Algarve: idyllic beaches
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On one side, the sea carves out the coastline’s cliffs. On the border with Spain and all along the coastline that follows the Ria Formosa, the waters are calm and warm. They become rougher and colder as you move from east to west towards Sagres, the westernmost point of Europe. The Algarve preserves the heritage of the Moors and the spirit of the fishing folk. It is from here, in the 15th century, that Portuguese sailors set out to discover the world. Tourists will find idyllic beaches and benefit from pleasant temperatures year-round.
WHERE TO SLEEP
MONTE REI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Spacious, peaceful villas. Auteur restaurants. Ideal for golfers.
Tel. (+351) 282 952 521
OZADI TAVIRA HOTEL
Retro vacation style.
Quinta das Oliveiras, Tavira, Faro
Tel. (+351) 281 324 324
POUSADA PALÁCIO ESTOI
An 18th century Rococo style palace. Away from the beaches.
R. S. José, Estoi, Faro
Tel. (+351) 289 990 150
www.pousadas.pt/en/hotel/pousadaestoi
CASA MODESTA
Rural tourism with a touch of modernity. Family atmosphere.
Quatrim, Olhão
Tel. (+351) 289 701 096
HOTEL QUINTA DO LAGO
A must. Classic luxury. Near golf courses and beaches.
Tel. (+351) 289 350 350
CONRAD ALGARVE
Luxury and refinement. The Roof Garden Suite on the top floor is so extravagant you’ll forget the price.
Estrada da Quinta do Lago, Quintado Lago, Loulé
Tel. (+351) 289 350 700
VILA VITA PARC HOTEL
Personalized service and attention to detail in this 5-star resort.
R. Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Lagoa
Tel. (+351) 282 310 100
MEMO BALEEIRA, SAGRES
Minimalist and comfortable with a view of the sea.
Sítio da Baleeira, Sagres
Tel. (+351) 282 624 212
MARTINHAL BEACHRESORT & HOTEL
Considered an ideal hotel for families. It combines refinement with comfort.
Quinta do Martinhal, Vila do Bispo, Sagres
Tel. (+351) 282 240 200
WHERE TO EAT
OCEAN
Renovated in 2016, it has received two Michelin stars. Chef Hans Neuner never ceases to surprise. Excellent selection of wines.
Vila Vita Parc Hotel, Alporchinhos
Tel. (+351) 282 310 200
SÃO GABRIEL
Respect for ingredients and creativity in presentation. Chef Leonel Pereira’s Michelin star is well deserved.
Estrada de Vale do Lobo, Quinta doLago, Loulé
Tel. (+351) 289 394 521
BON BON, LAGOA
Creative gastronomy offered by chef Rui Silvestre, one Michelin star. The tasting menu is highly recommended.
Sesmarias, Lagoa
Tel. (+351) 282 341 496
PÉZINHOS NA AREIA
Pleasant space. Fish and seafood. Try the traditional cataplanas (typical Algarve cookware. The same word is used to refer to the foods cooked in it.)
Praia Verde, Castro Marim
Tel. 281 513 195
CHÁ COM ÁGUA SALGADA
In a modern building, on the beach, you will appreciate a marvellous combination of regional flavours.
Praia da Manta Rota, Vila Real de Santo António
Tel. (+351) 281 952 856
RESTAURANTE NOÉLIA
One of the best restaurants in terms of regional cuisine. Noélia works on the ingredients with respect and creativity.
Av. Ria Formosa, Edifício Cabanas Mar, Cabanas de Tavira
Tel. (+351) 281 370 649
O JACINTO
On the main street, a restaurant celebrated for its fish and seafood.
Av. Francisco Sá Carneiro, Bl. 2, Loja2, Quarteira, Loulé
Tel. (+351) 289 301 887
TICO-TICO
A small, unpretentious restaurant serving interesting appetizers as well as traditional cuisine. There is often a line, but the wait is worth it.
R. Laranjeiras, 2
Tel. (+351) 289 313 126
GIGI BEACH PAVILLION
A mythical place in Algarve thanks to Gigi, the owner. Fish and seafood.
Praia da Quinta do Lago, Loulé
Tel. (+351) 964 045 1712
2 PASSOS
New premises for this restaurant known for its appetizers, fish and seafood.
Quinta do Lago, Loulé
Tel. (+351) 289 396 43
ANTÓNIO TÁ CERTO
Located on the beach, this is a simple restaurant serving fish and seafood during the day.
Praia do Garrão, Almancil
Tel. (+351) 289 396 456
SR. FRANGO
In Algarve, it is a specialty, and in this restaurant the chargrilled chicken is the undisputed king.
Estrada da Fonte Santa, Almancil
Tel. (+351) 289 393 756
A COMIDINHA
Fish and seafood are this restaurant’s specialty. Try the brown grouper canja. Excellent selection of wines.
Pr. do Poder Local, lote 5, loja B, Lagos
Tel. (+351) 282 782 857
LIEUX À VISITER
The Ria Formosa Nature Park is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. It is spread over 50 kilometers of coastline and is made up of the barrier islands of Barreta (or Deserta), Culatra (or Farol), Armona (or Fuzeta), Tavira and Cabanas. Rent a boat and spend the day at the beach on one of these islands or take a trip out to sea.
SALINAS
In Algarve, there is a long tradition of salt extraction. The Salmarim society still respects the artisanal methods of the past. First you extract the salt flower, then the common salt. Plan a visit and adventure into the salinas of the Sapal de Castro Marim Nature Reserve.
Salinas da Salmarim, Castro Marim
At the traditional markets of Olhão and Quarteira, you will find many regional products: fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, herbs, almonds, carob, corn flour, regional cakes. At Olhão, on Saturdays, local producers sell their products and artisanal pieces in the open air.
BEACHES
In Sotavento, near the Spanish border, the waters are calm and warm, an invitation to swim. In
the western part of Algarve, the Barlavento, bounded by cliffs created by erosion, the waters
are rougher and the waves are a challenge to surfers. From one side to the other, here are some beaches to explore: Praia Verde, Falésia, Santa Eulália, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Rocha, Meia Praia, Ponta da Piedade, Odeceixe, Amado.
EXPERIENCES
GOLF
The Algarve is blessed with several internationally renowned golf courses. To start with, there is the Jack Nicklaus Signature course, part of the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club.
OBSERVATION D’OISEAUX
SURF
Surfing School Freeride
Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Sagres
Tel. (+351) 965780252/916089005
SUGGESTED BEACHES FOR SURFING
Sagres, Ponta Ruiva, Castelejo, Vila do Bispo, Praia da Cordoama, do Amado, Carrapateira, Arrifana e Odeceixe.