Algarve Geography

Comprising an area of 4,996 sq. km, the region of the Algarve stretches along the southern coast of Portugal, encompassing approximately 50 km of the south western coast and 150 km of the southern coast as far as the natural boundary of the river Guadiana with Spain.

With an approximate population of 428,000, the Algarve is divided into 16 municipalities, the capital of which is Faro. It has an entirely Atlantic coastline and is divided into 3 main areas: the coastal area, the ‘barrocal’, or mountainside area and the ‘serra’ (mountainous) area of the 3 mountain ranges, the Monchique, Espinahço de Cão and the Caldeirão. These mountains occupy 50% of the region and help to shield the coastal areas from the northerly winds. The highest point is Foia (902 m), situated in the mountain range of Monchique.

The Algarve’s coastline is very diversified. The western coastline, referred to as the ‘Costa Vicentina’ faces the full force of the Atlantic ocean and is characterised by tall, jagged escarpments and wilder and windier beaches. Rounding Cape of St. Vincent, the coastline gradually loses the tall cliffs framing its beaches as the eastern expanses of sandier beaches are reached. In addition to the long beaches, interspersed with small, sheltered coves, there are 2 important protected marshland areas, the Ria Alvor and Ria Formosa, the latter occupying an area of 18,400 hectares and 60 km of coastline. Together with the protected area of the river Guadiana estuary, these marshlands constitute areas of enormous ecological wealth.

Due to its geographical position and relief, the Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with long hours of sunshine and moderate rainfall in winter. Summer temperatures average 24º-29ºC (rising considerably during the summer months) and summer sea temperatures oscillate between 21º-24ºC.