Things to do in the Algarve

In keeping with its geographical diversity and versatility, there is plenty to see and do in the Algarve.

The sun-drenched beaches provide a host of recreational and sports activities for the energetic visitor, many of the southern coastline beaches offering facilities such as canoeing, water-skiing, jet skiing, kite-surfing, diving, windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, speedboat rides, pedal boat rentals or sightseeing boat rides. The more demanding visitor can sample the eclectic delights of the Terra Estreita Beach, including live jazz, sushi workshops or open-air cinemas while the hardened surfers and body boarders can measure their strength against the powerful waves of the western coast beaches of Amado, Vale Figueiras, Ponta Ruiva and many more.

The Algarve’s mountain ranges hide a number of treasures. Standing at 902 m, the Foia viewpoint in the Monchique mountain range is an excellent vantage point from which to admire the surrounding hills. Walks along the mountain trails will take you past flowing streams and strawberry, pine, oak and chestnut trees until you reach the picturesque spa of Monchique with its Roman archaeological site. The town of Monchique is only 5 kms away and merits a walk through its narrow, winding streets for a glimpse of the traditional architecture of its whitewashed houses with characteristic chimneys and chiselled stonework. Whilst strolling through the hills of the Algarve, stop for a taste of the mountain cuisine, where the pork, smoked ham and sausage-based cooking differs entirely from the fish dishes of the coast.

Nature-lovers, and especially ornithologists, will be in paradise in the Algarve. The Ria Formosa Natural Park’s 18,000 hectares of sheltered, calm waters can be visited by boat to appreciate the wide variety of wildlife inhabiting these waters. Boat trips up the River Guadiana will provide splendid views of the marshland Nature Reserve of Castro Marim, for more sightings of migrating birds and the legendary saltpans of Castro Marim.

Legacies of the Algarve’s history are dotted around the region and are important testimonies of former settlers and historical events. Whether it be the monolithic monuments of early inhabitants, Roman ruins, Arab mosques and fortresses, Henry the Navigator’s discovery expeditions from Sagres or the effects of the 1755 earthquake, traces of all can be found in the Algarve. The Roman ruins of Milreu and Cerro da Vila, the 11th century Arab Silves Castle and Henry the Navigator’s 15th century compass in the Sagres Fort are but a few examples of the wealth of historical monuments to be found.

Having discovered and savoured the natural and historical charms of the Algarve, you might hanker after some shopping and there is plenty to be had in the Algarve. Most of the major towns along the coast provide picturesque town centres, which are ideal for a stroll, high street shopping and a sample of the local crafts. Larger shopping centres include the Algarve Shopping near Albufeira, the Forum Algarve in Faro and the Quinta Shopping Centre in the Quinta do Lago Resort. In addition to shopping, these centres provide an abundance of restaurants as well as cinemas, bowling alleys and supermarkets.

Eating out is a must in the Algarve where outdoor dinners in the warm, summer evenings would not be complete without a taste of the local, fresh fish and shellfish. Whether slowly grilled over charcoal or served in the sealed copper dish called the “cataplana”, the cooking techniques are all designed to preserve the food’s natural flavours. Traditional desserts and sweets are based on figs, carob beans or almonds, the region’s local produce.