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9 reasons to book a trip to the Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve region, touted as Europe’s favorite secret, is located in the southern part of Portugal, located between Faro and Lagos. It is known for its excellent beaches, boating on the Atlantic Ocean, world-class golf courses, outdoor activities, and delicious cuisine, including six Michelin-starred restaurants.

Beaches

The Algarve is home to 130 beaches that cover almost 125 miles of coastline. Temperatures in the region range from 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Visitors receive 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest places in the world. Eighty-two of the region’s beaches have the Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education, which means that they follow a series of strict environmental, educational, safety-related, and access guidelines. Among the most popular beaches in the region are Meia Praia in Lagos, Ilha de Tavira in front of the Ria Formosa natural park and Praia da Marinha, located between Carvoeiro and Albufeira.

The food

The 2019 Michelin guide lists 26 restaurants in Portugal, six with two stars and 20 with one star, most of which are located in the Algarve. Among those with one star is the Bon Bon Restaurant, headed by chef Rui Silvestre. The chef uses local foods and wines to create foods that he calls “artisan cuisine” that highlight local foods, herbs and wines. Another great restaurant is the Vista Restaurant at the Hotel Bela Vista and Spa, run by chef Joao Oliveira, winner of the Gold Fork award from the Boa Cama Boa Mesa guide, the country’s version of a Michelin star.

While in the region, visitors should be sure to try Algarve scarlet prawns, razor clams, grilled sardines or octopus, Iberian ham made from acorn-fed pork, salted cod and clams in a cataplana, a traditional dish cooked in a clam. shaped copper tray. For dessert, there is the country’s characteristic pastel de nata, pastries filled with a sweet flan topped with a sugar br sugarlée. Another popular dessert is Doce Fino, an almond paste-based marzipan that comes in different forms, such as fruits and animals.

The Wines and Ports

Portugal is known for its port, a fortified wine: authentic Portuguese bottles are marked with “Porto” on the label. The Algarve is home to four wine regions (Denominação de Origem Controlada): Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa and Tavira. The region is known for its white and red varieties from wineries, including Quinta dos Vales, which produces a range of red, white and rosé wines at different prices. It also features the art of owner Karl Heinz Stock. Other wineries in the region are Paxa Wines, Quinta do Barranco Longo and Quinta do Francês.

The golf

The Algarve is home to 34 18-hole and six nine-hole golf courses. Five courses in the region have been ranked in the top 100 golf courses in continental Europe and six became Rolex World’s last 1000 best golf courses. A jewel in the crown of the five courses near the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is the D. Pedro Victoria Golf Course, designed by the late Arnold Palmer. It has hosted the Portugal Masters since 2007 and hosted the World Cup Championship in 2005. Considering its pedigree and facilities, the green fees are quite affordable, at less than $ 200 for 18 holes. Other nearby courses are The Old Course, Millennium, Pinhal and Laguna.

Dolphin watching

Thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, the Algarve is the perfect place for water activities. Companies like Albufeira-based Dream Wave offer jet ski and boat rentals. It also offers a dolphin watching tour on a 10-seat jet boat or larger boat. Dolphins are not always out during the tour, but when they appear, it is a magical sight. To guarantee dolphin watching, consider visiting Zoomarine, a water-based family theme park located in Guia that offers the opportunity to interact with the mammals. The park also has an aquarium, a 4D movie theater, and a wave beach with slides and sand.

Point of Pity

Located near the coastal city of Lagos, this series of cliffs, pillars and tunnels formed over thousands of years lashing the seas of the region. There are spectacular viewpoints of Ponta da Piedade on top of the cliffs, but the best way to see them is by boats that are parked in the Lagos Marina. They sail along the shoreline, where you can see the incredible caves and rock formations up close and personal. Some caves even have their own private beaches.

Cape St Vincent

Located deep in Portugal in Sagres, this fortress dates back to the 16th century and was used to defend against pirate attacks. Before that, it was a medieval convent that was supposedly the burial place of Saint Vincent. A lighthouse was built on the site, which stands on a cliff 60 feet above the sea, in 1904 and is still in use. The site is marketed as “The End of the World.”

Field

The Algarve is a rich fishing and agricultural region. Products grown in the region include oranges, lemons, limes, figs, carob trees, strawberries and the oaks that provide cork for wines and spirits. Visitors can take a jeep safari through the countryside and see villages, examples of the architecture of the region, and taste the food of the region, including honey, cheese, jams, sardine paste, and fleur de sel (a flower of salt). ). Consistency of a snowflake seen on tables everywhere. There are also popular Portuguese liqueurs such as medronho, made from wild strawberries, and figaro, a brandy-based drink.

Arts and crafts

The Algarve is home to a thriving community that produces traditional and modern pieces in different mediums. Handicrafts found in the coastal city of Lagos include jewelry, the country’s iconic ceramic tiles, embroidery, clothing, pottery, baskets, paintings, and leather.

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