredible range of land and water sports available all year round. The region is almost a by-word for high quality golf courses.

Historical links between our two nations mean that the British visitor is always assured of a warm welcome from the locals. If you're planning your fist trip to the Algarve, book it early - lots of other discerning holidaymakers will have had the same idea.

LANGUAGE: Portuguese

CURRENCY: Euro

FOOD & DRINK

Seafood and fish, usually barbecued, are popular. Typical Portuguese dishes include 'sardinhas' local sardines; 'caldo verde', green cabbage soup and 'bacalhau', dried cod, cooked in over 100 different ways and chicken piripiri (chilli sauce). Portuguese table wines are good value. Some of the most popular and best known Portuguese wines are Vinho Verde and Mateus Rose.

LOCAL COSTS

As an indication of price for the most typical and popular items bought locally, the following rough guide has been put together. Please note all costs are approximate.

Bottle of wine from £1.50 (supermarket)
3 course meal from £7.00
Hamburger & chips £3.00
Glass of draught beer £0.90
Cup of coffee (with milk) £0.60
Soft drink £0.80

SHOPPING

Recommended shopping areas include Portimao, Loule and Faro. There is a variety of good buys to look out for including copperware, pottery, shoes, leatherwear, cork, basket work, embroidery, woollens and crystal. The colourful markets are excellent places to pick up a bargain or two including linen, towels and shoes. Some of the monthly country markets are especially interesting.

BEACHES

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, the Algarve has over 250 kilometres of coastline, long and curving with little sandy coves hidden between cliffs of varied colours. Some beaches shelve very steeply, and therefore you need to be careful with young children.

SPORTS

The Algarve is a golfer's paradise and golf is one of the most popular sports in the region. The major centres have a range of courses available for all levels but most require a handicap certificate. Most resorts have tennis courts, health centres, horse riding, gyms and outdoor bowls facilities.

NIGHTLIFE

Entertainment on the Algarve varies greatly from resort to resort with Albufeira traditionally being the liveliest. In addition to the bars and discos, the nightlife includes stage shows (even karaoke) and folk dancing, whilst the cinemas feature newly released films in the original version with Portuguese subtitles. Casinos are government licensed and the one in Vilamoura features top entertainment as well as gambling. Further more some of the larger complexes (e.g. Clube Praia da Oura) organise their own entertainment such as bingo.

ALGARVE RESORTS

Please click for further information on the following Algarve resorts:

Albufeira
Alvor
Vilamoura
Praia Da Luz
Praia Da Rocha
Quinta Do Lago, Garrao & Vale Do Lobo
Carvoeiro

INFORMATION

Should you require further information and/or literature on the Algarve you can always contact their UK office at the following address:

Portuguese National Tourist Office
22/25a Sackville Street, London
W1X 1DE Tel:0171 494 1441

 

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