 |
The Region
Much of the Algarve's coastline has a backdrop of honey golden cliffs, which overlook endless sandy beaches washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The dramatic shoreline, with a mixture of interesting rock formations and enchanting grottoes, make the Algarve one of the top European holiday destinations. The region varies from small fishing villages with colourful boats moored at the water's edge to large sophisticated resorts with golf courses, marinas and fabulous à la carte restaurants.
Inland, amongst the rolling hills of the Monchique mountains, you will find fragrant pine forests and small country villages where you can taste the local cuisine orenjoy pastoral views of orange and lemon groves, fig trees and blossoming almond trees. Situated all along the coastline you will find several water parks, which are a firm favourite with families for a day out. Sports enthusiasts are well catered for with first class facilities and ideal playing conditions.
Golf courses and tennis courts have established a highly prized international reputation with most beaches offering a wide range of watersports including surfing on the west coast, water-skiing, banana rides and much more. Eating out is always a pleasure and the Algarve offers a wide selection of restaurants to suit all tastes, including the famous Piri Piri restaurants at Guia.
Situated right in the heart of the Algarve, Albufeira is an ideal base from which to explore all the region has to offer. Originally a fishing village, it has become a hugely popular family resort with a large variety of bars, restaurants and shops which come alive at night providing entertainment until dawn.Still retaining the charm and character of its moorish origins the town has a maze of whitewashed houses and cobbled streets leading down to the famous Fishermans beach.
In the main square a variety of street performers demonstrate their talents, pavement artists sell brightly coloured paintings of local views, mime artists, fire eaters and jugglers compete with local musicians playing a remarkable range of styles from folk, blues to the pan pipes. There is a market feel to the town with stalls and shops selling local pottery, crochet work and handicrafts. There is a long town beach and a smaller beach both overlooked by bars and restaurants including the old established Ruina fish restaurant. The cliffs are illuminated at night and each evening, the fishing boats set out from the beach into the bay where they stay, lights twinkling, until they return in the early hours to unload their catch.To the west side of town a new marina is in the final stage of construction offering bars and restaurants. |
|
|
